Are you looking to enhance the performance of your Raise3D Pro 3 3D printer by replacing its cooling fans? Keeping your printer’s cooling system in top condition is crucial for achieving high-quality prints. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in replacing the cooling fans on your Raise3D Pro 3 printer, ensuring smooth operation and optimal cooling efficiency.
Replace Cooling Fans on Raise3D Pro 3
If you need to replace the cooling fans on your Raise3D Pro 3, here are the steps you can follow:
Turn off the printer: Before starting any maintenance, ensure the printer is powered off.
Access the cooling fan area:
Move the printer and turn the back cover of the cooling fan to your operating position.
Remove the 6 screws on the back cover of the cooling fan using a 2.5mm hex wrench.
Remove the existing cooling fan:
Unload the filament from both nozzles.
Turn off the printer after removing the filament.
Remove the screws marked in the picture below and take the cooling fan off with the fan duct.
Also, remove the screws marked in the picture below and take the fan duct off.
Install the replacement cooling fan:
Take out the replacement cooling fan.
Install the 4 screws on the cooling fan using a 3.0mm hex wrench.
Replace it with a new fan duct.
Troubleshooting 3D Printer Cooling Fans
Troubleshooting 3D printer cooling fans can be essential for maintaining optimal print quality. Let’s explore some common issues and their solutions:
Slicer Settings:
Check if Cooling Is Enabled: Ensure that your slicer settings have cooling enabled. Look for options like “allow cooling” or “enable cooling fans.” If you’re using materials like TPU, ABS, or PETG that don’t require cooling, make sure the fan is turned off. However, for PLA, which benefits from cooling, ensure it’s enabled.
Adjust Fan Height: Fans need a specific voltage to start spinning. If the fan doesn’t work at full height, set your slicer to a lower height (around 0.4 mm or 0.015 inches). This ensures the correct voltage distribution and good adhesion between layers.
Set Fan Speed and Threshold: Set the regular fan speed to around 80%. Adjust the maximum speed based on the filament type (e.g., 100% for PLA, 50% for PETG). Verify that the fan speed threshold is correctly configured (usually 5 to 30 seconds).
G-Code Issues:
Check G-Code: The G-code controls various printer parameters. Ensure that the G-code includes the necessary commands for fan operation (e.g., M106 for turning on the fan).
Verify Correct Voltages: Make sure the correct voltages are supplied to the fans. Incorrect voltage levels can prevent the fan from spinning.
Hardware Problems:
Inspect Connections: Check for loose pins, improper welding, or other hardware issues. Ensure all connections are secure.
Fan Replacement: If the fan is dead, consider replacing it with a new one.
For more detailed instructions, you can refer to this source.
IMG Source: prusa3d.com
Choosing Replacement Fans for Raise3D Pro 3 3D Printer
When it comes to selecting compatible replacement fans for your Raise3D Pro 3 3D printer, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Let’s break it down:
Cooling Fans:
The front cooling fan of each print head is left on by default to ensure that the hot ends are properly cooled when the printer is heated up. This is a safety feature for the printer.
However, if you find the noise bothersome, you can disable the rear exhaust fan via the Tune tab on the printer’s touch screen once a print starts. This should help reduce the noise level during printing.
Keep in mind that noise can also be a health issue, especially in an office environment. If you’re experiencing excessive noise, consider exploring quieter fan options or adjusting the fan settings.
Replacement Fans:
If you need to replace any fans, follow these steps:
Air Filter Fan: If you’re specifically looking to replace the air filter fan, you can find detailed instructions in the Support Center. Make sure to turn off the printer and cut off the power before proceeding.
Other Fans: For other fans (such as the hotend fan or external coolant fan), you might need to explore third-party options. Look for fans with similar specifications (voltage, size, and airflow) to ensure compatibility.
Community Insights: You can also check the Official Raise3D Community for insights from other users who might have found suitable replacement fans or workarounds.
Noise Reduction:
To address the noise issue, consider the following:
Quieter Fans: Look for fans specifically designed for low noise operation. Brands like Noctua and Sunon offer high-quality, quiet fans that could be compatible with your printer.
Fan Speed Control: If your printer’s firmware allows, adjust the fan speed dynamically based on temperature. This way, the fans start slowly and increase as needed.
Isolation: Place the printer on a vibration-absorbing surface or use dampeners to reduce vibrations and noise transmission.
IMG Source: all3dp.com
Replacing Cooling Fans on Raise3D Pro 3 3D Printer
Replacing the cooling fans on your Raise3D Pro 3 3D printer involves a few steps. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:
Turn off the Printer and Disconnect Power:
First, turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
Access the Cooling Fan Area:
Move the printer to a convenient position.
Open the back cover of the cooling fan area. You’ll find the cooling fan assembly there.
Remove the Air Filter Fan Assembly:
Unscrew the 6 screws on the back cover of the cooling fan using a 2.5mm hex wrench.
For additional guidance, you can also refer to the official Raise3D Support Center for detailed instructions and diagrams.
IMG Source: raise3d.com
Maintaining Cooling Fans on Raise3D Pro 3 Printer
Maintaining the cooling fans on your Raise3D Pro 3 printer is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Let’s explore some steps and considerations for fan maintenance:
Fan Settings:
By default, the front cooling fan for each print head remains on to ensure proper cooling of the hot ends when the printer is heated up. This is a safety feature.
However, you can adjust the fan settings to suit your needs. Here’s how:
Click the gear icon in the top right corner of the printer interface.
Navigate to More Settings and then Advanced Settings.
Look for the fan control options at the bottom of the second page.
Idle and Cold State:
When the printer is idle and cold, the hotend fans run at maximum speed. This can create unnecessary noise, especially in an office environment.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct setting to completely stop all fans during idle periods. However, you can consider the following workarounds:
Front Hotend Fan: Since it’s a safety feature, it’s challenging to disable this fan entirely. You might need to tolerate its noise during idle times.
External Coolant Fan: This fan starts after a few layers when printing begins. While you can manually switch it off in the slicer, dynamic control based on temperature would be more desirable.
Noise Considerations:
Noise levels matter, especially in office settings. Excessive noise can impact productivity and even health.
If the external coolant fan noise disrupts conversations, consider:
Physical Switch: Install a front-mounted switch to manually control the fans.
Power Management: Turn off the printer when not in use to save power and reduce noise.
Inspect the nozzle, X/Y axes, Z-axis, and extruders.
After 800 Hours of Printing:
Additional maintenance for the interchangeable hotend, filament run-out sensor, and air flow manager.
Remember that maintaining your printer contributes to its reliability and longevity. If you encounter issues despite proper maintenance, consider reaching out to Raise3D’s after-sales support
IMG Source: angieslist.com
In conclusion, maintaining and troubleshooting the cooling fans of your Raise3D Pro 3 printer is vital for its longevity and print quality. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively replace the cooling fans and address common fan-related issues. Remember to source compatible replacement fans, adjust fan settings as needed, and prioritize fan maintenance to ensure your printer operates at its best.
For further assistance or detailed instructions, you can always refer to the Raise3D Support Center or community forums. Keep your Raise3D Pro 3 cooling fans in top shape for seamless 3D printing experiences!
