Qidi Q1 Pro - Rear Quick Access Panel

Got tired of having to undo the numerous screws for the rear panel of the Q1 pro everytime I needed to access it, especially for small changes. This is a “quick-access” subpanel which allows fast and easy access to the main electronics of the Q1 pro.

BOM

• 8015 24V fan
• 4 x M3x8 or 10mm screws for mounting the internal flange and outer locking ring.
• 4 x M3x8mm screws to secure subpanel in internal flange.
• 4 x M3 heatset inserts (5mm OD).
• 4 x M3x20mm screws to secure fan to subpanel
• 8 x M3 hex nuts. 4 to secure the internal flange and outer locking ring, other 4 for fan and sub panel.

Printing

I'd recommend printing at least the internal flange and subpanel of your choice using a relatively heat-resistant material, PETG and above is likely fine? Locking ring can be whatever. I printed the internal flange with ABS-GF25, subpanel with ASA and locking ring with PLA+.

IMPORTANT

I've replaced the stock mainboard cooling fan with an 8015 24V fan. This blows significantly more air than the stock 40/50mm one (I forget exact size). If you do heated chamber printing, make sure to adjust your config so the 8015 fan runs at 50% or below, depending on your ambient temperature. I found that mine was moving so much air that it would start to leak into the main printer chamber via the pathways on the sides of the printer. The sensor for the chamber temperature is near one of those pathways and would result in an error saying the heater was not properly heating the chamber, as the outside air would cool that sensor down. I've simply set my mainboard fan to run at 50% statically at all times, adjust appropriately for your needs.

Assembly

Reference the dimensions in the picture below and the CAD from the step file to mark where you need to make the cutout. I've included a stencil to help aid, you can print it and mark the inside to indicate where to cut. 

How you cut the panel is for you to figure out. I would recommend a dremel with a cutting tool if you have it. I didn't so I used a jigsaw and a hand saw, alongside scoring with a utility knife and using pliers to snap pieces off. Use a deburring tool to go over the edges, you can sand or file them as well if you like but I didn't bother personally. Don't worry too much as the locking ring should hide marks and present a relatively clean aesthethic.

Add your M3 heatset inserts to the flange. These will be for securing the subpanel.

Drill holes in the main rear panel using the flange as a guide. Pass screws through the flange into the hex nuts in the locking ring to secure them in place.

Attach fan to the subpanel, then screw subpanel into the flange. Besure to plug in the fan before mounting and securing the entire rear panel. Done! Now in the future if you need to access the rear electronics area, it's much more convenient.

Final Notes

I've included the CAD assembly I created as a STEP file. Feel free to make changes as you see fit. I had planned to do a magnetic version but I wasn't certain how that would fare so I stuck with screws for attaching and securing the subpanel in the flange. There is a version of the subpanel with hex cutouts, I'm not sure if that's better because it might open up the rear compartment too much and mess with the usual airflow, try it if you want to. The locking ring will cover up the rough edges of the cutout in the main panel.