Some Extra Cooling – 3D Print Solution

When electronic devices or small enclosures—like Raspberry Pi cases, NAS units, or mini PC setups—start to run hot, a little extra cooling can go a long way. One creative and efficient way to add better airflow is by using 3D-printed cooling solutions. Whether you're building a custom rig or modifying an existing enclosure, 3D printing offers flexibility for unique thermal challenges.

Popular solutions include fan mounts, vented covers, air ducts, and even full-blown active cooling housings. With a 3D printer, you can easily design or download STL files tailored to your specific components. For example, if your NAS enclosure lacks airflow over the hard drives, you could print a low-profile bracket to mount a 40mm or 60mm fan directly where it’s needed—without drilling or gluing.

PLA is generally fine for most cooling brackets or mounts since they don’t usually come in direct contact with high heat. But for parts closer to warm components like CPU heatsinks or GPU exhaust, PETG or ABS is recommended due to their higher temperature resistance.

Websites like Thingiverse, Printables, and Cults3D host thousands of user-submitted designs. You’ll find everything from clip-on laptop fan boosters to intricate cooling shrouds for power supplies.

Before printing, double-check the fan size, screw hole spacing, and clearance within your device. If you have CAD skills, you can tweak designs in Fusion 360 or Tinkercad for a perfect fit.

In summary, if your gear is heating up and airflow is limited, adding 3D-printed cooling enhancements is a practical, low-cost DIY fix. With the right model and a little planning, you can cool things down—literally and figuratively.