Soldering Fume Extractor

[Announcement]: Model Update!

Just a quick announcement. For those interested in a simpler grille solution. I have uploaded some clip-on grilles. No stand-offs, heat-set inserts or screws required! Simply print with no top or bottom layers, and clip straight onto the frame! Optionally, there are embedded slots for inserting magnets! This lets you make use of magnetic filter and air hose attachments.

Noctua 140mm Fume Extractor

This model collection assembles to make a high-speed fume extractor using a 140mm Noctua fan. The speed is controllable using a front-facing potentiometer. The latest version uses a Raspberry Pi Pico as the controller. Using two buck converters, this circuit is compatible with inputs from 12-36V.

Files

Files you need for this build are:

• 1x Electronics Mounting Base
• 1x Top Case
• 2x Side Panel
• 2x Fan Pivot Clip
• (Optional) Fan grilles and attachments
• (Optional) Circuit board clips 

Looking to make your own modifications? A step file of the assembly is now available!

Required Materials

A high build quality was the emphasis of this project, so fairly expensive components were chosen. If you are on a tight budget, this is not the build for you.

The majority of the components are summarised including their pricing in this spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1irPvib1tXfSU7--r57gDvYrw_rV-BrZM6r8uFDEZNLo/edit?usp=sharing

These materials were sourced locally in Australia and are priced in AUD.

Additional materials not listed include the carbon filter, wires, solder, pins and connectors. 

Assembly

Assembly is relatively simple once all parts have been printed. Key steps are described below, however this is not intended as a definitive guide:

• Heat-set each of the 23 brass threaded inserts:
  • 2x in the pivoting clips
  • 8x in the top case
  • 5x in the bottom case
• Solder connections for each of the circuit boards.
• Clip the circuit boards into their mounting clips.
• Screw down the clipped boards into the bottom case - use the washers as spacers, or use 6mm screws to prevent dimpling on the underside of the bottom case
• Clip on the fan pivot clips.
  • With the exhaust facing away from you, be sure that the cable attachment point is positioned at the bottom left - this makes routing the cable through the top case hole easier.
• Thread the fan cable into the top case, and connect with the rest of the electronics
• Screw the potentiometer into the front of the top case.
• Finish up any connections, program the Pico and test all the electronics.
• Screw the case closed, then screw the fan mounting panels to the top case and pivoting clips.
  • Gradually tighten the pivot screws until the fan holds its position when tilted.
• Clip on the fan grilles.
• Attach a decorative knob to the potentiometer and optionally add an intake filter.

For further reading, check out my blog post about this project: https://jankoclock.wordpress.com/2023/12/08/soldering-fume-extractor/