3D printed drying tunnel for Paterson reels

[Jockos]

Hi guys!

I'm just about finishing up a new project of mine: a film dryer for Paterson reels.

The tunnel is modular, and you can print out parts to accommodate as many reels as you'd like.
The tunnel uses a standard 80mm computer fan and filter - should cost less than $10 on ebay.
If you cant find a filter, I guess you could put the whole contraption in a sealed plastic bag to recirculate clean air, or put a stocking over the fan. You also need a 12V DC source to drive the fan.

The design uses three interlocking parts:
1. The lid, that houses one reel, the fan and filter.
2. The middle part, houses one reel - print as many as you need!
3. The bottom, has exhaust holes and has a trench that'll collect excess water.




I've fast printed a prototype, and everything seems to fit, but I'm sill waiting for the filter to arrive before I can do a live test.

The STL files can be downloaded from here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Z8RbaoYCpDqB1QcpXgLIrO95G8jFqkE9

Please let me know what you think!

 

[Jaime M]

Nice idea! I will print it, Thanks!!

 

[retinax]

Great idea! Wondering if one could use a tube from plumbing supplies as the middle part that holds the reels though, isn't 3d printing wasted on a plain tube? Could you design a sort of adapter to fit a common size tube?
Are the reel holding middle parts of reels with 135 or 120?
Anyhow I'll look into having this printed!

 

[Jockos]

Wondering if one could use a tube from plumbing supplies as the middle part that holds the reels though, isn't 3d printing wasted on a plain tube? Could you design a sort of adapter to fit a common size tube?

Yup, wouldn't take much effort at all!
One could even cut of the tubing part of the top and bottom, then give them both a "lip" that fits the pipe diameter.

It doesn't use much material, but it does take a few hours to print.. I printed mine in super low quality though - the tolerances allow for it! :angel:

Are the reel holding middle parts of reels with 135 or 120?

The top, bottom and middle holds 1 x 35 reel each, so for 2 x 35 or 1 x 120 roll you don't need the middle at all. For 4 x 35 or 2 x 120 you'd need two mid sections.
Or the equivivalent amount of plumbing 🙂