Part 3 - Fan, Duct and Printer Connection - COMING SOON
Description
I had been looking to setup a window vent for my X1C and P1S since I bought them. There are a number of solutions out there, but each one seemed to only solve part of the problem, leaving me to mash several together and hope it all worked. I got tired of that, so I decided to make this, my Complete Exhaust System.
I designed this around the X1C / P1S, but it will work fine for other printers. The only variable would be how the system attaches to the printer.
For exhausting a 3D printer I recommend the 3" version. The P1S contains 2.3 cubic feet of air, so it does not take much airflow to completely replace the entire volume. 3" has the added benefit of being more manageable and able to flex into smaller spaces. My printer is less than 6" from the wall and the exhaust pipe still fits.
For my window insert, I wanted to balance easy installation/removal and insulation R-value. Originally I thought the parts would need to be glued together, but I have found it is not necessary. It still makes a tight seal if you leave them as individual sections, plus it's much easier to install and remove from your window. The thermal readings show no difference at the seams even though they haven't been glued together.
Version 2:More insulation, More style, Easier to print, Same convenient design
Focused on increasing Print-in-Place R-value.
Air is a great insulator, so this uses the Cubic infill pattern with thicker infill line widths to create isolated pockets of air within the print.
To maximize insulation, the infill percentage is set to 6% which combined with the new 4x thicker design results in about 3 air pockets between the outside and inside faces.
Efficient filament use. Even though the model is 4x thicker, we're able to keep filament use comparable to v1 by reducing infill percentage, and smartly applying walls only where needed.
Drastically reduced print times. A full wall piece now takes just over 3 hours when it used to take 5 hours.
No supports! The Vent model has been completely redesigned to avoid overhangs and now prints perfectly without supports
New modern aesthetic. The insert now features a rippled effect making it more visually interesting while not being distorted when the model is resized to fit any window width.
Simplified model options, the design now has:
A generic end piece - usable on left or mirrored on the right
A 3" or 4" vent block which can be positioned or duplicated anywhere in the window
The blocks are interchangeable so you can have a 3" and a 4" vent in the same window.
A solid wall with geometry that is fully compatible with horizontal resizing without any distortion.
Some windows have a plastic lip sticking up to help with air sealing, this design wraps around that. If your window does not have that lip, this model will still work for you.
[Optional] Magnetic insulation plug, so you can leave the window insert in even when not printing.
[Optional] Exterior louvers with integrated bug mesh
[Optional] The window slot is perfect for a layer of adhesive foam tape insulation ←Affiliate link. The 1.2" wide tape is perfect. My thermal readings showed no insulation benefits though.
Assembly Instructions
Step 1) Filling your window
Most windows will need the Left and Right end caps, so check and print these. They can be resized or easily modified to fit the sides of your window frame.
Choose your vent size (3" or 4"), then print and install it with the end caps in your window. Measure the remaining gap, this is the width of your Wall block(s).
If the remaining gap is greater than 240mm then I recommend splitting that across 2 Wall blocks. Duplicate or resize the Wall block in Bambu Studio as needed to fit your gap. The ripple pattern can be resized indefinitely without becoming distorted.
When it comes to the final piece, I recommend printing a test wedge to dial in the fit. You want it snug to push all the piece tightly together.
I have great results with JB Weld Super Glue (affiliate link), but any cyanoacrylate glue should work fine.
Step 3) Install Louvers with integrated bug mesh
CES: Complete Exhaust System | Window Insert Complete!
Your window insert is ready for use. Next up, the Fan, Duct, and Printer Connection - COMING SOON
Future Ideas:
If there's enough interest I have an idea to make a magnetic receiver to store the hose when not in use. Either using an Ikea SKÅDIS board, Multiboard, or mounted directly on the wall. Let me know in the comments if you'd get use out of this.
Jify
