Ultimate Workshop/3D Printer Ventilator

HOW IT WORKS:

The job of this system is simple – to remove the fumes while the 3D printers are at work, creating a safe, smell-free environment. I have found that this simple solution works really well (I can't really smell it even with my stinkiest filament!) It uses a duct fan and some tubing to pull the fumes outside. There is also an optional hose quick-connect system to make it easier to remove the hose from the window for storms and really cold days (it does insulate pretty well during winter though).

I have been able to successfully use this with 2 printers, but I estimate that with a 4-inch fan, you should be able to do 3 or maybe 4 printers (but I haven't really done the math or anything, it's just a guess). For more printers, you could just use a larger fan or add extra booster fans.

At the base of this system is a piece of foam which is placed in a partially closed window (kind of like how some air conditioners set into windows). A backdraft damper is then taped into a hole in the foam to keep the cold air out. Next is attached the hose quick-connect which can be hammered onto the backdraft damper. The other quick-connect piece is attached to the hose with a hose clamp and the other end of the hose connects to a splitter(s). This allows a single fan can be used with multiple printers (note that no splitter is needed for a 1-printer setup). The splitter then connects to another duct which leads into the enclosure.

The system is also parametric, allowing you to easily modify the hose diameter and other parameters.

MATERIALS:

Below are the materials I used, but feel free to change the parameters in the fusion file for different sized parts.

BUILDING YOUR OWN:

This project should be pretty simple to build. Follow the steps below.

1. Print the parts. If you are using differently sized parts than I did, download the fusion file and modify the parameters to suit your needs.
2. Cut the foam to size and make a hole that just barely fits the backdraft damper.
3. Hammer the backdraft damper into the hole in the foam and tape it into place.
4. (optional) Hammer the quick-connect piece onto the backdraft damper.
5. Screw the fan/duct mounts into the wall using drywall anchors (alternatively you can install everything onto a wooden board and screw the whole assembly into the wall).
6. Connect the duct to the fan, quick connect, and any splitters.
7. Place everything onto the wall mounts.
8. Connect* to your enclosure.

*note – step 10 really depends on your type of enclosure. For the soft-walled Creality enclosure, I used a piece of perforated plastic with some velcro. The velcro holds the plastic sheet onto the hole in the top of the enclosure.  I cut a hole in the plastic and inserted a small round 3d print (enclosure-connect.stl) into the hole. The tubing then hose-clamped onto this print. for other types of enclosures, you might have to figure out something else. One option with hard walled enclosures is to drill a hole in it then insert the enclosure connector 3d print into the hole. You could then glue the print into place and connect the hose to it.