RatRig V Core 4 Top Extension Pi TFT70 Frame

What is it?

This is a multi-piece extension for the RatRig V Core 4 500 IDEX.

What does it do?

The main purpose is to have the touchscreen from BTT the Pi TFT70 V2.1 be integrated onto the frame. But this also raises the top panel by 150mm so the tool cables don't rub as much on the top panel. It also allows to route the PTFE guide tubes at the back (without drilling your panels), so that you can have external spool holders and don't have to crawl under the bed on your knees to manage filament with the stock spool holders. Let's be honest the internal spool holders don't have convenient access.

What do I need to make it? 

Around 3kg of filament (I used PETG, but PLA should be fine as well), 32x M3 threaded heat set inserts, 32x M3x8 screws, 4x M6 threaded heat set inserts, a 2 meter ribbon cable and some of the spare M6 T-nuts and M6x12 screws from the kit. The corner pieces have holes for M8 screws to screw them to the aluminium extrusions, but I have not actually used them on mine.

What else should I be aware of?

The extension means that there is more volume to heat up, so you might want to heat soak for longer and allow the chamber temperatures to stabilize. This design is only for the 500 version frame and for the TFT70. I am uploading step files, so that maybe with editing the mid pieces you can have a design for the 400 version. I think that for the 300 version the connector pieces might need editing as well. For the moment I don't have plans to make the designs for the 400 and 300 specs or to support other touchscreen models.

Happy printing and share your makes!