1 Topic by Dream-Cypher

  • Dream-Cypher
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Topic: PLA & Fan Questions

So, I understand that to print PLA well, a fan is required. (I see some success without one, but I'm going to assume that for best results, I'll want cooling.).

So, being new to 3d printing, can someone clarify for me how this fan would work exactly?

What I think I understand:

1. The fan would be controlled by the slicer to turn off and on based on the model's requirements. (Assuming we get the Press's firmware/hardware working to do this.).  My understanding is that this may also help with ABS when printing some overhangs and such, but could cause warping?

2. The fan (or another fan) needs to cool the filament before it enters the hot-end.

Number 2 is where I am confused... would that fan be on 100% of the time, just like the existing heat sink fan?  or would this be using the same fan as #1?  If it's on 100% of the time, could it just share the power connection with the existing heat sink fan, or could that fan be upgraded to accomplish both goals?  Or would that interfere with printing ABS?

Am I understanding this correctly?

thanks.

2 Reply by cptskippy

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Re: PLA & Fan Questions

There's two different needs for a fan.  One is before the hot end to keep the extruder and filament cool to prevent warping, shearing, or other fun jamming of the hot end.  The second is to cool the filament as it's laid out by the hot end to help with bridging and overhangs.

3 Reply by DePartedPrinter

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Re: PLA & Fan Questions

You could probably utilize one fan for both with some creativity.

SD2 with E3D, SD Press, Form 1+
Filastruder
NYLON (taulman): http://www.soliforum.com/topic/466/nylon/

4 Reply by cptskippy

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Re: PLA & Fan Questions

DePartedPrinter wrote:

You could probably utilize one fan for both with some creativity.

Absolutely, I was outlining the two distinct use cases I was aware of.  You could very easily have a ducted or baffled fan mount to direct cool air to both regions.