Print cooling upgrade

Note: This is an updated design to the printed fan duct Robo previously released, found here.

The Precision Air Flow (PAF) printed fan duct modification provides better air flow while printing with your Robo C2 or R2. Follow this step-by-step guide to install your new 3D printed fan duct with a screwdriver. The fan duct can significantly improve print cooling and overhang quality. 

Download the model and print

First, before uninstalling anything, make sure to download and print out the new fan ducts. The STL files can be found here on Thingiverse. We recommend using a higher temperature material when printing these parts, as we have found that regular PLA will warp over time. If you use PLA, keep an eye out to when you need to reprint and replace the warped parts. 

Print Settings

There are two separate models to download. One has break-away supports built into the model, and one does not. If you use the break-away supports, make sure to turn off the 'supports' option in your slicing program. After this is printed, proceed with the rest of the article.

We recommend a layer height of 0.2mm and an infill of 50% or greater. 

NOTE: If you install this modification, you may end up with a thermal runaway error, meaning your hotend is being cooled too much. If this is happening, turn down your fan speed and also disable fans until height 10-15mm. These settings can be found in the article mentioned above.

Installing your new 3D printed fan duct

Before you start, home your bed and move the extruder to the front and center of the printer in order to give yourself enough space to access the screws beneath the extruder. Afterwards, shut off your printer.

Step 1) Locate the screw to the back right of the hotend. You can also remove the magnetic plate if you're having a hard time locating the screw. 

NOTE: If you printed the Precision Air Flow fan mounts with the built-in supports, start by pulling the tabs labeled "PULL".

Step 2) Take the larger of the 2 pieces you have printed, and place it as shown below. Make sure to shave off any debris if it does not easily fit into place. 

Step 3) Now take the screw from step one and screw it back into place through the printed fan duct. See pictures below for reference. Make sure to tighten down this screw to prevent it from vibrating loose during printing.

Step 4) Now, repeat the steps above, but on the left side. Loosen the left screw, located behind the hotend to the left, until it drops out. Be sure to not lose this screw.

Step 5) Take the smaller of the 2 pieces you printed and put it in place as shown below. Again, make sure to shave off any debris if it does not easily fit into place. 

Step 6) Now, take the screw from step 4 and screw it back into place through the printed fan duct. See pictures below for reference. Make sure to tighten down this screw to prevent it from vibrating loose during printing.

You are done! That was easy :) Now print away!

Finished product and airflow simulation