3D printed Hoover 20 blade fan

[vacsofprosper]

https://www.printables.com/model/675714-hoover-elite-20-blade-fan-impeller

 

[huskyvacs]

It's just a download template, you need the machine to make it. I would bring into concern how it would hold up to high RPM forces and not explode into pieces. As I understand, 3D printed plastic is weaker than actual factory formed plastic.

 

[captchar]

now since I dabble in 3d printing, I've replicated the 500 series kirby wheels, im not sure what the RPM of the hoover elite motor is, I think the standard hoover fans today are ABS or something similar

 

[lesinutah]

Hey

Cap
Check your email please thanks
Les

 

[vacuumman]

Materials

I've done quite a bit of 3D Printing and I won't really trust a fan made of normal, home-use 3D printing materials, just because I don't know what would happen if I accidentally suck up something hard. However, there are some services that print with stronger materials (using a laser to solidify powder), which may be able to withstand impacts better. There are also services that can make metal objects based on a 3D Model via methods such as lost wax casting, so it may be possible to create a metal Elite fan if you really desire (However, this may cost much more than the vacuum).

 

[captchar]

now I know nothing about metal printing but pcbway has these options, now the one thing I will say, i have to agree making a new fan for an older machine might be a headache, another solution would be to look around for a fan that will fit and still work the vacuum even if not correct

 

[huskyvacs]

Cost is not an issue, you do whatever it takes to repair the vacuum. It's about preservation. That's why people are paying $60-$90 for Hoover Elites now, nobody preserved them and they are all gone, so when they come up for sale, they command big money as people fight to get one.

 

[captchar]

does anyone know what the original fan for one of these units looks like?

 

[kirbylux77]

Vacuumman - A metal fan in a Hoover Elite? That would be awesome if one could be 3D Printed and made for those uprights! The increase in performance and durability would be noticeable.

And just imagine, a metal fan might just give it the same performance as a Kirby or Royal Metal upright with the metal fan. Oops, cue the outraged Kirby fans now for even suggesting that LOL .

 

[vacuumman]

Metal Fan

I looked on Craftcloud3D and it will cost $136.97 for an aluminum fan and $213.88 for a stainless steel fan. Pretty expensive, but it probably wouldn't be the worst idea if you want something that is more durable.

 

[kloveland]

What about balancing of the fan? How would you go about making sure it's balanced?

 

[captchar]

I got a quote from a local company here, for nylon carbon fiber, should put it on par with a kirby fan, so yeah there exists a means, its just a matter if 


A how strong this will be, and the durability life prices are in CAD

 

[captchar]

as for balancing you could try a lawnmower blade scale, granted if the blade is made or printed professionally it might already be pretty balanced


also im seeing two different fans for the Elite, a 6 blade which was replaced by the 20 blade it seems

[this post was last edited: 2/20/2024-14:58]

 

[huskyvacs]

The issue with the metal fan would be if the motor is built to take that much weight and load. I wouldn't replace it with a metal fan, there's a chance you would increase the wear damage to the motor or overheat it.

 

[repairman]

Elite Fans

I experimented a few months ago with this. I took a fan from an Oreck XL21 and expanded the 1/4 hole to 5/16 with a drill bit. No further modifications were necessary. I found the corresponding nut at Menards for less than a dollar. It's a 5/16-18 REVERSE thread.

Measuring suction from the intake with a 7 blade fan read 50" of water lift.

The Oreck fan read around 42". It was only used in the early XL21s that had a split fan case. Later units integrate the fan inside the fan chamber and it's sold as one piece.

I also tried a Eureka Bravo fan, but found it to be too tall even though the diameter was roughly the same.

 

[kloveland]

Mike,

That is really smart! Thanks for the info. I will try using an Oreck XL 21 fan the next time I need a fan for an Elite.