Fan speed too low at 100% (compared to identical model)

[Westerterp 0]

Dear community,

I'm working with two almost identical Ultimaker 2's at a local Fablab. I've run into problems several times with one of the two. The printed model on one printer is slightly sagging compared to the other printer.

I have discovered that the two 'side fans' left and right of the extruder on one model generate much less airflow than the other model.

I've excluded the firmware by updating both models with the latest firmware (no issues) with the latest Cura version (15.04.4).

When I set both Ultimaker 2's on 100% fan speed in Maintenance I discover two issues:

1. The airflow on the 'faulty model' is much lower for both fans compared to the other model.

2. The fans on the 'faulty model' start and stop immediately when I raise from 0% and only start running again at 100% (but with much less airflow)

The fans on the 'faulty mode' have Deep Cool fans (but except for the sticker identical to the Ultimaker fans) and the other model has Ultimaker fans.

Who can tell me what the issue is here and possibly how to fix it?

Auke

[SandervG 1,521]

Hi Auke,

Welcome to the forums!

Could you tell us a little bit more about the Ultimakers that you are using?

Are both regular Ultimaker 2's or Ultimaker 2+? And are they upgraded / modified in anyway like an Olsson Block or custom fan shroud?

Pictures are always helpful

Did you purchase both at the same time?

Thank you,

[Westerterp 0]

Hi Sander,

both Ultimaker 2's are regular models without updates or mods. They were purchased at about the same time, but I cannot tell if they are from the same 'batch'.

I'll skip the pictures because I reckon they will not really help show the difference in fan speeds..

[IRobertI 520]

You could try swapping the fans between the printers to see if there's an issue with the fans, or something with the controller board. If you do, remove the whole fan bracket, the screws that hold the fans in place can be a pain to get to hold properly again if you unscrew them.

[SandervG 1,521]

Thank you for your reply.

I'll ask internally if we have ever used deep cool fans, in an attempt to find out if the fans are the reason for your issues. Not every fan is identical, and it could be that it requires a different amount of voltage to kickstart, or it can only run at full power.

This is just a mere option. So perhaps it is something completely different.

Like Roberts suggestion, swapping the fans could give you more insight.

Looking forward hearing from you if you have given this a chance, otherwise I'll let you know when I hear back about the deep cool fans.