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Cooling fan requires help to start spinning  

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steve.a
(@steve-a)
Eminent Member
Cooling fan requires help to start spinning

Hi,

I've noticed some problems with my MK1 cooling fan. I had some fine detail on my prints curling at the edges, and after watching it print I realised the fan wasn't coming on at all despite having set it to run all the time in slic3r apart from the first 3 layers. If I nudge it with my finger it starts and continues spinning for the rest of the print as per the settings, but it just doesn't start on its own. This is super tedious as I have to remember to do it by hand each time.

Should I be lubricating the fan somehow or replacing it? Its only been working for 8 months so it seems a bit early in its life to start failing, although it has had plenty of use.

Any suggestions gratefully received? Including where I can get a replacement if required...

Cheers,
Steve

Napsal : 06/01/2017 11:36 pm
jordan.c
(@jordan-c)
Estimable Member
Re: Cooling fan requires help to start spinning

Is something stuck in there? Some scrap filament? Hit it will some compressed air. Also, over tightening the fan mount and squeeze the body and disrupt the function. Did you recently tighten the screws?

Napsal : 06/01/2017 11:40 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: Cooling fan requires help to start spinning

Hi Jordan,
having turned off and disconnected the mains from the printer...
You probably need to unscrew the fan to make absolutely sure there is nothing untoward causing this problem...

while the fan is off, you should be able to locate a small sticker in the centre of the back of the fan (Stationary side), carefully lift one side of this sticker and you should gain access to a small chamber containing the bearings,
put a drop or two of very light lubricant (perhaps sewing machine oil) into this chamber, and spin the fan manually, wipe off any surplus on the area where the sticker attaches, then replace the sticker. re fit the fan, and all should work next time you use it...

please consider the following,
1, WD40 is NOT a Lubricant,
2, too much lubricant, will probably result in a contaminated heated bed surface,
3, if this works, it's probably a good idea to source a replacement ready for the day it finally fails.
4, it's probably a good idea to get a replacement for the other fan too... the bigger fan may be available with ball bearings rather than sleeve bearings... the ball bearings may last longer next time.
5, it's also possible for a fan to rotate much slower than expected, when the bearings get worn.
mine has gone like that, it sort of chatters instead of running freely... again oil will possibly give a short term fix, if you notice the problem mid print, you might find that touching the fan rotor, gently, restores speed for a while...

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Napsal : 07/01/2017 1:15 am
steve.a
(@steve-a)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Cooling fan requires help to start spinning

Thanks for the suggestions. I remembered re-assembling the fan mounting after it broke recently and tightening it when I screwed it back together. I tried loosening it and it seems to have fixed the issue. I will take it apart and try and clean lubricate when I get some time.

Cheers,
Steve

Napsal : 14/01/2017 3:07 pm
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