[Danny Berger](https://dpb587.me/ "Home")

# 3D Printing, Day 7

[3D Printing Journal](https://dpb587.me/topics/3d-printing/journal) · August 17, 2026

Before the more interesting prints, some random progress from the weekend...

- I ran my first drying cycle of the 4 PLA Matte spools I had using the AMS 2 Pro.
- Moved around furniture and printer placement in preparation for a [workbench-style table](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB8DM47R "CAMMOO 48\" Adjustable Workbench, 2000LBS Max Load, Pegboard & Power Strip | Rubberwood Tabletop, for Garage, Workshop, Home - Amazon.com") that I ordered.
- Added some of the printed Inland filament tires to spools. One spool seemed slightly larger than standard and ended up splitting a printed tire trying to get it on.
- Ordered supplies for keeping filament dry. New Mexico is typically a dry climate, so it's less of a concern than many other areas of the country. I got a [pack of hygrometers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXCSXT9X "Amazon.com: JEDEW 6 Pack Hygrometer Thermometer Digital Humidity Meter Indoor/Outdoor Humidity Monitor Reptile Thermometer for Greenhouse Humidors Terrarium Jars ℉/ ℃(6) : Appliances") to see humidity and a bottle of [alumina dessicant beads](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B81VM24F "Amazon.com: Wisesorb 2 LBS Activated Alumina, Alumina Desiccant Great for Filament Drying, Reusable Dessicant Dehumidifiers Desiccant Moisture Absorber Prevent Wet Filament : Home & Kitchen") that I can keep alongside filament.

## AMS HT Installed

Finally hooked up the AMS HT to the printer. It needed a firmware upgrade, and then I ran a drying cycle for the PETG spool.

## Hot Air Balloon Print

A theme of Albuquerque is its morning hot air balloons (and [yearly festival](https://dpb587.me/topics/balloon-fiesta)), so I figured I should try one of the public hot air balloons designs. This was my first multi-plate project, each using its own color (all from the AMS 2 Pro).

- It seems like there was an odd slicing glitch which caused a short segment on the left half of the balloon to get mis-aligned.
- As it reached the top and was closing the top, the printing looked more fragile and surprisingly finished and looks reasonable.
- It seemed like the candle needed to be permanently snapped to the envelope, so I left those pieces separate for now.

[Hot Air Balloon - Tea Light Candle - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1132818-hot-air-balloon-tea-light-candle#profileId-1133342)

[makerworld.com](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1132818-hot-air-balloon-tea-light-candle#profileId-1133342)

[Download this free 3D print file designed by SilvestreDesignLab. Introducing to Makerworld this Hot Air Balloon powered by Bambu's Tea Light Candle! Inspired by “Around the World in Eighty Days,” a Novel by Jules Verne, I bring this Hot air balloon kit to use with a single tea light candle! Light up your room, office, or home with this beautiful hot air balloon! It can be set flat on any surface or hung from the wall by adding a string through the top cutout! This print consists of 7 piecesThe Hot Air BalloonThe BasketThe tea light holderFour connecting posts (connect the basket to the tea light holder) There's also a second print profile that has the balloon cut in half; simply glue both ends. Happy Printing!Looking to take your Hot Air Balloon with you wherever you go? Check out the keychain version!---Update 8/19/2025----Added a profile to use with the Mini Waterproof RGB LED Tea Lights. This profile only includes a revised candle holder that fits the RGB lights. ---Update 6/11/2025----Several users printed the balloon without supports. After experimenting and printing a handful, they're right! No supports needed!Added third profile for a1 mini!Assembly InstructionsPress in the four posts into the basket and use it to alight with the tea light holder, then simply press in the tea light into the holder's cutout. Carefully insert the basket assembly into the bottom of the Hot Air Balloon.If you are planning on adding a piece of string/rope, do it now before inserting the rest into the balloon! Note, this model is not easy to print. Tuning your printer for slower overhangs is needed. Also, open frame printers like the A1 and A1 mini will have a tendency to have bad layers in the top half section exponentially. Slow downWant an assembly video? Check it out here!](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1132818-hot-air-balloon-tea-light-candle#profileId-1133342)

Print Timelapse - Hot Air Balloon, Envelope

Print Timelapse - Hot Air Balloon, Basket

Print Timelapse - Hot Air Balloon, Struts

## San Francisco City Print

Eventually, I want to learn how to print some of my own sections of cities, so San Francisco seemed like a good one to try out.

[San Francisco California 3D Miniature - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld](https://makerworld.com/en/models/113500-san-francisco-california-3d-miniature#profileId-121972)

[makerworld.com](https://makerworld.com/en/models/113500-san-francisco-california-3d-miniature#profileId-121972)

[Download this free 3D print file designed by jarvizar. 3d miniature of San Francisco, California! Model created in Blender using the Blosm addon. Check out my collection of other miniature cities: https://makerworld.com/en/u/1935755220/collections/146964 This model was designed to be printed with a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.16mm layer heights. Try using a 0.2mm nozzle (0.08mm layer heights) or scaling up for even finer detail! Note: If roads or other small details disappear after slicing, try lowering the extrusion/line width of external perimeters (outer walls) closer to 0.4mm OR use Arachne walls. Framing Details This model measures almost exactly 6.7in by 4.7in (170.5mm X 119.5mm) and should fit most 5x7 frames (assuming frame lip/overlap is around a quarter inch). Feel free to change the scale/size of the model(s) to meet your needs. Personally I use these cheap frames from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8HY7YSQAnd blue printer paper: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IDQT I also included a fully printable frame (including a 1mm thick water plate) designed to fit all my miniature cities. Gif of the Printable Frame A frame is not required! This model looks great by itself and can be displayed almost anywhere. MembershipBecome a Subscriber to obtain a Commercial License and sell physical prints of my models! License is valid as long as the subscription is active. ](https://makerworld.com/en/models/113500-san-francisco-california-3d-miniature#profileId-121972)

Print Timelapse - San Francisco

## Fan Deflectors Print

I saw recommendations to print fan deflectors which help avoid strong, direct air current that can affect some printing. I printed them with the more heat-resistant PETG filament from the HT. This was my first print using the AMS HT, my first customization of a print in BambuStudio where I combined two profiles into a single plate, and my first print with support structures.

[Right Chamber Fan Deflector ⧸ X2D, P2S No Warping - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1968610-right-chamber-fan-deflector-x2d-p2s-no-warping#profileId-2116508)

[makerworld.com](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1968610-right-chamber-fan-deflector-x2d-p2s-no-warping#profileId-2116508)

[Download this free 3D print file designed by Professional3D. The right-side ventilation helps keep chamber temperature under control, but when the airflow hits the print bed directly, it can cause warping.Designed as part of my ongoing collection of practical Bambu Lab upgrades. Each model is conceived, printed, and endurance-tested on my own machines, refined through dozens of iterations to match the printer’s true mechanical behavior.Precision isn't assumed here, it’s verified layer by layer. Bambu Lab P2S: P2Series Design JourneyBambu Lab X2D: X2Design Journey Follow me if you like my work, that kind of appreciation really dries my filament. Likes and boosts feed the Maker World algorithm and keep the new models comingThis model redirects the airflow from the top vent without blocking it. The air now flows 45 ° upwards, creating a more even chamber temperature instead of a cold spot on the bed. Why not simply change filament settings or modify the G-code? With materials typically printed without a heated chamber, such as PLA or PETG, the auxiliary fans are also used to regulate chamber temperature. Long prints with disabled aux fans can lead to excessive chamber temperatures and therefore heat creep and severe nozzle clogs. Please note, as users are often confused:The door hinge is on the left, the door handle is on the right.This model is for the Aux Fan on the RIGHT side.THIS model does NOT fit on the LEFT side.For the LEFT side (P2S) you need this model: P2S Left Aux Fan 45° Deflector ⧸ Warping DeniedFor the LEFT side (X2D) you need this model: X2D Left Aux Fan 45° Deflector ⧸ Warping Denied This is about consistency and reliability, not speed records. If your goal is a lightning fast benchy, this model is not for you. If you want stable prints and repeatable results, this should be your next print. Part #20 in my P2Series Design Journey.Part #09 in my X2Design Journey.](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1968610-right-chamber-fan-deflector-x2d-p2s-no-warping#profileId-2116508)

[X2D Left Aux Fan 45° Deflector ⧸ Warping Denied - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2675999-x2d-left-aux-fan-45deg-deflector-warping-denied#profileId-2962713)

[makerworld.com](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2675999-x2d-left-aux-fan-45deg-deflector-warping-denied#profileId-2962713)

[Download this free 3D print file designed by Professional3D. Stop cold air hitting the build plate directly on your X2D. X2D Left Aux Fan 45° Deflector for the rescue!Designed as part of my ongoing collection of practical Bambu Lab upgrades. Each model is conceived, printed, and endurance-tested on my own machines, refined through dozens of iterations to match real mechanical behavior.Bambu Lab X2D: X2Design Journey Likes and Boosts feed the MakerWorld algorithm and keep new models coming. If you want more validated, community-driven models, Follow along. Everything here is tested, refined, and proven.This model redirects the airflow from the left auxiliary fan without blocking it. The air is guided 45 degrees upward, spreading through the chamber instead of creating a cold spot on the bed. The result is a more even and predictable chamber temperature. Why not simply change filament settings or modify the G-code? With materials typically printed without a heated chamber, such as PLA or PETG, the auxiliary fans are also used to regulate chamber temperature. Long prints with disabled aux fans can lead to excessive chamber temperatures and therefore heat creep and severe nozzle clogs. Please note, as users are often confused:The door hinge is on the left, the door handle is on the right.This model is for the Aux Fan on the LEFT side.THIS model does NOT fit on the RIGHT side.For the RIGHT side you need this model: Right Chamber Fan Deflector ⧸ X2D, P2S No Warping This is about consistency and reliability, not speed records. If your goal is a lightning fast benchy, this model is not for you. If you want stable prints and repeatable results, this should be your next print. I suggest using PETG, ABS or ASA für this print. I used PLA only for the hero shot of the model. Part #17 in my X2Design Journey. Changelog:21.04.2026 v2 Increased distance to the toolhead, to ensure clearance at any times. Thanks @Chaosta!17.04.2026 v1 Initial release](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2675999-x2d-left-aux-fan-45deg-deflector-warping-denied#profileId-2962713)

Print Timelapse - Fan Deflectors

## AMS Pro Dry Pods Print

The AMS Pro has a few spots for dessicant holders, so I printed some "dry pods" that can be kept in there. The fan deflectors were a super quick print with the HT/PETG, so I used this as a more thorough test of the HT and right nozzle. It definitely took a while though at 12 hours.

[AMS 2 Pro Dry Pods - Multiple Sizes and Funnel - Free 3D Print Model - MakerWorld](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1534406-ams-2-pro-dry-pods-multiple-sizes-and-funnel#profileId-1609418)

[makerworld.com](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1534406-ams-2-pro-dry-pods-multiple-sizes-and-funnel#profileId-1609418)

[Download this free 3D print file designed by br1acc. These desiccant dryboxes were redesigned for the AMS Pro 2 because the new AMS has less space between the feeders.Therefore, these are also compatible with the original AMS. There are 3 types of desiccant pods included:LargeLarge with hygrometer slot (link to Hygrometer I designed these for: https://amzn.to/4st4K2z )Small (for left and right side)PrintingChoose which pods you want to use in your AMS. Common choices are:(3) Large pods(3) Large pods + (2) Small pods(1) Large pod with hygrometer + (2) Large pods + (2) Small podsPlease note that each print profile has slightly different scaling depending on the material.This is to account for shrinkage so that the lid fits as well as possible.There is an optional funnel that can be used for filling the Large and Small desiccant pods.It only attaches in one direction…you can either slide or snap it on. I prefer to use white silica bead desiccant without color indicators because the additive is toxic.https://amzn.to/3JMa2nXOr activated alumina desiccant: https://amzn.to/4rQ6NMS Try my AMS 2 Pro Rear Desiccant Box:AMS 2 Pro Desiccant Box - Spill ProofTry my Hygrometer Stand:Hygrometer Stand - Fixed & Adjustable AngleBoost Me](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1534406-ams-2-pro-dry-pods-multiple-sizes-and-funnel#profileId-1609418)

Print Timelapse - Dry Pods

## OpenSCAD

I did a little more research on [OpenSCAD](https://openscad.org/ "OpenSCAD") and found that, although they haven't done a formal release in several years, it is still active enough and worth trying the nightly build. For some real-world, simpler objects, this code-based modeling seems like it may be a good match for some of the things I want to make.

As a quick experiment, I worked with code generation tools to see if it could create a hot air balloon model of my own with configurable gores, panels, size, and other parameters. Not quite a real-world design, but I was still impressed with how quickly it iterated something.

![OpenSCAD: Hot Air Balloon (Generated)](https://dpb587.me/entries/20260817-3d-printing-day-7/media/openscad-hot-air-balloon.png)

I exported/imported it into BambuStudio, but it lost color options and then wanted to add slice supports everywhere, so I have plenty more to experiment with.

## Related

[3D Printing Journal](https://dpb587.me/topics/3d-printing/journal/)

[**3D Printing, Week 2**](https://dpb587.me/entries/20260822-3d-printing-week-2/)

[Next · 2026-08-22](https://dpb587.me/entries/20260822-3d-printing-week-2/)

[Dessicant spools; Paris](https://dpb587.me/entries/20260822-3d-printing-week-2/)

[**3D Printing, Day 3**](https://dpb587.me/entries/20260813-3d-printing-day-3/)

[Previous · 2026-08-13](https://dpb587.me/entries/20260813-3d-printing-day-3/)

[Tires; "poop" bin](https://dpb587.me/entries/20260813-3d-printing-day-3/)

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