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[Solved] Hexagonal shape on back panel  

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NotSwedishBacon
(@notswedishbacon)
Active Member
Hexagonal shape on back panel

Hi,

I would like to get into 3D printing but the wife isn't keen on the idea of an open printer, plus we have a child so I don't want any burned little fingers. An enclosure therefore is a must but I mostly anticipate printing PLA which is an issue.

I saw on the Prusa enclosure a hexagonal cutout with, what looks like, 4 mounting screws. Part of me thinks the tabs can be cut and an extractor fan, maybe a 120mm(?) could be fitted to help vent the chamber. I can't see anyone doing this or any documentation stating this is a potential use case. 

Does anyone have any experience in this? 

Thanks in advance! 

Best Answer by halfabee:

This model uses the hexagonal cutout as an exhaust: Hepa Filter For The Original Prusa Filter. I want to try something like this to see if I can print PLA with the doors closed (for the same reason as you - keep the kids away from the hot parts).

The add-on for Advanced Filtration does not use the cutout and re-circulates the air within the enclosure.

Posted : 27/02/2023 7:48 pm
halfabee
(@halfabee)
Active Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

This model uses the hexagonal cutout as an exhaust: Hepa Filter For The Original Prusa Filter. I want to try something like this to see if I can print PLA with the doors closed (for the same reason as you - keep the kids away from the hot parts).

The add-on for Advanced Filtration does not use the cutout and re-circulates the air within the enclosure.

Posted : 28/02/2023 4:03 pm
NotSwedishBacon
(@notswedishbacon)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

That's great news! That will probably be my first project when I'm setup. Thanks! 

Posted : 28/02/2023 5:15 pm
halfabee liked
RandyM9
(@randym9)
Honorable Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

You will need a way for make-up air to enter the enclosure as well, otherwise you won’t get the airflow you need to cool the chamber. And it should all be done in a way that minimizes drafts directly on the print bed for best print results. 

Cheers

Posted : 01/03/2023 3:58 pm
halfabee liked
NotSwedishBacon
(@notswedishbacon)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

 

Posted by: @randym9

You will need a way for make-up air to enter the enclosure as well, otherwise you won’t get the airflow you need to cool the chamber. And it should all be done in a way that minimizes drafts directly on the print bed for best print results. 

Cheers

I thought about this, the enclosure will have negative pressure so will pull air through any gaps but yeah, don't want air coming from just anywhere. Maybe some small intakes in place of handles might work though.

Posted : 02/03/2023 6:34 pm
halfabee
(@halfabee)
Active Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

An additional thought. I followed the instructions to move the control board to the outside of the enclosure, which means even if you close and lock the doors, the control panel is still accessible. My grandson found the reset button and can't resist clicking it. From other posts I realized I could leave the control board attached to the front of the printer and keep it inside the enclosure. That also makes it a lot easier to remove the printer for maintenance.

Posted : 26/03/2023 1:35 pm
Robin_13
(@robin_13)
Reputable Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel
Posted by: @halfabee

An additional thought. I followed the instructions to move the control board to the outside of the enclosure, which means even if you close and lock the doors, the control panel is still accessible. My grandson found the reset button and can't resist clicking it. From other posts I realized I could leave the control board attached to the front of the printer and keep it inside the enclosure. That also makes it a lot easier to remove the printer for maintenance.

Why not just make a cover that is child proof and put it over the control when he is around? Something that requires big hands or dexterity to open.  Could leave an area for the display to be visible but controls covered.

Posted : 26/03/2023 6:25 pm
halfabee
(@halfabee)
Active Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

That's a great idea. Then I could leave the door open while printing PLA and still have the control panel secure. Thanks!

Posted : 28/03/2023 10:48 am
Tom Reim
(@tom-reim)
New Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

I decided that I just wanted the mk4 in the enclosure and not deal with the modifications.  To better control heat from the now internal power supply, fumes and nano particles from printing, I printed a case for a 120mm fan.  This was connected to the square cutout on the back panel using available holes in the frame. The back panel had been installed reversed so it was behind the power supply.  Behind the fan was placed a hepa and activated carbon filter.  The USB fan has a 3 speed switch which is outside the enclosure.  My printer is in my home office so this should take care of noise, over heating and toxic discharges so am very happy with the results.

Posted : 24/06/2023 3:01 pm
halfabee liked
Shushuda
(@shushuda)
Estimable Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

How are your ambient temps with this setup when printing PLA? I'm thinking of buying the Enclosure, but I print primarily with PLA.

Posted by: @tom-reim

I decided that I just wanted the mk4 in the enclosure and not deal with the modifications.  To better control heat from the now internal power supply, fumes and nano particles from printing, I printed a case for a 120mm fan.  This was connected to the square cutout on the back panel using available holes in the frame. The back panel had been installed reversed so it was behind the power supply.  Behind the fan was placed a hepa and activated carbon filter.  The USB fan has a 3 speed switch which is outside the enclosure.  My printer is in my home office so this should take care of noise, over heating and toxic discharges so am very happy with the results.

 

Posted : 24/07/2023 3:27 am
Igor
 Igor
(@igor-5)
Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

just asking ,as i'm still new to this ,could the HEX panel in rear of enclosure be removed to allow multi filament feeds into the new MMU3 system thus allowing the spools to be mounted on top of the enclosure ,like I say new to this but have looked at buying MMU3 system but the filament feed is a problem in enclosure

Posted : 03/09/2023 2:00 pm
ScottW
(@scottw)
Reputable Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

I'm sure it could, but that opening is a lot bigger than needed for filament feeding.  Search Printables for "enclosure mmu" and you will find a bunch of models for feeding through various openings via the enclosure top, back, and handles.

Posted by: @igor-5

just asking ,as i'm still new to this ,could the HEX panel in rear of enclosure be removed to allow multi filament feeds into the new MMU3 system thus allowing the spools to be mounted on top of the enclosure ,like I say new to this but have looked at buying MMU3 system but the filament feed is a problem in enclosure

 

Posted : 03/09/2023 6:06 pm
Igor
 Igor
(@igor-5)
Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

Your a star , doh didnt think of that thank you 😊 

Posted : 03/09/2023 6:25 pm
ScottW liked
Tom Reim
(@tom-reim)
New Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

I haven't checked it with PLA since I just use PetG.  With PetG the usual temperature in the enclosure when printing is around 33 and two degrees warmer without the fan.  I believe the power supply is approved for 40.

Posted : 05/09/2023 5:07 pm
ScottW
(@scottw)
Reputable Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

The MK4 handbook specifies the "operating temperature range" as 18C to 38C.  That sets a range for the "entire printer", but the upper limit most likely stems from the power supply's rating.  Personally, I would not be worried at 40C but others will point out that, technically, anything over 38C could void the warranty (there is a specific warranty clause saying it is void if the printer is used in "improper conditions (temperature, dustiness...").  

Posted by: @tom-reim

I believe the power supply is approved for 40.

 

Posted : 05/09/2023 11:06 pm
Tom Reim
(@tom-reim)
New Member
RE: Hexagonal shape on back panel

Thanks for the information👍🏻.  I will make sure to keep the temp under 38.

Posted : 06/09/2023 12:17 am
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