80mm pwm fan

Types of 80mm PWM fans

An 80mm Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) fan is a standardized compact cooling device utilized in various electronic devices to regulate temperature. They are smaller than the standard fan size. These fans are commonly used in devices where space is an issue but where sufficient cooling and ventilation are necessary. The main components of the fan include the housing, blades, stator, rotor, commutator, brush, and speed controller. The components of the fans are assembled in a square or circular housing unit.

The fan effectively prevents devices from overheating and thus prolongs their life span. It moves a set volume of air per minute, referred to as airflow. An 80mm fan with more airflow is preferred for use in devices. There are various types of 80mm PWM fans that serve different functions in various devices.

• Case Fans: 80mm Case Fans are used in the housing or case of computers. The computer case is the area where a computer is built or housed. The 80mm case fans help cool down the components of the computer that generate a lot of heat. The cooling is done by drawing cooler air from the surrounding area into the case to cool down the warmer components.
• CPU Fans: CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80mm PWM cooling fans are used to cool the processor. The processor is the main part of the computer that executes instructions and processes data. An 80mm fan for the CPU comes with a hub that is independently controlled. The independently controlled hub allows for disconnecting the fan for a drive upgrade.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU) fans: The Power Supply Unit is the portion of the computer that converts electricity from the outlet into a form that the computer can use to power its components. An 80mm PWM PSU fan is used to cool down the power supply unit. It prevents it from overheating as it carries out its function of converting electricity and powering hardware components.
• Gadget Cooling Fans: These help cool down electronic devices such as gaming consoles, routers, projectors, 3D printers, and laptops. The gaming console fan, for instance, prevents gaming consoles such as Xbox and Play Station from overheating. A 3D printer cooling fan will target parts of the printer that get heated, such as the print head and hot end.

Specifications and Maintenance of 80mm PWM Fans

Generic specifications for an 80mm fan include the following:

• Fan Size: Size is measured by taking the distance across the square housing diagonal. This is done in millimeters. Therefore, the fan will measure 80mm across.
• Fan Speed: An 80mm fan speed, the number of RPMs the fan achieves, and is measured in revolutions per minute can change based on adapter power from 2,000 to 4,500. The more the fan blades spin, the more air the fan moves.
• Airflow: The amount of air that passes over the fan blades measured in CFM is affected by the physical size of the fan and the speed at which the blades spin. An 80mm fan will typically have an airflow rating of around 30 to 50 CFM.
• Noise Level: An 80mm fan will do its job of moving air, but the sound it makes may bother some people. An 80mm fan is rated in decibels. The smaller the fan, the harder the motor to push the blades, and the higher the noise level. A standard rating for an 80mm fan is around 22-29 dBA.
• Power Rating: An80mm fan will use more electricity if it spins faster.Most 80mm fans use about 1.5 to 3 watts of power.

In the case of 80mm ball bearing fans, they often have a longer lifespan due to the additional lubrication and internal components. To prolong their lifespan, it is essential to maintain them regularly. The maintenance process may include the following:

• Cleaning: Cleaning the fan often will keep dirt and dust from building up on the fan blades, which reduces the airflow. For 80mm fans, this can be done with a soft brush or cloth weekly. Some weekly compressed air blowing can also help get dust out of hard-to-reach areas of the fan.
• Lubrication: For 80mm fans with lubrication ports, the lubrication process may be done once or twice a year. Lubricating the fan keeps the motor bearings from wearing out, which extends the fan's life. Using a small amount of lubricant and applying it to the ports helps reduce friction when the fan spins.
• Storage: Storing a fan in a clean and dry place when not in use is the best option. Keeping them in an anti-static bag helps preserve the component and prevents dust from getting into the fan.

Usage scenarios of an 80mm PWM fan

The use of an 80mm PWM fan is not limited to a computer. Many machines and appliances use it to control or circulate air. Here are some alternative applications of the 80mm fan.

• HVAC system

  A rotatable 80mm HVAC PWM fan is small enough to fit into an air-conditioning unit or heater. It is used to either cool the refrigerant in the AC to facilitate heat exchange or to blow warm air from the heater into the room. Such small fans are used for window or portable air conditioners to reduce the indoor and outdoor noise levels. Moreover, the indoor unit can be kept compact.

• Lab equipment

  In laboratories, an 80mm PWM lab equipment fan can be used to cool sensitive electronic components or pipette tips. It may also be used to ventilate fume hoods or drying ovens. In fume hoods, the fan extracts hazardous fumes to make the workspace safer for technicians. Some centrifuges and refrigerators also use the 80mm fan to prevent overheating of internal components and ensure stable operation during high-speed centrifugation or refrigeration processes.

• Printers

  An 80 mm fan is often used in 3D printers for cooling purposes. It may cool down the print or some overheating parts like the hotend. Some printers use it for the printed object's cooling to obtain better fidelity and resolution. Other printers use the fan to stabilize the machine's interior temperature and ensure consistent printing results. Furthermore, the fans help to lessen the risk of fires and overheating incidents.

• routers

  Routers generate heat during operation. If not quickly discharged, the heat can affect the network signal. An 80mm PWM router fan helps to mitigate this issue by blowing cool air onto the router or sucking out hot air. As a result, the router remains functional, and the network speed is stable.

How to Choose 80mm PWM Fans

When selecting an 80mm PWM case fan, it is important to consider several crucial factors to ensure optimal performance. Among the primary considerations is the fan's airflow output, which is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It is essential to determine the amount of air that needs to be moved within the specific machinery. Higher CFM ratings indicate greater air movement.

Another critical factor is the noise level of the fan, which is typically measured in decibels (dBA). Consider the specific machinery's requirements and how much noise can be tolerated. Selecting a fan with a lower dBA level can result in a quieter operation.

It's essential to understand the difference between static pressure and airflow fans. Fans with higher static pressure ratings excel at pushing air through tight spaces like filters or radiators. On the other hand, airflow fans are designed to move large air volumes across open areas. Consider the specific fan's purpose and application to select the fan that will work best for it.

Finally, consider the number of PWM fans that can be connected to the fan header in the machinery. PWM splitters can be used to connect multiple fans to a single header if there are limited fan headers available. Alternatively, a PWM hub can be used to come with its own independent power source.

80mm PWM fan Q&A

Q1: Do all 80mm fans use the same screws?

A1: No. Some fans use anti-vibration screws. These soft rubber mounts may not create a standard fit for all holes. Users should check to see if the fan uses traditional mounting holes.

Q2: Why do some 80mm fans have LED lights?

A2: LED lights are mostly used for decorative purposes. The lighting adds visual flair to a device.

Q3: Can someone install an 80mm fan in a car?

A3: Yes. An 80mm fan can work in a car. However, 80mm car fans are not plastic. They have metal components to withstand heat and the rigors of driving.

Q4: What does the 80mm fan's CFM rating mean?

A4: CFM means "cubic feet per minute." It shows the volume of airflow the fan can move. Higher CFM ratings mean more air movement.

Q5: Is there a difference between a DC and an AC fan?

A5: Yes. An 80mm AC fan uses alternating current, while a 80mm DC fan uses direct current. DC fans are more efficient, but AC fans spin faster and generate more airflow.