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80mm fan PSU Cover for Ender 3 v2 & Aquila with USB ports - No Supports

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Creation quality: 5.0/5 (3 votes)
Evaluation of members on the printability, utility, level of detail, etc.

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  • 13 likes
  • 132 downloads

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3D design format
STL Folder details Close
  • Option_3_PSU_Cover_v2_-_Main_Section_for_single_USB_port.stl
  • Optional_-_PSU_Cover_v2_-_USB_ports_Cage_-_Larger_holes.stl
  • Optional_PSU_Cover_v2_-_Main_Section_for_USB_ports.stl
  • PSU Running Boards.stl
  • PSU_Cover_v2_-_Fan_Cage.stl
  • PSU_Cover_v2_-_Main_Section.stl
  • PSU_Cover_v2_-_Rear_Section.stl
  • PSU_Cover_v2_-_UpdatedFrame.stl

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Last update 2023-01-21 at 02:15
Publication date 2022-05-12 at 18:01
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Published to Thingiverse on: 2021-09-23 at 08:07
Design number 722814

3D printer file info

3D model description

Let me first give credit to the designs that inspired mine. I drew this one from scratch but I originally liked the idea from TerraVestra's design (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4548187) as well as CyberwareDK's remix (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4601320). In fact, I originally remixed that design myself, (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4830172) but this one is a new creation.

Why the change?

The original concept had to be printed with lots of supports and be printed vertically. For anyone starting out in 3D printing and looking to quiet their printer, those are probably two of the more challenging aspects to deal with. So this design lets you print everything flat on the bed and almost completely eliminates supports... Almost (just 1.4mm worth remain).

The other thing I wanted to eliminate was something that bothered me from the way the PSU is mounted on the printer. In order to remove the PSU's cover for any reason, I had to entirely remove the PSU from the printer because the cover screws for the PSU are on the sides. This design eliminates that problem and gives me quick access to the terminals or even to the inside of the PSU itself.

What you'll need:

One 80x80x25 case fan. (1200 RPMs works best)
8 total fan screws (4 for the fan, & 4 for the PSU frame)
At least 4 printed sections - 5 if you chose the USB output converter
Optional: 1 USB buck-converter (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZKPDWS4/)
Optional: A couple of wires to connect the USB buck-converter to the PSU
Option 3 is to print the main section that houses just one USB port (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DKPZYGX/). Just one more choice in case you only want one USB connection in the back.

How does it work?

The cover prints in 3 parts to minimize or eliminate the need for supports but you also need to print the fan cage for a total of 4 parts. If you decide to use the buck converter, instead of printing the normal "Main Section," replace it with the optional "Main Section for USB ports," and add the USB ports cage and you'll end up with a total of 5 printed parts.

Installation is simple but I recommend attaching the frame to PSU first and then the main section to the frame using two screws before attaching the rear section to the frame and main section using the two remaining screws. After that, the frame should remain attached the PSU and never have to come out.

A note about the Rear Section

This is the only part that needs to be printed with supports. That said, it only requires the supports on the overlapping lip that will join with the Main Section (it's only 1.4mm tall). You can block out the supports under the cable-guide overhang because I've placed three support pillars there that will enable the printer the bridge the initial layer. Trust me this is much better than trying to remove the supports from that section and the pillars will snap right off. There will be some slack on the first layer of the overhang, but it shouldn't affect functionality.

A note about the USB-ports buck-converter

I added this because I'm running a RaspberryPi with OctoPrint on it and wanted it powered directly from my printer. However, you can also use it to power any other USB device.
To wire it, run wires from the + and - terminals on the printer's 24V power supply. This converter takes the 24V and turns it into 5V USB current.

Option 3

Another version of the main cover that incorporates the USB cage into the print. This one though, uses a different buck-converter that has only one USB port. (link is above). It can still be printed without supports if your printer can bridge decently.

Sagging Cover

From my own experience, I've come to realize that with the weight of the fan and the USB boards, the entire cover tends to sag over time. My apologies to previous printers of this model for this inconvenience. However, I think I've come up with a way to prevent or at least minimize the problem.

I've uploaded a file called "PSU Running Boards" (I didn't want to use the word supports), that can be printed with any of the three cover options. The result is that the cover will have two beams running along the edges that should help with the sagging.

How to re-print: The process is fairly simple, just re-print the cover you need while overlaying the running boards in the same gcode file (I've posted a couple of screenshots of the steps).

Step 1 - Load both files/models into your slicer and center them (keep the USB openings unobstructed)

Step 2 - Then select both models (Ctrl+A) and group them.

That's it, just slice and print as you would normally.


Risers

You'll need your printer at least 30mm off the ground for proper clearance with these mods. For that purpose, I've created a couple of different riser/feet options:

This one uses the stock rubber pads:
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ender-3-aquila-raised-legs-for-cooling-fans

This one uses the v-slots:
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/v-slot-risers-tool-holders-50mm

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Update 26-09-2021

Made slight modifications to the frame model for a better fit.

Update 08-02-2022

Thank you to aod_fan for pointing out that the holes on the USB cage were too small. I've enlarged them just like he did in his remix.

3D printing settings

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