PNICER DUAL 5015 UPGRADE

This upgraded cooling system is not only one of the lightest options available for the N3 Pro but also optimizes airflow, directing it precisely where it’s needed—right at the material, not the heat block—while fully leveraging the larger fans for maximum efficiency. It’s simple, powerful, requires no supports, and is adjustable for various hot-end and heater setups. Additionally, it’s designed to be easy on your MCU using a simple PID tune with as few variables as possible, ensuring long-term reliability of your electronics as well as predictably high quality prints.

I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE A PETG OR BETTER FOR YOUR FINAL PART, BUT PLA+ WILL WORK FINE IF YOU JUST WANNA PLAY WITH THE IDEA AND SEE IF YOU LIKE IT.

.2MM LAYER HEIGHT

3 WALLS

3 TOP LAYERS MINIMIM

15%+ CROSS HATCH INFILL

NO SUPPORTS IF YOUR BRIDGING SPEEDS ARE SLOW :)

 

Installation Instructions for The Pincer Cooling System

Safety
As with any project, begin by powering off your Neptune 3 Pro and unplugging it to avoid damage or injury during the installation process.

Prepare Your Work Area
Remove your build surface to avoid damage and use the magnetic bed as a safe spot to hold hardware. Move the gantry to a position that provides ample visibility and room to work. Keep it close to the heat bed, as it may be handy for placing items during the process.

Prepare the Toolhead
Locate the two M3 button-head cap screws on either side of the toolhead and remove them. Gently pull the casing away from the carriage, exposing the connectors on either side of the toolhead board. The factory fans are screwed into the casing and will come out with it.

TIP: If you discover a mild adhesive or glue on the factory fan connectors, don’t be alarmed—this is normal. It can be easily picked off with an X-Acto knife or detail tool, and using a little bit of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) will help break the bond.
Disconnect the Fans
Gently disconnect the two connectors from the board. Be careful not to twist or damage the connectors or solder joints during removal, as they may be snug from the factory install. Set this assembly aside.

TECHNICAL NOTE: The Neptune 3 Pro uses a JST 2.0 connector with a reversed (black+/red-) polarity pinout compared to most aftermarket fans, which typically use a JST 2.54 connector. Your fans likely will not work if you try using the new connectors in the same orientation they came.

Fan Connection Options
Option 1: Cut and solder the factory fan connector to the new fans, making sure to match the reversed polarity (red-to-black, black-to-red).
Option 2: Use a new JST 2.0 connector and account for the reversed polarity by using a sewing needle to carefully open the clasp in the connector and swap the pins. This is my preferred method if you want to keep the modification reversible and maintain a clean wiring setup.

Prepare the M4 Threads
The Pincer features pre-modeled M4 threads, so you won’t need brass inserts. Before installing the fans, thread an M4 screw into each hole almost all the way in but not past the exit side of the hole. Otherwise, you risk ruining the grip the plastic provides to the screw during use, which could lead to loose parts or needing inserts. We just want to make the fan installation a bit easier in the next few steps. I used the factory screen mount screws for this as I do not use the screen. Remove the screws after this step.

Installing The Pincer
Starting on one side, locate the two M3 screws that hold the 4020 hotend fan in place and remove them.
Install them into the corresponding adjustable slots of The Pincer. These slots are intentionally snug to hold the screws securely during installation.
Loosely secure one side of The Pincer to the hotend, then repeat on the other side, leaving both sides slightly loose for the next step.

Final Adjustment
Adjust The Pincer so that both ducts are positioned higher than the nozzle, with the a

irflow outlet below the heater block. Push the ducts as high as possible without allowing the airstream to hit the heater block for optimal cooling. This step is important, as the screws will be inaccessible after the fans are in place.

Install the 5015 Fans
Gently roll the fan into place by placing the short side of the fan outlet into the register first, then push the back (long side) down into place.
Align the mounting hole on the fan with the threaded hole in The Pincer, and install the screw to secure it in place.

Tighten Screws
Once you’re satisfied with the positioning, tighten the M3 screws to secure The Pincer in place.

Final Check
Before your first print, ensure your ducts are properly aligned to avoid interference with any purge line or hardware you may have set up.

Z-Offset
The most important part of this install, besides the fans themselves, is recalibrating your Z-offset, as it may have shifted when removing the bracket screws. This step is critical to ensure the best first layer and avoid lifting or adhesion issues that could interfere with the new parts, potentially leading to failed prints or clogs.

REMEMBER TO SAVE YOU CONFIG

Run a PID Tune
After installation, run a PID tune and make sure to save the values for optimal performance.

With these steps complete, The Pincer will be properly installed, providing enhanced cooling and performance for your Neptune 3 Pro!

Remember you are moving A LOT MORE air now, so pay attention to those fan settings to avoid over cooling and curling issues. so some tuning should be expected when exploring other materials.

Hope you enjoy this. and dont forget to leave comments and post your makes and color selections.

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AS MUCH AS I LOVE MAKING THESE THINGS FOR MYSELF, KNOWIING OTHERS ENJOY THEM IS A REALLY GREAT FEELING. THAT BEING SAID ANY ADITIONAL BOOST YOUD BE WILLING TO SHOOT MY WAY WOULD BE A HUGE SHOT OF DOAPMINE TO KEEP ME MOVING! <3 LOVE YOU ALL .

HAPPY PRINTING