Qidi Plus 4 Updated Tool Head Cover

Qidi Plus 4 Updated Tool Head Cover

This is a new, original design not based on the Qidi released files. 

A project that Nic and I started working on back in October, finally to the point of release. Rather than remixing Qidi's original files, we built a new cover from the ground up in Fusion360. 

There is nothing wrong with Qidi's original design injection molded, as it is from the factory. And we used many of Qidi's design Engineer's shapes and placement. However, after adding several different cutout designs, cutout shapes, and stencils, we found the original structure not strong enough to freely support all the shapes users wanted. Sometimes even breaking when pulling them off the print bed. We have printed well over 200 of these different tool head covers in our research. 

Design

This is a “Blank” tool head intended for others to remix with their own designs. 

The new design utilizes thicker, double side wall and angled corner structure to improve core strength, and keeping weight to a minimum. The front face is optimized in area for design stencils to be added without compromising the tool head strength. Some of our earlier designs included a very bubbled round face, but was nearly impossible to print. We have compromised print ability with function with the new front face and tool head body. 

The air inlet port has been redesigned and widened to reduce turbulent flow. Exiting airflow is directed out the cutter tool port which has had a size increase and the upper bowden port. This will ensure that the thermal sensor electronics are cooled (we burned our board out in use). The stock Qidi 30mm fan is only 1200 rpm and barely adequate for normal printing. We suggest swapping out this fan for a E3D 30mm 13,300 rpm fan. No other external fans are necessary for cooling the hotend heat sink. 

The 8 small, hard to print fit stubs have all been removed and replaced solid wall fitment.

Internal magnets and locking stubs are a tighter fit, so you may need to wiggle the cover around to get it to snap tightly. I tested the cover without magnets @405mm/s, though it may be a good idea to add them to yours for higher speeds. 

Printing

We suggest using cubic infill at a density of 20-30%. 2 perimeters, 0.2 layer height, at least 3 layers for top and bottom prior to and after infill. Supports are necessary, but minimal. We use Tree auto, slim. Only the air port requires supports, all others have been modified, including the face plate to remove the need for supports.

Materials

You will need (2) 4x1.5mm round magnets available: here  

Glue to install them, I use oil glue available:  here   

Please leave us a “Like” and Thanks for downloading!

Please feel free to leave any comments, before or after printing. 

-  Michael & Nic