Welcome to the comprehensive guide on replacing the cooling fans of your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of cooling fans are crucial for ensuring optimal performance and print quality. In this article, we will walk you through the steps involved in replacing the extruder side cooling fan and the extruder front nozzle cooling fan.
Follow along to keep your Raise3D Pro 2 running smoothly and producing top-notch prints.
Raise3D Pro 2 Cooling Fan Replacement Guide
To replace the cooling fans on your Raise3D Pro 2, follow these steps:
Prepare:
Unload the filament from both nozzles.
Turn off the printer after removing the filament.
Extruder Side Cooling Fan Replacement:
Remove the screws marked in the figure below and take the cooling fan off with the fan duct.
Remove the 4 fan retaining screws. Take the front fan off, together with the protective cover.
Remove the retaining screw on the fan duct and take the fan duct off.
Replace it with a new fan duct.
Remember to handle the replacement carefully to ensure proper cooling power for your printer. If you encounter any difficulties, consult the official Raise3D Support Center for detailed instructions.
Troubleshooting Printer Cooling Fan Problems
Identifying and troubleshooting printer cooling fan problems is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Here are some steps to help you diagnose and address issues with your printer’s cooling fan:
Check Slicer Settings:
Sometimes, the cooling fan issue may not be due to the fan itself but rather incorrect slicer settings. The slicer controls the fan’s rotation speed during printing.
Ensure that the cooling fan is enabled or turned on in your slicer settings. Look for options like “allow cooling” or “enable cooling fans.”
Be aware that different filaments have varying cooling requirements. For instance:
TPU (flexible filament) doesn’t need cooling, so the fan might be off.
ABS and PETG filaments generally don’t require active cooling.
However, if you’re using PLA, which benefits from cooling, ensure the fan is turned on.
Adjust Fan Height:
Fans need a specific voltage to start spinning. If the voltage isn’t met in certain layers, the fan won’t work.
Check the slicer settings and set the fan height to around 0.4 mm (0.015 inches). This allows the printer to provide the correct voltage while ensuring good adhesion for the initial layers.
Set Fan Speed and Threshold:
Incorrect fan speed settings can cause issues. Adjust the following:
Regular fan speed: Set it to 80% for optimal cooling during PLA printing.
Maximum fan speed: For PLA, use 100%; for PETG, around 50%.
Ensure the fan speed threshold is set correctly (usually between 5 to 30 seconds).
Check G-Code:
The G-code is the programming language that controls your 3D printer.
Verify that the G-code includes the proper commands for fan control. Incorrect G-code can lead to fan problems.
Inspect Hardware:
Physically examine the fan and its connections:
Clean the fan blades to remove any dust or debris.
Ensure the wiring connections are secure and not cut or disconnected.
Look for signs of physical damage.
Check for loose pins or improper welding.
Remember, addressing these issues should help resolve most cooling fan problems. If hardware issues persist, consider seeking professional assistance or replacing the fan
IMG Source: prusa3d.com
Key Considerations for Fan Replacement on Raise3D Pro 2 3D Printer
When it comes to replacing fans for your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer, there are a couple of key areas to consider. Let’s break it down:
Extruder Side Cooling Fan:
The Extruder Side Cooling Fan plays a crucial role in maintaining the right temperature during printing. It cools down the extruder assembly to prevent overheating.
You can find a replacement Extruder Side Cooling Fan specifically designed for the Pro2 Series and N Series printers. It’s priced at $14.99.
The packaging size is 130x110x10mm, and it weighs 17g with packaging.
Replacing the cooling fans on your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Here are the steps to guide you through the process:
Prepare:
Unload the filament from both nozzles.
Turn off the printer after removing the filament.
Extruder Side Cooling Fan Replacement:
Locate the cooling fans at the back of the printer.
Unscrew and remove the fan covers to access the fans.
Disconnect the cables from the fans to remove them from the printer.
Install the replacement fans by connecting the cables and securing them with screws.
Front Nozzle Cooling Fan Replacement:
Unload the filament from both nozzles.
Turn off the printer after removing the filament.
Remove the old Fan Duct:
Remove the 4 fixing screws.
Take the Front Fan off together with the Protective Cover.
Remove the fixing screw on the Fan Duct and take it off.
Replace the old fan with a new one.
For visual instructions, you can also refer to this YouTube video that demonstrates how to change the extruder cooling fan on the Pro 2 / Pro 2 Plus
IMG Source: filament2print.com
Importance of Testing 3D Printer Cooling Fans
Testing 3D printer cooling fans after installation is a crucial step to ensure optimal performance and high-quality prints. Let’s delve into why it matters:
Cooling Fan Functionality:
The cooling fan in a 3D printer serves several essential purposes:
Filament Cooling: During printing, the cooling fan rapidly cools down the extruded filament. This is particularly critical for materials like PLA, which require quick solidification after being extruded from the nozzle.
Hot End Cooling: The cooling fan prevents the hot end (nozzle and heating module) from overheating during prolonged printing sessions.
Layer Cooling: Proper cooling ensures that each printed layer solidifies correctly, reducing the risk of layer shifting or warping.
Quality and Print Success:
Layer Adhesion: If the cooling fan isn’t functioning properly, the extruded filament may remain too hot, leading to poor layer adhesion. Uneven cooling can cause layer separation, resulting in failed prints.
Burnt Marks and Filament Issues: Inadequate cooling can lead to burnt marks and inconsistent filament deposition. A well-functioning cooling fan prevents these issues.
Common Signs of Cooling Fan Problems:
Overheating: If your printer components (especially the hot end) overheat, it can affect print quality.
Layer Shifting: Insufficient cooling may cause layer shifts during printing.
Warping: Warping occurs when layers cool unevenly, leading to distorted prints.
Testing Procedures:
After installing the cooling fan, perform the following checks:
Manual Activation: Manually turn on the cooling fan during a test print. Observe whether it runs smoothly and consistently.
Slicing Settings: Ensure that your slicing software includes instructions to activate the cooling fan at appropriate layers.
Speed and Direction: Confirm that the fan spins at the correct speed and blows air directly onto the printed layers.
Optimal Cooling Fan Speed:
The ideal cooling fan speed varies based on the material being printed. Experiment with different speeds to find the sweet spot for your specific filament.
Too High: Excessive cooling can cause layer separation and poor adhesion.
Too Low: Insufficient cooling leads to warping and filament issues.
Sources:
“3D Printer Layer Cooling Fan and When is it Necessary to Use?” .
“Why is a Cooling System Important for 3D Printing?” .
“How To Know if a 3D Printer Cooling Fan Is Set Too High” .
IMG Source: filament2print.com
In conclusion, properly maintaining and replacing the cooling fans on your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer is essential for achieving the best printing results. By following the detailed steps provided in this guide, you can ensure that your printer remains in top condition and continues to deliver high-quality prints. Remember to handle the replacement process with care and refer to official Raise3D resources for any additional support needed.
Keep your Raise3D Pro 2 cooling fans in optimal condition to unleash its full printing potential.
