Wanhao i3 FanDoor by NozzleClog

Last crawled date: 2 years, 12 months ago

Here we go again with the thing-thing-a-tinke-ring...
Update 2016-09-06:
Made some minor changes and added a fan guard/grill version...
Update 2016-08-27:
Created an alternative version called i3 FanDoor Scissor Edition (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1739870)
Update 2016-08-17:
Reduced the depth etc to get the fan closer to the heatsink. Should also give more room so to as not to hit the frame of the printer, but, it is ultimately up to you to position the hinge correctly when screwing it onto the printer.
Update 2016-08-16:
Going to slim it down a bit. Will post when done...
What is it:
This is essentially just a door-hinge (optionally spring-loaded) for the Wanhao Duplicator i3 feeder/extruder fan.
It will fit both 40mm and 50mm fans with variable depths... and should also clear the stock fan and blower duct without any problems.
Usage:
Just press the hinge up and swing it around to access the extruder's heatsink and screws.
You will need:
2x (optional) 3mm shorter replacement screws for the heatsink/feeder/steppermotor.
The holes in the stepper are shallow so you have to find suitable screws and perhaps use washers to get the length just right.
But, I wrote "optional" on this requirement since I've also created a spacer for the stock plastic plug distancers, which builds an additional 7mm so you should be able to reuse the long original screws for the heatsink/feeder/steppermotor. This will however force you to set the fan a bit further from the heatsink than optimal, but I doubt this makes any noticeable difference in cooling.
Just press the original plastic plugs into the spacer and you are set to go.
Reason for reusing the original plastic plugs for this spacer is that they tolerate more heat than PLA does.
3x suitable longer 3mm screws (Make sure the screw for the hinge is long enough to give room for lifting the hinge up.)
1x nyloc nut for above (3x if you don't use the stock blower duct)
2x suitable screws for the fan itself. But you can probably use small cable-ties or even a piece of string. Yes, seriously :-) why not...
Optional:
Add a spring, maybe a washer and an even longer screw for the hinge to make it spring-loaded (see photos). Or... maybe use a sprint instead of a screw to make the fan easily removable all together. Whatever suits you...
:-)
Have fun fighting the clogged stock PTFE hotend... That thing is a real pain in the a**
Later:
I might also add an alternative fan bracket for those who want a fan-guard or maybe a dust filter holder on it. Depends on how much space I have left on the side before the fan i'm using actually hits the frame of the printer :-)