Phase Linear 400 Fan Assembly Project

update:
First part out of the printer. It looks good, i think, fan fits perfectly. Tomorrow i will attempt to print middle part and check how they fit together and if i can install them in my PL400.

few pics of the final print:
IMG_20170808_131950.jpgIMG_20170808_132028.jpg

with the fan installed
IMG_20170808_132328.jpgIMG_20170808_132313.jpg
 
Just facts, no attitude. You'd know it if there was attitude.

And yes, I'm having fun. Can't ya see me smiling?
 
Today i got the bridge piece printed. I installed all the parts and i connected right channel fan housing. It seems to be working fine. Everything fits, not much extra spice inside but i manage to jammed everything in.
I powered it up, fan is spinning, no smoke, I think i'm ready to print fan housing for the left channel tomorrow.
IMG_20170809_111931.jpgIMG_20170809_111906.jpg
 
Yesterday i installed what i have made so far to check if it all fits. Believe it or not, it does. Im printing the left channel housing now. it should be done in about 8h.

PL400 Fan Right Channel 1.jpgPL400 Fan Right Channel 2.jpg
 
The work is complete. i think im done with this project. I have it all assembled and ready to be install on my PL400.

Phase Linear 400 Fans 2.jpg

Officially, i have unofficial Phase Linear 400 WOPL Fan assembly :)
 
Yep, officially, unofficially ya got a fan assembly...
 
Phase Linear 400 Fans

Here is how it looks installed on my PL400. I tested the setup over the weekend and it works perfect.
PL400 Fan 1.jpgPL400 Fan 2.jpgPL400 Fan 3.jpgPL400 Fan 4.jpg


Fans are quiet and officiant. I don't hear anything while the amp is idle. Once the sound volume is up and amps temperature increases, my house shakes and the increased fan/moving air speed has no impact.
 
First production run scheduled? Will we see them on Ebay?
 
It looks great, beautiful. Truly outstanding workmanship. If you don't mind a suggestion for rev. 2, I think you could improve on the design and it's cooling ability a bit. Move the switch assembly to the outboard, either left or right, because its blocking the center section and actually decreasing thermal dissipation. That center section will retain heat the way you have it now. Then increase the fan diameters to 4". Well done
 
It looks great, beautiful. Truly outstanding workmanship. If you don't mind a suggestion for rev. 2, I think you could improve on the design and it's cooling ability a bit. Move the switch assembly to the outboard, either left or right, because its blocking the center section and actually decreasing thermal dissipation. That center section will retain heat the way you have it now. Then increase the fan diameters to 4". Well done

yes, your are right that the center piece is blocking the area a bit. My first design was to have the control board install on top of the power transformer, seating flat just above it, but i would have to print another piece for that. That would make it 4 pieces all together. Another 6h of printing. I decided to go with this design and see how it does. Thank you your suggestion, Right on point.

Larger fans are an option. i could make design changes to fit 110mm max. For my specific need 80mm fan is the best, i think, since my amp has a case and there is no room for the air to escape. I had to leave opening around the fan for hot air to get out. Units without a case definitely should get larger fans, not because they need it, necessarily, but why not do it since there is room and air can escape on top or bottom.
 
First production run scheduled? Will we see them on Ebay?

im not sure if 3d printing is a way to go for a mass production lol. The way i have it now takes about 24h of print time plus prepping and assembling time. I wont even mention a misprints and other 3D difficulties.

I dont even know if there is a demented for it. I think i could make one for someone but it comes down to $.
Best way would be to get a plastic injection mold, i could make it as one piece since there is no dimension limitation like i have with my printer, plus price would come down if i ordered a large amount.
 
Either way A very interesting project, thanks for sharing.
 
What did you use for the fan controller? I've played around with computer controllers that had a thermocouple sensor. They fit in an exterior drive bay.

For your installation you may want to consider removing the transistor covers. Since theamp is in a cabinet there's no concern of coming in contact with live transistor cases.
 
im not sure if 3d printing is a way to go for a mass production lol. The way i have it now takes about 24h of print time plus prepping and assembling time. I wont even mention a misprints and other 3D difficulties.

I dont even know if there is a demented for it. I think i could make one for someone but it comes down to $.
Best way would be to get a plastic injection mold, i could make it as one piece since there is no dimension limitation like i have with my printer, plus price would come down if i ordered a large amount.


Heh..Heh.., I was thinking more like sending your file to one of the rapid prototyping outfits like this:

https://xometry.com/urethane-casting
 
What did you use for the fan controller? I've played around with computer controllers that had a thermocouple sensor. They fit in an exterior drive bay.

For your installation you may want to consider removing the transistor covers. Since theamp is in a cabinet there's no concern of coming in contact with live transistor cases.

I did use a computer fan controller as well, There are quiet a few available. The one i got is made in China. You can find them on ebay and other sites as well.
 
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