H2D Ben2Box w/ Wireless Power - Complete Build Guide
Project Overview
The Ben2Box is an adaptation of the popular BentoBox air scrubber, specifically engineered for H2D 3D printers. This VOC filtration system effectively removes volatile organic compounds and harmful fumes from your printer enclosure, making it safer to print with ABS, ASA, Nylon, and other high-emission filaments in home and workshop environments.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Choose Your Power Option First
Decision Tree: Which Power Option Is Right For You?
Choose WIRED if you want:
- ✅ Reliable, consistent power delivery
- ✅ Simple installation process
- ✅ No voltage testing required
- ❌ Cable management through printer door/chassis
Choose WIRELESS if you want:
- ✅ Clean aesthetic with no external cables through the front door
- ❌ Requires multimeter and voltage testing
- ❌ More complex setup and troubleshooting
- ❌ Potential voltage inconsistencies
Why This Project Exists
This project began from a personal desire to feel more confident about operating a 3D printer in my home environment when printing materials that produce volatile organic compounds.
While I'm not claiming this solution makes 3D printing completely safe, it represents a thoughtful approach to addressing VOC emissions using established filtration methods.
This design prioritizes:
- Modular system that can be easily maintained and serviced
- Flexible power options including innovative wireless capability
Technical Specifications
Filtration System:
- Filter Media: Activated carbon (4-8 mesh recommended) + iLife vacuum pre-filters
- Airflow: 4x 24V 5015 blower fans (HoneyBadger 9200 RPM recommended)
- Carbon Capacity: Holds approximately 2.5 lbs of activated carbon
Power Requirements:
- Voltage: 16V-24V DC (depending on configuration)
- Current: 1.5A power supply recommended
- Power Options: Wired DC supply or wireless power module
Physical Specifications:
- Mounting: No permanent printer modifications required
- Access: Easy-access design for filter media replacement
Safety Considerations
This air scrubber addresses VOC emissions and fumes but does not eliminate all emissions. Proper room ventilation is still recommended, and the system should be used as part of comprehensive workshop safety practices. Follow all power supply warnings, especially for wireless configurations where overvoltage can damage components.
Bill of Materials
Core Components (Required for All Builds)
3D Printed Parts:
- Ben2Box housing (STL files included)
Electronic Components:
- 4x 24V 5015 blower fans (HoneyBadger 9200 RPM recommended) - Fabreeko Link
- 8x M3x20mm screws
- 8x M3 nuts
- Quick connect wire connectors (XALXMAW 4-way recommended) - Amazon Link
Filter Media:
- iLife vacuum filters (identical to original BentoBox specification)
- Activated carbon, 4-8 mesh grade
Other:
- 4x2mm neodymium magnets for Ben2Box component alignment
Power Supply Options
Option 1: Wired Power Setup
- 24V 1.5A AC/DC Adapter (full power - may be loud) - Amazon Link
- 20V 1.5A AC/DC Adapter (quieter operation via undervolting) - Amazon Link (this is a recommendation - i have not used this adapter)
- 16V 1.5A AC/DC Adapter (quietest operation)
Option 2: Wireless Power Module
- 24V Wireless Power Module (transmitter/receiver pair) - Amazon Link
- 16V or 20V AC/DC Adapter - Amazon Link (this is a recommendation - i have not used this adapter)
- Large neodymium magnets for coil alignment and printer mounting - Amazon Link
- REQUIRED: Digital multimeter for voltage testing
🚨 CRITICAL WIRELESS POWER SAFETY INFORMATION
Overvoltage Warning
Due to design considerations, the wireless power coils must be perfectly aligned rather than slightly offset (slightly offset produces the optimal magnetic field for correct voltage output). When perfectly aligned, the 24V-rated module delivers approximately 28V or more to your fans instead of the optimal 24V.
Voltage Testing Requirements
YOU MUST TEST OUTPUT VOLTAGE BEFORE CONNECTING FANS
A community tester reported needing to reduce input voltage to as low as 12V at the transmitter to achieve the desired 24V output at the receiver. Results are inconsistent between different wireless power kits.
Required Precautions:
- ❌ Never use a 24V power adapter with the wireless module
- ✅ Use 12V, 16V, or 20V adapters only to compensate for overvoltage
- ✅ Always test output voltage with a multimeter before connecting fans
- ✅ Final delivered voltage should be 16-24V (safe range for 24V fans)
Voltage Testing Procedure:
- Connect wireless transmitter to low voltage power supply (start with 12V)
- Align wireless coils perfectly
- Use multimeter to measure voltage at receiver output terminals
- Adjust input voltage until output reads 16-24V
If you don't have a multimeter or are uncomfortable with voltage testing, choose the wired option.
Fan Selection Guide
Recommended Approach: Start with high-performance fans and undervolt if needed for noise reduction.
HoneyBadger 9200 RPM fans are specifically recommended because:
- Sufficient power to move air through dense carbon filter media
- Can be undervolted for quieter operation while maintaining effectiveness
- Use standard version, not widemouth (housing not designed for widemouth)
Fan Wiring Note: For 4-wire HoneyBadger fans:
- Red and Black wires: Power (use these)
- Blue and White wires: Ignore (not needed for this application)
Avoid starting with lower RPM fans - they may not provide adequate airflow through the filtration media, requiring you to purchase replacement fans anyway.
Before You Start - Pre-Assembly Checklist
Required Tools:
- M3 hex wrench
- Digital multimeter (wireless option only)
- Wire strippers
Verify You Have All Parts:
- All 3D printed components
- 4x 5015 blower fans
- 8x M3x20mm screws and nuts
- Quick connect wire terminals
- Power supply (appropriate voltage for your choice)
- Filter media (carbon and iLife filters)
- Magnets
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Printed Components
- Verify all printed parts are present
- Check fit of fan mounts and housing connections
- Remove any support material or print artifacts
- Test fit magnets in their designated slots
Step 2: Fan Installation
- Install 5015 blower fans into the fan housing
- Ensure fan intake openings align with housing air channels
- Secure fans with M3x20mm screws and nuts
- For 4-wire fans: Connect only red and black wires, leave blue/white disconnected
- Route power cables through cable management paths
Step 3: Filter Media Installation
- Install iLife vacuum pre-filters into HEPA housing (holds 2 side by side)
- Fill carbon bin with 4-8 mesh activated carbon
- Ensure even distribution of carbon media
Step 4A: Wired Power System Setup
- Connect all four fans to the quick-connect wire terminals
- Route power cable to external power supply connection point
- Test connections before final installation
- Plan cable routing through printer door or chassis
Step 4B: Wireless Power System Setup
Receiver Installation:
- Install wireless receiver into the back of the carbon bin
- Place a 32mm diameter magnet into the center slot of the receiver coil
- Connect fans to wireless receiver output
- Do not connect power yet - voltage testing required first
Transmitter Installation:
- Attach magnet under where the transmitter heatsink will reside using double-sided tape from magnet kit
- Install wireless transmitter into the power puck
Voltage Testing (Critical Step):
- Connect transmitter to 12V power supply
- Align coils by placing Ben2Box against printer wall
- Measure voltage at receiver output with multimeter
- Adjust input voltage until output reads 16-24V
Step 5: H2D Printer Integration
- Position Ben2Box into the right side of the printer
- Align the channel underneath the fan housing with the bump on printer floor (Y-axis alignment)
- The 32mm magnets will hold the unit snug against the right wall
System Operation and Airflow
The Ben2Box creates a two-stage filtration system:
- Air enters from the top through HEPA pre-filters
- Blower fans pull air down through activated carbon
- Air exits under the build plate
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular Maintenance:
- HEPA Filters: Replace every 3-6 months depending on usage
- Activated Carbon: Replace when odor breakthrough occurs
Community Resources
- Share your build experiences and modifications in the comments
- Report issues or suggest improvements
- Contribute to ongoing development
Additional Research: If you're still evaluating whether you need an air scrubber, numerous technical discussions and health impact studies are available online to help inform your decision.
This project is based on the original BentoBox design by thrutheframe. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike.