Ultimate Guide to Creality Ender-3 V3 KE Cooling Fans
When it comes to 3D printing, proper cooling is crucial to achieving high-quality prints and maximizing the performance of your Creality Ender-3 V3 KE. In this article, we delve into the various cooling fans of this printer, exploring their functions and potential replacements to enhance your printing experience.
Exploring Fans in the Creality Ender-3 V3 KE 3D Printer
The Creality Ender-3 V3 KE3D printer comes equipped with several fans to ensure optimal performance during printing. Let’s explore the different fans in this printer and discuss potential replacements:
Hotend Fan:
The hotend fan is responsible for cooling the hotend during printing. It runs continuously at full speed, which can contribute to the printer’s noise level.
A quieter alternative to the standard hotend fan is the Noiseblocker BlackSilent XM2. This fan operates at 3800 revolutions per minute (rpm) and measures 40 x 40 x 10 mm. Its noise level is approximately 14 dB (A).
Replacing the hotend fan involves unscrewing and removing the existing fan, cutting its cables, and installing the new fan. Ensure compatibility with your printer’s voltage.
Part Cooling Fan:
The part cooling fan blows cool air onto the printed filament to optimize overhang performance and produce cleaner prints.
While the standard part cooling fan works well, you can explore alternatives if you desire even quieter operation.
Mainboard and Power Supply Fans:
The fans on the mainboard and in the power supply are relatively quiet during printing and may not require immediate replacement.
However, if you find them bothersome, consider looking for quieter alternatives.
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE: Cooling System & Efficiency
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is a 3D printer that combines affordability with speed and ease of use. Let’s delve into the details of its cooling system and efficiency:
Cooling Fans:
The Ender 3 V3 KE features two model cooling fans on each side of the printhead. These fans work together to rapidly and evenly cool the freshly printed sections of your 3D prints, ensuring better print quality .
While the mainboard and part fans operate quietly, they effectively contribute to maintaining optimal temperatures during printing .
The Ender 3 V3 KE is currently the fastest printer in Creality’s lineup, thanks to its implementation of Klipper firmware. It boasts a top speed of 500 mm/s with a maximum acceleration of 8000 mm/s², making it nearly as fast as the popular Creality K1.
Users have the freedom to install vanilla Klipper firmware to unlock the printer’s full potential. This Open Source approach allows for customization and optimization .
The tool head combines Creality’s best extruder (the S1’s Sprite extruder) with the K1’s ceramic heated high-flow hotend. This pairing ensures efficient filament extrusion and reliable performance .
Specifications:
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 240 mm (8.6 x 8.6 x 9.5 inches)
Material Compatibility: PLA, PETG, TPU (up to 300 degrees Celsius)
Extruder Type: Direct Drive
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (high flow)
Build Platform: PEI-coated spring steel sheet (heated)
Bed Leveling: Automatic + Z height adjustment
Filament Runout Sensor: Yes
Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
Interface: 4.3-inch touch screen
Machine Footprint: 433 x 366 x 490 mm (17 x 14.4 x 19.3 inches)
Machine Weight: 7.8 kg (17.2 lbs)
IMG Source: media-amazon.com
Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Cooling Fans on Creality Ender-3 V3 KE 3D Printer
Here’s a step-by-step guide for installing cooling fans on your Creality Ender-3 V3 KE 3D printer:
Physical Installation:
Remove the Old Fan Housing and Fans:
Unscrew the existing fan duct housing and remove it.
Detach the four screws holding each fan in place.
Be cautious around the wires connected to the hotend heating element and thermistor.
Connect the 5015 Blower Fan:
There are two ways to do this:
Option 1 (Recommended):
Remove the housing around the mainboard.
Disconnect the 2-pin adapter for the old fan.
Pull the wires back through the cable sleeve.
Option 2:
Cut the wires of the old fan.
Connect the new 5015 blower fan to the mainboard.
Solder the wires together and insulate them with heat shrink tubing.
Mount the New Fan Housing:
Print the fan housing suitable for your setup (Bowden drive system or direct drive).
Mount the Front Fan:
Attach the front fan to the designated location.
Mount the 5015 Blower:
Secure the 5015 blower fan in place.
Mount the BLTouch (If Used):
Install the BLTouch adapter if you’re using a BLTouch sensor.
Update the Firmware (Required if BLTouch is used).
Creality Ender-3 Pro (or another Creality printer).
5015 blower fan.
Optional Tools:
Soldering iron.
Solder wire.
Mini heat gun.
Heat shrink tube.
Print Settings:
Infill: 40%.
Support: Tree support touching the build plate.
Printing temperature: Based on results from a temperature tower.
Build plate adhesion: Brim or raft.
For more detailed instructions, you can also refer to the Ender 3 Fan Upgrade Guide on 3DPrintScape.
IMG Source: redd.it
Advantages of Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE offers several advantages, making it an appealing choice for 3D printing enthusiasts:
Klipper Firmware: The Ender 3 V3 KE implements the Klipper firmware, which significantly boosts its performance. With a top speed of 500 mm/s and an acceleration max of 8000 mm/s², it’s nearly as fast as the popular Creality K1. Klipper allows users to unlock the printer’s full potential by installing vanilla Klipper if desired.
Advanced Auto Bed Leveling: The printer features excellent auto bed leveling, simplifying the setup process. Similar to the Creality CR10 SE, it can set its own Z height, making it beginner-friendly and easy to use.
High-Quality Tool Head: The Ender 3 V3 KE boasts a powerful tool head combination:
Sprite Extruder: It uses Creality’s trouble-free and extremely grippy direct drive Sprite extruder, ideal for printing flexible filaments like TPU.
K1’s Ceramic Heated High Flow Hotend: The printer pairs the Sprite extruder with the K1’s ceramic heated hotend, which ensures efficient filament flow and consistent extrusion quality. The hotend is cooled by three fans: one for the core and two small fans tucked into the shroud to cool the plastic.
Wide Filament Compatibility: The Ender 3 V3 KE’s all-metal hot end can reach temperatures up to 300°C, allowing it to handle various filament types, including PLA, PETG, TPU, PA, and nylon.
Affordability: Retailing at $299 (and often on sale for $279), the Ender 3 V3 KE combines speed, features, and affordability, making it one of the best budget 3D printers on the market.
Here are the key specifications for the Ender 3 V3 KE:
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 240 mm (8.6 x 8.6 x 9.5 inches)
Extruder Type: Direct Drive
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (high flow)
Build Platform: PEI-coated spring steel sheet (heated)
Bed Leveling: Automatic + Z
Filament Runout Sensor: Yes
Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
Interface: 4.3-inch Touch Screen
Machine Footprint: 433 x 366 x 490 mm (17 x 14.4 x 19.3 inches)
Machine Weight: 7.8 kg (17.2 lbs)
In summary, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE offers a compelling combination of speed, quality, and affordability, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts.
IMG Source: imagekit.io
Tips for Creality Ender-3 V3 KE Cooling Fans Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your Creality Ender-3 V3 KE cooling fans is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Let’s dive into some practical tips:
Check Your X and Y Belts:
For the X and Y axes, examine the tension on the belts that move the print head left and right, as well as the heated bed back and forth.
The belts should be taut, similar to a guitar string. When plucked, they should “twang.”
To adjust the tension, follow these steps:
Loosen the two locking screws that hold the tension wheel in place.
Pry back the wheel until it tightens the belt sufficiently.
While under tension, tighten the two bolts to maintain the tension.
Repeat this process for both the Y and X belts if necessary. Well-adjusted belts lead to better print quality with fewer patterns on smooth surfaces.
Clean Out Fans:
Your Ender-3 V3 KE has two fans around the hot end.
Power off your printer and remove both mounting screws on the fan shroud.
Carefully move the shroud back to reveal the inside.
Check for any debris or dust buildup in the fans.
If you find any material, clean it out.
Reattach the fan shroud by securing the two screws without twisting, squeezing, or stressing the power cables.
Fan Replacement:
If your fans become noisy or fail, consider replacing them with quieter or more efficient options.
For the hotend fan, Noiseblocker BlackSilent XM2 is a good choice.
For the power supply fan, NoiseBlocker BlackSilent XC1 is recommended.
Platform Maintenance:
The printing platform should not bend too much during daily use to prevent deformation.
Regularly replace the printing platform to ensure proper adhesion of the first layer of your models.
Pay attention to screw rods, optical axes, and guide rails for smooth movement.
IMG Source: technologyoutlet.co.uk
In conclusion, maintaining and upgrading the cooling fans of your Creality Ender-3 V3 KE is essential for optimal performance and longevity. By ensuring proper fan function, cleaning out debris, and considering replacements for quieter operation, you can elevate your 3D printing projects. With attention to detail and regular maintenance, your printer will continue to produce top-notch prints and operate smoothly.
Remember, investing in the cooling fans of your Creality Ender-3 V3 KE is an investment in the quality of your creations.
