Enclosure Filter for VOC and Fine Particles (3M solution)

Motivation:

I've had a lot of expierence with HEPA filters and the fact that the market is flooded with knock-off products which do not fulfill any given international standards.  An average human cannot tell the difference between a HEPA, FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 filter.    

I also looked into the Bento Box, but after reading the horror stories about people's printers corroding I decided to stay clear.  Even if I did find a reputable supplier for the activated carbon, there is no guarentee that the quality will be consistant over the years.  I also didn't want to have to deal with the carbon dust when refilling the thing.

Additionaly, I have used the 3M half masks for work and am always amazed at how well they work, especially when working with chemical vapors.

So why not combine the the advantages of certified, human-breathable air quality into your 3D printing enclosure?

Given the fact of how many different filter types are available from 3M for any given chemical combination, I found this to be the ideal solution.  

2023.11.13: v2.1 added, which has a longer “nose” to allow better internal air flow and reduce resistance.

Results: 

• No more build up of vapor residue on my enclosure and door.
• No plastic smell after opening the enclosure door.

Bill of Materials:

• 2x 3M filters (see below)
• 1x ARTIC S4028-15K fan (ONLY THIS MODEL)
• 2x 30x20x3mm rubber seals
• 1x Fan controller and power supply of your choice.

The Fan:

I found the 15K fan from ATRIC to be the only 40mm fan available with a high static pressure, which was comarable to radial fans but used a smaller packaging.  

! If you cannot get this fan, then you do not need to continue ! Other 40mm fans will not work properly.

I bought mine from Amazon and they cost around 12€

Amazon.de:  

https://www.amazon.de/ARCTIC-S4028-15K-Doppelkugellager-1400-15000-reguliert/dp/B09RK64BQH/

Amazon.com: 

https://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-S4028-15K-1400-15000-Regulated-Connector/dp/B09SB3Z6ND/

! Make sure you select the 15K version!

This thing is powerful, and I usually only run it at ⅓ power during a print, and around 50% after the print is done to clear the air.

The Filters:

3M produces a wide platform of vapor filters, depending on your needs:

And also particulat filters:

I use the 6059 ABEK1 vapor filter together with the 5935 add-on for FFP3 fine dust.  

When to change the filter?  3M recommends to change the filter when “breakthrough” occurs, meaning if you can smell the vapor, it is time to change the filter.  I found mine to last around 2-3 months (hobby printer).  They are noticable yellow from the vapor and particles when you change them.

Rubber Seals:

Standard 30x20x3mm (1") rubber seals, bought off of Amazon:  https://www.amazon.de/Gummi-Dichtungen-mit-TRINKWASSERZULASSUNG-EPDM-Flachdichtung/dp/B09B17RRNZ/r

Fan controller

You can use any suitable power supply and fan PWM controller for your build.  the ones I used:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/275747702080

https://www.amazon.de/EFISH-LED-Streifen-Lautsprecher-Verschiedene-Adapterk%C3%B6pfe/dp/B07KZLH9ZP/r

The controller housing is made for these two products.

Happy printing!