Submitted by jpence1983 t3_zza5ra in DIY
Looking for advice. I recently got a 3d printer and I want to have a vent system to pull the fumes from an enclosure to the outside.
My plan right now is to cut a 4 in hole through a door that is rarely open and connect it to the enclosure with dryer vent hose.
Here is the vent I'm planning to use https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Flow-4-in-Round-Wall-Vent-WVA4/100396975
I feel like this should work fairly well. Is there anything I'm missing?
What are you using to force air
I think most exhaust fans use a 3 inch tube. I know because we recently installed a dryer vent which is four and grabbed the wrong flexible/extendable tubing.
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I built a spray booth for airbrushing out of a cheap bathroom fan and a half sheet of plywood. It vents though a 1x6 that cut to fit in a window.
I have a window in the door but I didn't want to cut into the glass. I thought about trying to take the window out and putting something in its place but I thought there was a pretty good chance of me screwing it up and that this would be a simpler option in the end
Thanks for the tip! I am using an indoor grow tent for an enclosure I was planning to use a fan from the same company that makes the tent. It is listed as a 4-in fan
I think this one has a damper on it as well as the hood. I will have to look at in person before I commit to buying.
Why not just go through the wall? Permanent installation while you use it and easy to patch if you don't want it anymore?
Please be aware 3d printers are extremely sensitive to temperature change. So please put this at the top of the enclosure or in a way that does not move air across the build plate or hotend.
No. Open the window then close it on the board.
It's a fixed window, no opening and shutting
That's a good point! The grow tent I have and these fans are meant to hang from the top of the tent.
The printer should have a cover on it for UV protection if nothing else while in use, right? So if anything you're drawing air around the printer but not really over the vat and plate
I smoke too much weed.
Didn't think of a dryer vent first, I thought of a exhaust vent for a grow tent. lol
Sorry, I'm about as handy as headless hammer.
PS This is some really interesting shit for a 3D printer setup. Kudos. Never heard of the need, but I'm sure that even PLA probably isn't healthy long term when used around the clock like I did during the thick of the pandemic, but I'm still alive. If I do start printing again I will consider a ventilation system like this, saving for later.
Oh bummer
I did the same but through the wall. I would do it in the wall instead of the door. It will be better long term.
If you have a window near where you have your 3d printer I would recommend just putting a hole in a plywood board and running a tube from your printer to the hole in the board and just mount the board to the window by opening the window and then closing it on the board, this way you dont have to modify any door (doors are more expensive and a pain to work with) if you want better airflow I recommend a 3 inch tube and an inline fan.
Going through an exterior wall, having to cut siding, all that seems like a bad idea. Replacing a door is easier than replacing siding.
I don't know cutting a hole in siding gives me pause. I don't want to have to replace siding.
I have a window but it doesn't open
Install a cat or dog door that locks open then you can just use a piece of cardboard in the opening with the duct tube taped to it. Close and lock the pet door when not using it.
Bruh… I don’t think you understand how expensive doors are.
If you’re in a cold climate it’s going to sweat, causing problems with the door and floor. It’s a bad idea. I’d go up through the ceiling and go out a soffit vent.
I know how expensive it is to have someone replace siding on my house and it's too damn much
An intriguing idea... I have a room right above my garage, I'm not sure how much space I would have to run any hose.
I feel like the risk of something getting into my garage is too high.
Have you checked if this is up to code?, I have never heard of this. At least not in socal.
Yup. A door is way cheaper than repairing siding and drywall.
The the wall is the next best.
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My question as well.
I think the vent has to be 3 feet away from any opening (door/window). I'm sure it varies by state, though
If you have access to a spare 120mm computer fan you can print two of these and use it to provide forced air ventilation on the 4" flexible hose.
no, its not easy to replace a door.
Taking the window out and replacing it with painted wood would be the best bet.
Not easy, but easier
I do not have a spare of that, but I've seen other build use that.
I haven't, though I don't plan to move anytime soon so screw it
How often are you printing? You wouldn't just open the door while using it?
Some people are always looking for rules to follow.
You are both talking about different printers. Top comment is FDM and yours is Resin.
Well I used to do a fair amount with fdm. Recently got a resin. I need to rearrange my work area so I haven't done anything yet. Probably on weekends mostly
The issue is I'm in a garage. I don't want to have the door open all the time and in the winter I feel like it will mess up my prints
I don't understand the down votes. External doors are 1.5k to 4K to replace. They have to be reframed.
If you can replace a door, drywall and siding is easier than that.
I would run this idea by one of the 3D printing subreddits just to see what they say as it relates to how it may affect performance or any issues such as how some people were concerned about temperature fluctuations in these comments.
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MatildatheHazardous t1_j2ad0gn wrote
You need a fan or something to pressurize the space you're trying to exhaust. If you're full out diy ING you can get a 4" desk fan from Walmart and attach it to the end of your dryer hose. Just make sure the fan is pushing the air OUT of the room so it sucks the fumes out.