Does the noise that your 3D printer makes bother you when you are printing your designs? If you're like most, you're probably looking for a way to silence her. In this article, I am going to show you the best ways to silence a 3D printer.
Change motherboard:
One of the best ways to silence a 3D printer is by changing the motherboard.
If you have an Ender 3, Ender 3 PRO, Ender 5 PRO for example, you can go for the TCM 2225 silent motherboard.
This motherboard uses silent stepper motor drivers and can significantly reduce noise from your 3D printer.
In addition, this update can also improve the quality of your prints, since the TCM2225 motherboard can provide better precision in the movements of the printer.
Here below is the link to Amazon for TMC2225 Driver Board for Ender-3 / Ender-3 Pro/Ender 3 V2/Ender 5 /Ender 5 Pro
- Compared with the previous motherboard, it is quieter and less noisy using the TMC2208 controller, Marlin...
See all makes and models of silent motherboard (check the model of your printer well)
Video channel: 3D For Everything
Change fans:
3D printer fans are another major source of noise. Therefore, changing them can be a good solution.
The Noctua fans they are an excellent choice as they are quieter than standard fans. Plus, you can install Noctua fans with custom adapters to fit your printer.
I'll leave you the link to the Noctua fans in case you want to check them out on Amazon.
- High quality silent fan, 40x40x10 mm, 12V, 3-pin Molex, 4500/3700 RPM, max. 17.9 dB(A), >150,000 hrs MTTF
Another option are the Super silent fan, these fans are just as quiet as the Noctua, although they are cheaper they can be a good option if you want a quiet 3D printer.
- ✅ A Silent 40mm Fan for 3D Printer with an effective design from the Super Silent series. The high-speed engine…
Making these changes requires some knowledge, as the noctua fans are 12V while the Ender 3 originals are 24V.
Therefore you should be very careful if you decide to change them. Look for videos on youtube to inform you well before.
Video channel: BricoGeek
Use vibration dampers:
The dampers are pieces that are placed between the motors and the structure of the printer. These components can absorb the vibration generated and reduce the noise of the motor of your 3D printer.
Dampers can be an effective solution to mute noise from a 3D printer.
They are recommended for Ender 3 since in other models of 3D printers they can get hot and cause skipping steps
- 1. These vibration dampers are suitable for 3D printers and other NEMA17 stepper motors adopted by...
Video channel: Teaching Tech (Activate subtitles)
Enclose the printer:
Soundproofing can be an effective way to soundproof a 3D printer. This can be done by placing the printer in a soundproof cabinet or enclosure.
In this way, you can reduce the noise generated by the printer and maintain a quieter environment.
In addition, the box can also help maintain a more constant temperature, which can improve the quality of your prints.
If you decide to enclose your printer, make sure the box is ventilated and has enough space for the 3D printer to run smoothly.
It is possible to build your own with a few basic materials. Here you can see the prices of some panels self-adhesive acoustic foam on Amazon.
Conclusions of silencing a 3D printer:
As you can see, there are several effective ways to silence a 3D printer. From changing the motherboard, fans and vibration dampers, to enclosing the printer, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Before choosing an option, you should consider how much time and money are you willing to invest.
For example, changing the motherboard and fans can be more expensive than just adding some vibration dampers. Additionally, some options may require technical and DIY skills to install correctly.
The option you choose will depend on your specific needs and how much you are willing to spend. With any of these options, you can reduce the noise from your 3D printer and still print in peace and quiet.
Before making any changes to your 3D printer, it's important to do your research and make sure you know what you're doing.
And if you don't feel comfortable making changes to the electronics of your 3D printer, You can always seek the help of a professional.
Frequent questions:
Is it safe to change the motherboard of a 3D printer?
Yes, it is safe to change the motherboard of a 3D printer as long as you know what you are doing and have experience in electronics and programming. If you're not sure how to do it, it's best to seek help from someone who has experience in this area.
How noisy can the fans of a 3D printer make?
The fans of a 3D printer can be quite noisy, depending on the model and brand of the printer. In general, high speed fans tend to be noisier than low speed ones. Noctua fans are an excellent option to reduce noise from your 3D printer.
Do vibration dampers really help reduce noise from a 3D printer?
Yes, vibration dampers can help reduce noise from a 3D printer by absorbing vibrations that are generated during printing. However, it is important to note that not all vibration dampers are created equal and some may be more effective than others.
Do I need to enclose my 3D printer to reduce noise?
Not necessarily. Enclosing a 3D printer can help reduce noise, but it can also increase the temperature inside the build chamber, which can affect the quality of your prints. If you decide to enclose your 3D printer, make sure that the temperature inside the build chamber does not exceed the limits recommended by the printer manufacturer.
Thank you for your visit, I invite you to read: «How to store 3D printing filaments» a publication that may interest you.
