Notifications
Clear all

Cooling question  

  RSS
SailorEric
(@sailoreric)
Estimable Member
Cooling question

Since I am working in the tropics without AC I have a question. Our ambient this time of year can push into the high 90s (F) with the heat index around 110. I've had one clog with PLA from what seems like heat creep. Partially me not thinking it was a detailed print using .15 layers and low speed.

So my question is would one of the fan powered Extruder motor cooling setups really help? I have my doubts as that's a bit removed from the hot end but I've missed the obvious before! Also saw an adapter for running a computer case fan as the hotend cooler but now we're perhaps adding too much weight. Interested in actual experiences, ideas, etc.

Posted : 02/10/2021 7:09 pm
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

Just pointing a desktop fan at the printer may be enough.

Cheerio,

Posted : 03/10/2021 12:47 am
jsw
 jsw
(@jsw)
Famed Member

I would be concerned with the drafts caused by a cooling fan.

In my enclosure, it's usually in the 30-some C range, roughly 90-ish F range, and it prints perfectly well and seems to like that temperature.

 

Posted : 03/10/2021 1:24 am
Swiss_Cheese
(@swiss_cheese)
Noble Member

I would be concerned about the humidity, aside from that your golden

The Filament Whisperer

Posted : 03/10/2021 4:09 am
SailorEric
(@sailoreric)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Humidity was an issue

Humidity in the tropics? 🤣

Yes, I do have to take steps. I keep the roll I'm working from in a filament dryer. Tried without it and watched quality degrade over several days. Made a setup for an eSun on top where a roll would go. Now it's fine. 

Posted : 03/10/2021 12:31 pm
SailorEric
(@sailoreric)
Estimable Member
Topic starter answered:
Well, it worked.

Had another heat creep issue with PLA. The ambient here has been very high. Printed off an extruder stepper cooler from the parts files here. Found a used 40mm fan here locally and put it together. Huge difference in temps on the extruder stepper motor and the extruder. Seems to have made all the difference in the world on the heat creep issue. Success!

Posted : 11/10/2021 2:44 pm
Share: