Build a vent system and get rid the nasty fumes

[xojins]

Ok.. Time to build a ventilation system. The fumes are a little much and are just lingering in the basement.

Here is what I came up with:
[img]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TBe8 ... 39_871.jpg[/img]

Here is how you can do it yourself:
Materials needed:
Cardboard (something thick, length depends on where you are venting)
Large Oak Tag (2 sheets)
Duct Tape
120mm Fan (110v)

Here are the pieces:
[img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kn7o ... age+21.jpg[/img]

Assembly:
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QY9q ... age+22.jpg[/img]

(A) Cut out lengths of the cardboard that are the (height of the fan * 4). The length depends on how you need to route the duct. I created three 4ft lengths that were 24″ wide. I scored the back side of the cardboard, folded into a rectangle and sealed the seams with duct tape (Image 1). To join the lengths, measure the angle you need, cut one duct to that angle, remove the sides of the second. You will leave the top and bottom to give the joint support. Duct tape the seams. Insert the fan at the end of the duct exhausting out.

(B) Make a long tube out of the oak tag by wrapping it around itself. The diameter should be about 2″ smaller than the height of the fan. Seal with duct tape and cut it into 2 equal length pieces (image 2). Cut out a circle the same diameter as the tube in the bottom of the duct where your printer is going to be. Insert one tube in the end about 1 inch past the opening. Cut 12 tabs into the top of the exposed tube. Fold them down onto the cardboard and use duct tape to secure it (image 3). Cut a length of cardboard that will act as the top of the fume collector. Perform the same procedure with inserting and cutting the tube from above (image 4). Slide the lower tube into the upper tube (image 2). The friction will keep it suspended in place.

(C) Cut a length of oak tag (image 5) and attach the ends to (image 4) with duct tape. It will naturally form an arch. Cut a longer length of oak tag (image 6) and attach the middle to (image 4) with duct tape. It will naturally stay flat for now and should start where (image 5) ends. Cut a length of oak tag (image 7 & 8). Place it centered on the back of the collector and trace the cut line. Cut out the end and seal it with duct tape (image 7). Take the remainder and fit it on the other end of (image 5) where it meets (image 6). Fold down (image 6) onto the profile of (image 8) and seal the joints with duct tape. Cut a length of oak tag, center it on the other end of the collector, trace the cut line, cut it out and attach it with duct tape (image 9).

If you have followed along you should have something similar to mine:
[img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d6I2 ... 27_752.jpg[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TBe8 ... 39_871.jpg[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdDP ... 05_585.jpg[/img]
[img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q_U1 ... 15_807.jpg[/img]

I have suspended all the parts from my drop ceiling using string. The materials are light so there is no danger of it pulling anything down.

Hope yours comes out just as good!

[michaellatif]

Looks good! I had the same problem with the ABS fumes, had to build a venting system.
Nice work!

[johnoly99]

For The Win !

[xojins]

Yea... only problem I ran into was it worked so good that when my extruder was overheating and the PEEK tube started melting, I didn't see the smoke or smell the fumes! I only noticed that a meltdown occurred when I heard the lower extruder head hit the heated bed.

And I was sitting at the laptop right next to it too!

[tom10122]

SInce I print In my bedroom , I use PLA ABS is more flexible though right?

[kilroyo]

Hahaha ahh man ,, my wifes been trying to push me into the basement for years .. Thats why I have been taking my sweet ol time refinishing it. She cant stand all my stuff sitting in my office area. Just your area looks exactly what I picture what I'll get stuck with... On a side note, I too have been getting complaints about the smell, but I was thinking more of maybe some sort of charcoal filter and a small fan, because I have no where to pump the fumes too. Not to mention If I so much breath on my heat bed it drops several degrees.

[xojins]

If you cant vent outside, then an activated carbon air filter should be ok.

Ideally you should try to build an enclosure for your printer with a built in fan and activated carbon air filter. A 12v PC case fan would work great.

[tom10122]

If you cant vent outside, then an activated carbon air filter should be ok.

Ideally you should try to build an enclosure for your printer with a built in fan and activated carbon air filter. A 12v PC case fan would work great.

Yeah carbon filters work great, I use one for soldering, should've done it a long time ago