V-Core-3.1 Enclosure - Gas Strut Mounts

Easy to find a bi-stable strut positioning -- the lid stays closed when closed, stays open when open.
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updated September 28, 2022

Description

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These were used on my RatRig V-Core-3.1, 400mm, with 150N gas struts.  It may work for other sizes and/or 100N struts, though positioning might be different.

You will need:

  • 2x mounts printed in ABS/ASA (need something with good fatigue & creep resistance, ABS & ASA are pretty good for this)
  • 4x M4 heatset inserts + M4x8mm bolts (for connecting the strut to the top of mount)
  • 4x M4 T-Nuts for 3030 and M4x12mm bolts (already part of kit, to connect strut to frame)
  • 4x M6 T-Nuts for 3030 and M6x12mm bolts (to connect bottom of strut to frame)

I couldn't get the recommended configuration to work from the instructions, even with the more-powerful 150N struts that came with my V-Core-3 kit a few months ago (normally 100N).  The goal was to find a positioning where the strut is mostly pushing horizontal when closed,  vertical when open, and far enough back that it could push the lid wide open with its limited length.  I felt the only way to get that was to elevate the bottom end of the strut, and have it pushing towards the back of the printer

The easiest way I found for installing the struts (in general, not just with this mod) is to have a second person hold the top open to the desired position (or find a stable way to prop it open), then install the struts in the fully-extended position.  However, BE CAREFUL the first time you close the lid, If you did it wrong, the fully-closed position is shorter than the strut and something will break (strut, mount or frame)

This struggle made me appreciate why the default V-Core-3.1 enclosure is not great.  I wish I had gone with open-front mod or the Enclosure 2.0 kit (released shortly after I finished my build).  I highly recommend doing that instead if you haven't built the printer yet.

 

 

 

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