3d printer exhaust cover

Overview

The project involves building an exhaust cover for a 3D printer to manage plastic fumes. The goal is to create a chamber that is cheap, removable, and simple to construct using 5mm birch wood and scrap materials.

Parts

Top Cover

(1) 4x8 sheet of 5mm birch wood

- Cut into 4 panels: 24x24 inches (qty 4) - Cut 2 panels: 24x19.5 inches

Bottom

Cut the sheet into:

- 27x21 inches - 25.5x19.5 inches

Leftover: 24x43 inches

Sticks

(2) 2x2 verticals for the back
(1) 2x2 cross support & chamber separator
1x1 throughout for framing
(2) 26-inch guides

Steps

1. Cut the 4x8 sheet of 5mm birch wood into the required sizes. 2. Assemble the top cover using the 24x24 and 24x19.5 inch panels. 3. Assemble the bottom using the 27x21 and 25.5x19.5 inch panels. 4. Attach the 2x2 verticals and cross support. 5. Add 1x1 framing and guides as needed. 6. Ensure the hood is removable and light enough to be lifted easily.

Notes

The hood can be made with hinges to flip it up.
Consider adding lights and fans to the setup.
The total cost should be less than $40, even less if you use creative materials.
The hood is designed to be removed after printing to evacuate fumes from the chamber.

Problem

The initial box design was wide enough but caused issues with the z-axis rubbing and wires disconnecting sometimes.

Solution

Used metal angle stiffeners made from scrap metal to reinforce the structure.
Designed the hood to be removable and light for easy operation.

Summary

The exhaust cover is a cost-effective and simple solution to manage fumes from 3D printing. It uses readily available materials and can be easily replicated.

Key Points

Use 5mm birch wood for the main structure.
Incorporate metal angle stiffeners for reinforcement.
Design the hood to be removable for easy operation.
Total cost is less than $40.