Ventilation or Air Filter Options for Prusa Mini
Hi everyone,
I'm setting up my print station for my new Prusa Mini+ and I'm currently looking into ventilation solutions. I was hoping to get some feedback or recommends for my setup.
I've got my Prusa Mini in a server cabinet I got off craigslist (I wanted a metal enclosure to ward off the fire anxiety I have). I'm only intending to print PLA. I've got it set up in my bedroom, where I spend a lot of my time during the day on the computer. I figured it would be fine ventilation-wise because I heard PLA is pretty safe and not a big deal. But I have noticed a smell and seem to be a little sensitive to it (possible headache?), which started to worry me. After some research, here are some options I'm considering:
1) My original plan was to print out the AirManagerV2 from Printables. I found the Zotrax HEPA and Carbon filters available from printer-box. My enclosure is not air tight, but I figured the recirculating fan would work well enough. But it sounds like the active carbon filters need to be replaced often, and I'm worried about their availability going forward. I'm also questioning how effective a recirculating fan will actually be in my "not air tight" enclosure after reading some forum posts.
2) I found these filters by Elegoo on Amazon. They seem to use Carbon filters only. I guess they're meant for resin printers (which I know nothing about). But there seems to be a problem getting replacement carbon cartridges for these things.
3) I've started to contemplate some sort of vent/duct going out a window (a hole in the wall is not an option). My window slides open horizontally and has a mesh screen. It's not practical for me to have a permanent duct going from the enclosure to the window. I thought if I found a portable/temporary solution I could remove when not printing, that might work. But my concern is that it gets very windy where I live, and I easily get drafts in my room. If I have a duct expelling fumes from the window, I worry they'll just be blown right back in! Or maybe the draft will rush through the duct back into my enclosure...and I don't think a 120mm fan can out-blast mother nature.
This is what I've been able to think of so far. Do you guys have any insight or feedback about all of this? Which of these options do you think is worth me exploring? What would you look into in this situation? What ventilation setups do you use yourself? Do you have any other suggestions I could look into?
I appreciate the help!
RE: Ventilation or Air Filter Options for Prusa Mini
Number 1: I have one of these and it does work. The enclosure does not need to be fully sealed. It will reduce odor so I assume it is reducing particulates and harmful items from ABS and other filaments.
Number 2: I also have an Elegoo as sold on Amazon. The Elegoo does come with two extra filters when I ordered. It is not the only option for this small carbon filter. Anycubic also makes a small filter for resin printers but they do not come with extra filters. Both of these work really well on resin printers so I assume they should work for filament printers. I own both and use them in my workshop to reduce the malodorous emanations. A seller on ETSY does sell replacement filters.
Number 3: I have seen people do this. I have no idea how well it works.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Ventilation or Air Filter Options for Prusa Mini
Thanks for getting back to me! It's good to know the AirManagerV2 will work in my enclosure. What do you use for the HEPA / Carbon filters? I also found this remix called Carbon Filter Cassete for AirManagerV2. It omits the HEPA filter. Do you by any chance know if that matters?
The Elegoo / Anycubic mini air filters look very promising now. Thank you for the feedback! I might start with these and see how they go. Maybe I'll try something else later. Good to know about the replacement filters. Do you know if it matters where you place them?
As for the vent / duct system, I was doing some research last night and found a potentially cool solution for mounting the the vent to the window in an easily removable way. It's this 3D Printed Window Venting System I found on Thingiverse. The guy made a YouTube video explaining what it does here. Figured I'd share it in case you find it helpful, or if anyone else does.
RE: Ventilation or Air Filter Options for Prusa Mini
AirManagerV2 is the best choice, so don't worry!