Aux Pro - Filter Module - Particulates and VOCs

Introduction

This mod Provides recirculating chamber filtration to your X1/P1 series printer and is especially suitable for those that don't have good ventilation/extraction options in their workspace. Now you can print some of the more smelly materials such as ABS with:

• No added electronics
• High flow rate (and more “air changes per hour”) by using the powerful AUX fan
• 2-stage filtration for particulates and VOCs
• Slicer/app controlled air filtration with possibility to set end-of-print filter timers via g-code

You will need to first install the mounting frame from the Aux Pro mod.

Variants

• Type A - uses loose carbon pellets and HEPA filters from a robot vacuum
• Type B - TBA

Performance

I have completed several multi-hour ABS prints in my office with this filter and the fan speed set to 40% with a small window open and could only smell it if I put my face up to the door to look at the print. It also prevented the glass and camera lens from getting foggy. Overall, this is has made a huge improvement to my room air quality. I am looking forward to hearing how well this works for you.

 

Please note that this isn't a “100% safe” solution - please do your due diligence. If you decide to use this, please do combine it with at least some ventilation or room air filtration as unfiltered air will still escape through the gaps and holes in the printer.

Print Materials and Print Settings

Anything except PLA should be sufficient. I used ABS-GF as it prints beautifully. Get the discontinued green one before it's sold out, it's very nice!

 

PLA is not recommended due to the low heat deflection temperature.

 

If you download the print profile on the computer then switch printer, please ensure that the per-part settings are not reset so that the mesh on the trays and lid look like this (and not solid). You will need to slice the file to see the mesh, the STLs look solid.

If for some reason you do not see the holes, go to the objects tab and edit the settings for the basket and lid components with “mesh" in the name:

There are 5 settings to change:

• Wall loops = 1
• Top shell layers = 0
• Bottom shell layers = 0
• Sparse infill density = 60% for the baskets, 40% for the lid
• Sparse infill pattern = Triangles

Other Materials Required

1. 5x3mm round neodymium magnets - 12 pieces. Always order extra magnets. (Note that if you get cheap magnets from Aliexpress, the size may be slightly different to what's advertised.)
2. 2x HEPA filters - These are the same filters as on some iLife vacuum robots (~80mmx40mmx15mm) as well as the popular “BentoBox” mod. They are available on Amazon (example from Amazon.de) and Aliexpress as well as many other stores.
3. Approximately 150mL of activated carbon pellets or granules designed for purifying air (the weight will vary depending on pellet shape and size). They are available on Amazon as well as many other stores. They MUST be “acid free” as acid washed carbon will release corrosive chemicals into your chamber and rust out printer parts. If you search online on how to pick carbon pellets for your 3D printer, you may see “Nevermore” branded carbon pellets recommended. But Please note that I have had reports of people getting Nevermore branded carbon pellets which were actually acid washed pellets and rusted out their printer. Therefore, I would consider testing every batch before use. Fortunately, there are many guides and videos on how to do this, and it's not difficult.

Installation - Type A Filter Module

Install the frame and fan from the Aux Pro mod.

 

Install the magnets into the printed parts. If they are loose, use glue. Make sure you install them the right way around!

Install the HEPA filters.

Fill the mesh trays with acid-free carbon pellets.

Attach the filter lid.

Attach the filter assembly to the frame!

Other Notes

• HEPA filters are not the best filters for recirculating filters such as this as the flow-rate generally matters more than efficiency but HEPA filters are readily available in such small sizes. And what's available is better than what's not available.
• The 3 grooves are only on the outside of the model, not inside where the air flows. I added these as having some lines on big flat surfaces take the eyes away from any minor surface defects that could occur.

Support

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