Fan shrouds melting too often  

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

Have this same issue. Printing only PETG at 235 to 240 and heatbed at 90.

I think I need a new one each two weeks 🙁

Printed one with ABS, but that one eventually also melted away.

Reading this threat gives me the idea to buy a roll of ASA and test it.

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@martijn-2

I would save myself the investment in ASA and rather use PC. I have also tested all of this. At higher temperatures, ASA also may melt. In combination with a silicone sock ASA may work.

• ABS and ASA filament both have similar properties in terms of mechanics
• ASA is resistant to UV while ABS isn’t
• ASA has better temperature resistant as compared to ABS (ABS- 81ºC vs. ASA- 95ºC)

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

I did a remixed one out of PC Blend.

Good excuse to try out PC Blend.

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@jsw

That is a good size to print out of PC blend.  

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@karl-herbert

ASA works well also.  I prefer it to PC or PC blend, but all three work.  

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

That's strange. I'll look at my printer more carefully when it finishes actual prints, but I've done recently many prints also with ASA, up to 18 hours long, keeping the printer enclosed at 40 °C, and I don't see any evident deformation with prusa original fan shrouds.

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@ricrav

These problems often occur in the higher temperature range. For example, if the temperature is set to 260-280 degrees C. and the front fan is switched off, this can happen. But I think that those who print PLA and PETG have no problem with it. Prusa certainly had a reason to switch to ASA.

MK3S -> MK3S+ upgrade:

SuperPINDA (1 pcs)
Bearing Clips for Y-axis bearings (1 pcs)
IR filament sensor (1 pcs)
IR filament sensor-Einsy cable (1 pcs)
Hotend PTFE Tube (42.3×1.85×4) (1 pcs)
Fan shroud printed of ASA (1 pcs)
PETG filament to print the plastic parts (1 pcs)

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@karl-herbert

I too printed the mk3s+ extruder which includes the fan shroud. All parts in a PC blend. The new shroud's right side slips into a slot that keeps it firmly in place, I've had no deformity in two months. I've just been informed by prusa that the mk3s+ kit is shipped, ordered 28/11 probably capricious of me since the printer operates well, but I'm hoping to keep the printer upgraded as long as I can. 

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@pcweber

I have 3 printers with PC blend shrouds and 5 with ASA shrouds.  None have melted even though I print Nylon and PC blend.  

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

A good option is Extrudr GreenTec Pro (or Extrudr GreenTec Pro Carbon)

VST 165°C
HDT 115°C

For print conditions, use Generic PLA: but increase the hot end temperature to around 230°C & reduce standard fan speed to 50%; increase the bed temperature to 65°C on the smooth PEI sheet.
(Optionally, increase the k value to 0.5 for a 0.6mm nozzle and 0.12 for a 0.4mm nozzle.)

It prints very easily and cleanly and no with need for an enclosure.

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

Posted by: @xanthe

A good option is Extrudr GreenTec Pro (or Extrudr GreenTec Pro Carbon)

Great stuff.  I wish it were more readily available in the US.  

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

Speaking of fans and fan shrouds, is the part cooling fan on the Prusa Mini (or in general) supposed to be a 'consumable' item? It still seems to be working fine, but I've only had the printer since late December and it already sounds like it has two tiny saucepans arguing how best to sort a box of screws in there. It's slowly getting worse!

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@technogeeky

I have been using the same shroud on my Mini for 12 months, and I print ABS and PC Blend.  

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@cwbullet

I know the production location because it's very close to my home village and I also buy a lot of filament there, e.g. GreenTec Pro and Carbon. I have asked whether there is a distributor in the USA. I'm still waiting for an answer and will let you know.

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@karl-herbert

Thank you.  When I retire (military), I may consider producing filament myself or opening a filament store.  This is one of the best filaments from Europe and one I would definitely consider as a priority.  

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@cwbullet

Is there a separate fanshroud for the Mini? I only know this construction:

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

Posted by: @karl-herbert

@cwbullet

Is there a separate fanshroud for the Mini? I only know this construction:

I might give this a trial.  Have you tried with a V6 hotend?

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@cwbullet

I have the E3D V6 installed on the Mini and added a second fan, but I am currently optimizing the fan duct.

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

I'd like to try the MK3S+ shroud on my MK3S,....EXACTLY (a list please) what parts would I need to replace?  Thank you!

RE: Fan shrouds melting too often

@technogeeky

Well - it's not a solution for eternity. But it is a solution I often do: On the part cooling fan is s sticker which covers the axle of the fan-wheel. Put one or two small drops of oil on it and cover it again with the sticker. Will reduce the sound. You can repeat this procedure a few times (when sound is coming back).

Best regards, Clemens