Build Your Own Fume Extractor (well, technically just an air filter) for soldering. I was surprised by how expensive even simple commercial options are. Since all you really need is a fan and a filter (carbon and/or HEPA), I created a parametric design that allows you to build one using any size fan and filter you want. You can buy cheap 3rd-party replacement filters for popular small desktop air purifiers and use them with this design.
For the fan, I chose a simple 5v USB-powered (2-wire) 120mm fan with no on-off or PWM features, and I just plug it in when I need it. But the included hollow base provides space for more complex DIY electronics if you want to go that route.
Features:
No supports needed (for most sizes)
Fan housing and filter housing easily slide together and apart for assembly and maintenance
Sturdy base provides good tip-over protection
Fan flow can be oriented for either direction (pull or push air through filter)
Space in base allows storing electronics and wiring for more complex setups. In particular the default design should have enough space for cheap step-up or step-down voltage converters.
Includes a 3D-printed mesh filter to keep large debris (hair, crumbs) from getting sucked into the fan. Credit to BrainsCollector's upload here for the idea.
Filter assembly can be secured to the base with M3 screws
Bill of Materials
Square computer fan. I recommend using a standard 80mm or 120mm one that runs on 5v USB power.
The one I bought claims a pitiful flow rate of just 65CFM and that seems to be good enough to pull in solder smoke from several inches away and push it through a HEPA filter.
Rectangular air filter. For easiest printing, it should be close to the same size as (or smaller than) the fan.
Filters significantly larger than the fan may require supports, and may require the filter to be bent or folded during installation.
Activated carbon filters gas molecules, while HEPA filters small particles. Both can be hazardous, and melting solder can produce both, so use both types if you can. I used this one.
2 M3x12 screws
(Optional) 2 more M3x12 screws and 2 M3 hex nuts
Customizing
Update 8/29/2025: Makerworld finally processed the Fusion file correctly for use with the Customizer, so you can give that a shot instead of needing to open it in Fusion directly. You'll still need to refer to the provided print profile for print settings, including some part-specific settings. The old instructions for customizing this with Fusion are still included below for reference:
For best results, use OrcaSlicer and set the "Quality→ Bridging→ Bridge Counterbore Holes" setting to “Partially Bridged.” Otherwise the nut slots in the base will need a little bit of cleanup after printing. BambuStudio doesn't provide this setting.
OrcaSlicer's Counterbore Holes setting
Right-click on the model and click “Split→To Objects”
Refer to the provided print profile for print settings. Note that some objects have individual modified settings.
Depending on your custom dimensions, you man need to enable automatic supports for the Filter object. None of the other objects should need them.
I've tested the design against a variety of different fan and filter size combinations and think this should cover all but the most extreme dimensions.
Assembly
Drop the fan housing onto the base, lining up the two screw holes on the side. Use an M3x12 screw in the middle to secure them together. Do not over-tighten.
Insert the pre-filter into the fan housing, if you want it.
Insert your fan into the fan holder. Make sure it is oriented so air will blow in the right direction, with the fan wires routed through the base holes.
Supposedly pushing air through the filter is better than pulling it through, as explained in the next section.
Optional: Secure the fan to the housing using the 4 screws and nuts included with your fan.
Add any custom extra electronic components you're going to use into the base and wire everything together.
Insert your filter into the filter holder.
Slide the filter assembly into place next to the fan assembly.
Secure the filter assembly with another M3x12 screw in the middle.
Optional: Use two M3x12 screws and hex nuts to attach the fan case to the base. Run the screws in an out without nuts first to clear out any extra plastic. The screws and nuts provide a much sturdier connection than just the center screw, if you need it. Do not over-tighten.
Activated carbon filters are good at filtering odors and chemicals.
HEPA filters are good at filtering small particles.
Soldering smoke potentially consists of both, so using both types of filters together is ideal.
Supposedly air filters like this will work better when the fan pushes air through the filter, rather than pulling air through them. With this design you can set it up to work either way.
License
In the future the license will be changed to one of the CC licenses. Gotta get some of those sweet extra Exclusive points first.
Aptimex
