I thought of inserting anti-dust filters in front fans but they (shop crew)
told me that the filters won't fit.
So I am thinking of alternative solution.
Anyone know what kind of material is used in anti-dust filters? I could try
to fit it between the front panel and the fans.
any help appreciated
Maciek
It is open-cell foam or for finer filters, woven fibers. Generally this
can be ignored, as they're simply "filters"... use whatever filter medium
suits your needs, the amount and size of dirt/dust particles in your
environment, considering the ability to clean the filter, the cleaning or
replacement interval, and the restriction on airflow... filters
significantly reduce airflow. Naturally another consideration is
clearance, a folded paper filter is very effective but multiple times
thicker than open-cell foam. Paper types are generally far too
restrictive to use flat instead of folded, so the issue is then how much
space is available inbetween fans and backside of front bezel. The harder
part of what you want to do is to mount the filter so that it's easily
replaceable. On a filtered case I'm modifying I have cemented very strong
magnets to the bezel so it's completely removable to change the filter,
though you may come up with a different approach that works as well for
your particular case.
I'm putting together a case right now with a similar filtering method, in
which I'm using an air-conditioning filter cut down to size and sealed on
the edges with foam rubber weatherstripping. The weatherstrip will also
seal the bezel-to-case-framework so there is minimal leakage around the
filter. The filter was about 38cm x 61cm x 6mm and cost about $1.60 at a
local "Biggs" superstore. The primary benefit to the type I chose was
that it has the filter medium bonded to plastic framework that supports
it... you can get exact same filter material without the plastic
framework.
My project isn't finished yet, but I've taken a few pictures. What may
not be clear from the pictures is that the filter material sits back about
1cm from the front wall of the bezel so air will flow though practically
the entire filter, not just the small regions immediately behind the front
slits. By so drastically increasing the filter area it will have lower
airflow reduction and need cleaned less often... though since a $1.60 kit
makes 2 filters i may never clean it, just swap in a new one every few
months. I used strips of bay faceplate to make the mounting for the foam
surround, cemented on with PVC pipe cleaner (the purple stuff in the
pics). I used it because it was handy, i already had plenty of it.
Basically it's more acetone than anything else IIRC.
The rest of the case isn't finished yet, but the front wall of it has 3 x
92mm fans blowing through a 9 bay HDD rack. The project would be easier
if I'd mounted the fans on the interior wall of the case but instead,
since the front bezel was deep enough, I mounted them on the exterior in
the empty space behind the bezel which will maximize the amount of space
remaining in the case interior. I do have a similar case to the Chieftec
you mention and IIRC, it's fans are on inside wall of case so although you
don't have as much bezel clearance as that in my pictures, you still have
adequate space for filter.
http://69.36.189.159/usr_1034/filtered/