The 3D prints I enjoy the most are the ones designed for a specific need. Not saying I don’t enjoy all the “everyday” prints like containers, vases, boxes and all their variations. If it wasn’t enjoyable, I wouldn’t be doing it.
The designs that solve a particular need are the most fun.
Most recently is the dust filter case for the Intel NUC small computer. This ultra compact PC has an internal blower to keep the electronic components at the proper operating temperature. The case is so compact, that there is no provision for filtering dust from the entering cooling air.
My personal hard working Intel NUC acquired so much linty dust internally that it nearly completely blocked the cooling fins. There was a solid mat 3 to 4 mm thick of lint on the heat sink fins. The overheating was severely affecting system operation including creating POST failures.
After tearing the NUC completely apart and cleaning every internal part; I decided the best solution would be to add a dust/lint filter to the intake air stream.
I designed and printed a wrap around case that can hold a standard 12cm x 12cm computer fan filter. Being this large would create minimal air restriction (when clean) and be easy to check and clean when necessary.
The following pictures will show the problem and the solution I created (and printed) to alleviate the internal dust issue.
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| Inside NUC case. Note huge lint plug left side of blower outlet. | Note amount of lint protruding from face of heat exchanger. |
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| NUC with 12CM x 12CM dust filter insert into bottom | NUC with flter fully inserted |
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| This shows where filtered air travels up each side to both intake grills on sides of NUC |
Notch in top on left side is to allow NUC case to be inserted into new case with SD memory card protruding from reader slot on left side of original NUC case. Small cap inserted into hole to block air entry.