Enclosure for my RatRig V-Core3 400mm OpenFront

prusaprinters

<p>Some time ago I started thinking how I can properly enclose my V-Core3 400mm printer. The problematic part was that I decided to build a modified version (OpenFront), which is 265mm taller than the original RatRig printer. Therefore, a new solution was needed…</p><p>The result you can see here. Please use it extremely carefully since<strong> it will probably only fit on my frame, and not on yours</strong> (even if you have the same dimensions) - read below why!</p><p>I started with these main design requirements:</p><ol><li>full enclosure, temperature resistent, minimal gaps to be as “air-tight” as possible</li><li>allow for later adjusting of the gantry</li><li>possibility to open the top to print materials that do not like the higher temps inside a closed enclosure (eg. PLA)</li><li>Possibility to adjust later on the location/size etc. of an IEC switch</li></ol><p>I made the following design decisions:</p><ul><li><strong>Panels:</strong><ul><li>4mm polycarbonate panels (PC) for sides, front and top</li><li>black Dibond (aluminium composite) panel for the back</li><li>all panels were cut 0.5mm shorter on their complete contours, to tolerate cutting/frame imprecision</li></ul></li><li><strong>Front door:</strong><ul><li>full, removable panel held magnetically in place inspired by MFBS work: <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5176411">https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5176411</a></li><li>featuring my own magnetic holders: <a href="https://www.printables.com/model/229334-magnetic-holder-for-pcacrylic-panels)">https://www.printables.com/model/229334-magnetic-holder-for-pcacrylic-panels</a></li><li>featuring M3 handles: <a href="https://www.printables.com/model/270839-handle-for-3030-extrusion-with-m3-holes">https://www.printables.com/model/270839-handle-for-3030-extrusion-with-m3-holes</a></li></ul></li><li><strong>Side panel:</strong><ul><li>the three bolt holes along the extrusion that holds the Y-rail are <i>oval</i>, to allow for later up/down adjusting of the the Y-rails</li><li>they are custom for my printer do to 1mm front vs. back height difference of my frame - <strong>check yours!</strong></li></ul></li><li><strong>Top panel:</strong><ul><li>I wanted for the top panel the option to easily open it when needed (PLA printing)</li><li><i>Screws</i>: good because they add extra stiffness, but bad because require tools</li><li><i>Magnets</i>: good because easy to remove, but lack stiffness and panel might vibrate</li><li>so the solution was to put the same rectangle holes in the top panel that are required for fitting the magnets, but with an screw hole, in case I decide for the screws in a long term ;) - I designed a screw holder: <a href="https://www.printables.com/model/270850-hybrid-holder-for-pcacrylic-panels">https://www.printables.com/model/270850-hybrid-holder-for-pcacrylic-panels</a></li></ul></li><li><strong>Back side panels:</strong><ul><li>allow to either full cover on both sides the electronics bay or place a user-designed IEC switch</li><li><i>models will be added later</i></li></ul></li></ul><p>The full enclosure (and other related stuff) is constantly updated on my GitHub repo: <a href="https://github.com/Contrasens/VCore3-400-OpenFront">https://github.com/Contrasens/VCore3-400-OpenFront</a></p>