FtFE "Fresh the Fume Extractor" - 120mm Soldering Fume Extractor with USB-C PD [no supports]

This is “Fresh the Fume Extractor” .

HEPA Filter are useless and Activated Carbon Fleece / Mats are not useful enough to extract solder fumes! Thats why I designed FtFE !

It is a fume extractor based on a 24V Fan powered via a USB-C PD Trigger module.

Fan speed can be changed with a button on the USB-C Trigger Module (5V/9V/12V/15V/20V).

It should be used with 526 cm³ of activated carbon pellets but it’s also possible to use the AlveoP3D filter if you have one around (more infos down)

Version History:

2024-02-08 Changed "FtFE_charcoal-basket_base_v01" to Version v01.2 which is 4mm higher to reduce gap between the lid and the basket

What you need to build "FtFE"

1x USB-C PD Trigger Module (I used this one https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005968432828.html)

1x Rocker On/Off Switch (there are different companies following the same standard, as a reference there is f.e. Marquardt 1801.1146 https://www.mouser.de/ProductDetail/Marquardt-Switches/1801.1146?qs=4EOvy6wCNnsq9DCOYXGyGQ%3D%3D)

1x 120x120x25mm Fan 24V (f.e. from Noctua https://noctua.at/de/nf-f12-industrialppc-24v-3000-sp-ip67-pwm/specification or cheapcer version from aliexpress https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005758086389.html)

7x heat insert M3

2x M3x12mm countersunk screw

8x M3x12mm or up to M3x30mm countersunk screw

5x M3x8mm cylinderhead screw

4x ⌀10x4 Neodym Magnet (optional: see “additional thoughts”)

activated carbon pellets (or 1x AlveoP3D Filter)  

Printing Instructions for the housing

• print the body of the housing with the grid pattern on the buildplate so you need no supports!
• I printed my one with 2 perimeters and 10% infill which was worink great

Printing Instructions for the activated carbon basket

• basket parts are designed to be printed with 0 top and 0 bottom layers.
• infill defines the space of the grid (I printed with 25% infill)
• make sure to set the “Solid infill threshold area” as high as necessary to fill everything that is not part of the main grid
• I printed with 3 perimeters
• I printed the insert with PLA and needed a brim 

Power Supply you need to run the "FtFE"

Ideally you have a 100W USB-C charger or docking station with cables that also support 100W. With this configuration you are able to get 24V fan running on full speed. With the button you are able to decrease the fan speed.

If you do not have a 100W USB-C charger or cable, the fan speed will be limited to the output of the used power source and therefore not run on full speed.

Additional thoughts:

• You could also use a 120x120x25mm fan with 12V instead of 24V, but be aware that with the 24V USB-C Trigger Module you can choose up to 20V!! With that you can easily destroy the 12V fan!! If you use the 24V Trigger Module with a 12V fan, do not use the button (to prevent changing the output by accident) and make sure to turn off the fan or disconnect the fan before choosing 5V/9V or 12V. 
• Your other options for 12V fans are to use a trigger module thats only supporting up to 12V (or static 12V) depending on the module the button is needless. 

• I added 4 holes for ⌀10x4mm neodym magnets on the backside of the front grid. Maybe some of you want to mount a hood, a hose or something similar. They are not mandatory to use. Would be happy to see some mods of the community

Using a AlveoP3D Filter

The dimensions of the body are chosen that you can use this filter instead of the activated carbon basket. 

If you do use this filter you need a fan with a high static pressure (because of the HEPA13 filter) 

The linked Noctua fullfills this requirment very well.

Important to know is, that to filter soldering fumes activated carbon is the way to go so i guess using the filter with activated carbon pellets will be more effective.

Have fun!