Custom Perforated Fan Covers for Arduino Projects: Improving Cooling and Extending Component Life

Custom Perforated Fan Covers for Arduino Projects: Improving Cooling and Extending Component Life

In 2024, the robotics club at a university in Melbourne noticed their Arduino-powered autonomous vehicles experienced frequent overheating issues during competitions. Inspired by Alex Rivera’s solution (Read Alex’s case here), the team installed custom aluminum perforated fan covers — with impressive results.

Benefits of Custom Perforated Covers in Electronics

These covers go beyond basic dust protection:

• Improved Cooling: Strategic perforation patterns optimize airflow.

• Longer Lifespan: Reduced thermal stress extends the life of components.

• Enhanced Safety: Protects spinning fan blades while allowing maximum ventilation.

For electronics cooling design references, see Applied Thermal Engineering – Elsevier and Electronics Cooling Magazine.

Case Study: Melbourne Robotics Club’s Competitive Edge

Before switching, the robots’ microcontrollers regularly reached 65°C, forcing slower processing speeds. After adding precision-cut perforated fan covers, temperatures dropped to an average of 55°C, enabling consistent high-speed operation through the finals.

Internal Linking to Related Topics

For a hands-on case of perforated sheets in Arduino cooling, see: Perforated Filtration and Screening Sheets for Arduino Fan Covers – Real Maker Solutions & Airflow Insights.

External Authoritative References

• Applied Thermal Engineering – Elsevier

• Electronics Cooling Magazine

• IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology

Watch Arduino Cooling in Action

📺 YouTube: Jintong Aquaponics Solutions

Contact for Custom Fabrication

📱 WhatsApp: +86 18027337739

Conclusion

The Melbourne robotics team’s experience proves that custom perforated fan covers can be a cost-effective way to boost cooling, enhance reliability, and extend the operational life of Arduino-based devices.