select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

Best material for vibration-dampers fan spacers

0
Y
2

Help, I need to reduce vibrations transmitted to the enclosure and improve airflow efficiency for 3D-printed spacers for mounting cooling fans on an industrial control cabinet. These spacers need to provide some damping without compromising structural integrity. Would a flexible material like TPU be the best choice, or would a rigid polymer like PETG or ABS with specific print settings (infill density, layer height, wall thickness) offer better vibration isolation?

    • Y

      Help, I need to reduce vibrations transmitted to the enclosure and improve airflow efficiency for 3D-printed spacers for mounting cooling fans on an industrial control cabinet. These spacers need to provide some damping without compromising structural integrity. Would a flexible material like TPU be the best choice, or would a rigid polymer like PETG or ABS with specific print settings (infill density, layer height, wall thickness) offer better vibration isolation?

      0
    • C

      If vibration damping is your main concern, TPU might seem like the obvious choice, but it can be too flexible, which might cause the fan to shift or vibrate excessively. A rigid material with some damping properties is often a better balance between stability and vibration reduction. Alternatively, a TPU part with a rigid part inserted into it can give you control over the final stiffness.

      For this kind of application, PA12 (Nylon 12) is usually the best option. It has excellent impact resistance and some natural vibration absorption while maintaining structural integrity. If you get it printed using MJF or SLS, you won’t have to worry about infill settings or layer thickness, as these processes produce solid, high-quality parts with uniform properties. The beauty of MJF is you can select the material stiffness as it co-prints which allows rigid/flexible revisions by mixing on the fly.

      0
      Reply
      • Y
        CommunityMember

        That’s interesting! I hadn’t considered MJF as an option. If I can’t get that service, would nylon12 be better than PETG or ABS for this?

        0
        Reply
Best material for vibration-dampers fan spacers
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
SLA material for outdoor indicator lenses
hi,  I'm recreating two small indicator lenses for a 1980s motorcycle restoration. These need to be clear, UV-stable, and able to handle exposure to sun and rain long-term. I’m planning to go with SLA... read more
R
0
0
May 06
Steel Advice
HelloI would like to request a quote for cold cutting tools (no temperature problems). I usually work with high-speed steels, for their hardness and the relative ease of re-sharpening, but none is offered in... read more
m
P
1
24
Apr 30
Fuel-resistant material for 3D printing
Hi! I'm restoring an older two-stroke motorcycle and need to replace a worn-out venturi nozzle that draws in fuel-air mix. I’m considering having it 3D printed, but I’m unsure which material would best hold... read more
A
M
1
26
May 02
MJF material with the best low-temp resistance
Hello, I need to produce a small housing component for an outdoor sensor unit. I thought MJF could be a good fit for prototyping and potentially low-volume production. The part needs to handle exposure... read more
J
1
77
Apr 15
Coated fasteners for stainless steel in coastal environments
We need to create a stainless steel structure for outdoor use in a coastal environment, and corrosion is our primary concern. We're considering coated fasteners but need to understand whether thicker coatings provide adequate... read more
M
C
1
128
Mar 18