I thought maybe someone is planning in upgrade their Voxelab Aquila (or Ender 3) the same way as I did, so here is what I did:

I used the original Satsana Model and changed it, so that it now supports the use of two 4010 fans (like noctua - for extra silence), also supports a DirectDrive and can function as base for a cable chain if used. I use it with my Voxelab Aquila, but as I upgraded to DirectDrive it now uses the same mount for fans as an Ender 3. Available for free here:

https://www.printables.com/de/model/537209-dual-4010-directdrive-cablechain-compatible-satsan

I used this DirectDrive Upgrade Kit:

UniTak3D Ender 3 Direct Drive Upgrade-Kit Conversion-Halterung für Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 Pro und Voxelab Aquila 3D-Drucker Compatibel with BMG Dual Drive&Bowden Extruder&Dual Gear Extruder(NOT for Neo) https://amzn.eu/d/g7KH2nK

Also I used this fans:

Noctua NF-A4x10 FLX, Leiser Premium-Lüfter, 3-Pin (40x10mm, Braun) https://amzn.eu/d/ff9L8Rv

And this cablechain:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4725903

Additional photos:

  • @thantikEnglish
    2•1 year ago

    Axial Fans are a bad application for this. Generally you need to limit yourself to around 11 degrees of air “bend” to get good flow. If you have more than that, typically you want a radial (squirrel cage) fan for this as they put out more static pressure. This allows it to overcome the pressure gradients necessary for good flow at the tip of your airflow exit.

    You’ll likely experience sub-par performance with this setup. You’ve got good design skills though!

    • @GorrothOPEnglish
      2•1 year ago

      Thanks, still learning all the features of fusion 360, but I’m getting better ;)

      Actually I am experiencing pretty perfect prints with this setup right now (perfect for me) and I can actually feel the air flow where it’s supposed to. But see and decide yourself :) Here some examples in different materials already printed with this type of fan setup

      Victorinox Scales in PLA:

      You maybe saw my first TPU iPhone case in this community, here is another design (made by myself this time):

      First layer side of a shelf I printed recently in PETG:

      • @thantikEnglish
        1•1 year ago

        The fan flow issue will show itself in much larger parts eventually. If all you’re doing is printing thin walled boxes, it’ll probably be okay. You’re already proficient in Fusion360 I’d say!

        • @GorrothOPEnglish
          2•1 year ago

          Thank you! I am trying my best to get even better :)

          Hmm… okay, that’s a point. I will have to try that someday and test how my fans are going to handle that. Indeed I never printed something over 24 hours print time. Mostly I need only smaller parts for around the house, in car or something like that. It’s very uncommon for me to print something like figures or decoration that takes that long to print. My decision to change the fan setup was pretty simple. I needed my printer to be quiet so that I can print at night (when the baby is sleeping). The stock fans were so loud you could hear the printer with closed doors a few rooms away. So I knew Noctua are quiet, but they don’t make the type of fan normally used for part cooling. So I came up with this solution (or gen1 of this to be more precise as this here is already gen3).