Small cyclone vacuum for tiny CNC machines, with HEPA filter

thingiverse

Small vacuum cleaner for CNC machines, primarily designed for PCB milling. Adjustable nozzle height allows fitting engraver or drill bit length and travel. Printed in transparent PETG, the cyclone housing is 1mm thick for visibility. All parts except the nozzle can be printed without support, while the latter requires support "touching bed" due to its elevated inner "tubing" part that catches debris flung by the engraver or drill. A generic DC12V 4500RPM brushless cooling turbine air blower fan from eBay is used. A fitting for a 64X45X12mm HEPA filter, same size as in my Panda X600 robot vacuum and many others, was added. A mosfet controls the fan via GRBL coolant control (pin A3, gcode M8 on, M9 off). Tubing used is 12mm id x 16mm od silicone. Originally planned for a nozzle contraption for "freehand" vacuuming, but just using the tube works well. Insulation tape is used to fit the tubing to the router bracket as it's a bit oversized. Works much better than expected - second picture shows remaining dust after complete routing/cutting/drilling operation. The HEPA filter still looks clean after multiple PCB runs, and all visible particles pulled in ended up down in the cup. Added nozzle with smaller head to minimize interference with clamps. Be careful using small drills with this one as there's not much clearance and they break easily. Added "tube nozzle contraption" since insulation tape slid off the tube after a while. Still optional, it has some advantages so text above remains unchanged. Added longer version of fastener part if having problems with breaking, and "cutoff tabs"/top stopper to lower it a bit.