Hey tech enthusiasts! Carolina here, sharing with you my deep dive into the world of 3D printers. Ever felt the hum and buzz from your beloved Ender 3 series printer was a tad too loud? Worry not, I’ve got some innovative solutions to help you cut down that noise, making your printing experience even more delightful. ️
How to Achieve Zen with a Quieter Ender 3 Printer?
1. Upgrade to a Silent Mainboard
The Ender 3 V2 boasts one of the coolest features: its own 32-bit silent mainboard with TMC drivers, letting you print at a mere whisper of 50 decibels. If you’re still using the Ender 3 or Ender 3 Pro, I’ve got great news! You can give them a solid upgrade with a noise-reducing mainboard, such as the renowned Creality V4.2.7 Mute Silent Mainboard. Many techies, including myself, vouch for its efficacy. You could also go the extra mile with the BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V2.0 Control Board. It’s a bit pricier but packs a punch in terms of features.
2. Swap Out Those Noisy Fans
Ever noticed that the Ender 3 series printers come equipped with fans that seem to have their own ‘personality’? The most modified among these is the hot end fan. For a quieter performance, I recommend the Noctua NF-A4x10 Premium Quiet Fans. They’re a popular swap-out among the Ender 3 family.
3. Consider Printing in an Enclosure
Using an enclosure not only keeps the noise in check but also provides a consistent temperature for better print quality. Plus, it makes your setup look super professional! The Creality Fireproof & Dustproof Enclosure is my go-to recommendation.
4. Dampen Those Vibrations – Stepper Motor Upgrade
Stepper motors are the unsung heroes of 3D printing, but boy, can they be loud! Tackle the noise by upgrading your motors with something like the NEMA 17 Stepper Motor Vibration Dampers.
5. Muffle the Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The Ender 3’s PSU can sometimes sound like it’s trying to communicate with aliens. Either get a cover for it or switch to a quieter MeanWell power supply.
6. Think About TL Smoothers
These nifty gadgets slide between the stepper motors and their drivers, reducing vibrations and, subsequently, the noise.
7. Give Your Ender 3 Some Soft Feet
By introducing vibration-absorbing feet, like the ones you can 3D print from Thingiverse, you can significantly dampen the noise. Plus, they look cute!
8. Ground Your Printer with a Solid Base
Ensure your printer stands on a firm and stable surface. This minimizes the chances of vibrations amplifying any noises. Check out my list of top tables and workbenches suitable for 3D printing!
9. Concrete Paver & Dampening Combo
Imagine this: your Ender 3 on a concrete block, on top of dampening foam. Sounds good, right? This combo can cut down noise by up to 10 decibels and even enhances the quality of your prints.
Embarking on a journey to silence your Ender 3 can be thrilling, and the outcomes? Purely rewarding. While you’re at it, explore other exciting modifications and upgrades to enhance your 3D printing experience. Keep printing and keep innovating! ✨