¶ Introduction
This section of the guide will step you optionally enclosing the V-Core 4.1.
Please note: The V-Core 4.1 kit is not supplied with the enclosure panels and that they must be sourced separately. Rat Rig provides DXF and STEP files for all panels used on the V-Core 4.1 design which can be downloaded here.
The recommended material for the panels is 4mm thick polycarbonate. Acrylic is not recommended due to being a combustible material.
¶ Step 1 - Tools for this guide
- The following tools are required for this guide:
- Allen key / hex wrenches in the following size: 5mm
- A pair of scissors
- The following tools are recommended for this guide:
- Cyanoacrylate glue
¶ Step 2 - Prepare the magnet holder parts
- 10x Rat Rig V-Core 4 - Frame Magnet Holder - Nylon Injection Part (SKU: HW3976GC)
- 8x vc4_magnet_panel Printed Part (SKU: PP000282)
- 2x vc4_magnet_handle Printed Part (SKU: PP000321)
- 40x Magnet - Neodymium disc shape - 10x4mm (SKU: HW2828GC)
- 10x M6x12 Cap Head Screw (SKU: HW1836SC)
- 10x T-Nut - Drop In Type for 30 Series - M6 (SKU: HW1361NC)
- 20x Hex Locking Nut - M6 (SKU: HW1311NC)
¶ Step 3 - Assemble the frame magnet holders
- 1x Rat Rig V-Core 4 - Frame Magnet Holder - Nylon Injection Part
- 2x Magnet - Neodymium disc shape - 10x4mm
- It is important to make sure that the polarity of the magnets remains the same on all ten assemblies. Failure to do so could lead to complications later during assembly
- It is recommended to apply a drop of cyanoacrylate glue in the magnet recesses to prevent the magnets from coming loose over time
- 1x M6x12 Cap Head Screw
- 1x T-Nut - Drop In Type for 30 Series - M6
- Loosely thread a 3030 T-Nut onto the M6x12 Cap Head Screw. Do not tighten it at this point
- Prepare ten of these assemblies
¶ Step 4 - Assemble the panel magnet holders
- 1x vc4_magnet_panel Printed Part
- 2x Magnet - Neodymium disc shape - 10x4mm
- It is important to make sure the polarity of the magnets are correct. Use the assemblies from step 3 to make sure the magnets do not repel each other
- It is recommended to apply a drop of cyanoacrylate glue in the magnet recesses to prevent the magnets from coming loose over time
- 2x Hex Locking Nut - M6
- Insert an M6 Hex Locking Nut into each of the two hex sections in the printed part
- Prepare eight of these assemblies
¶ Step 5 - Assemble the handle magnet holders
- 1x vc4_magnet_handle Printed Part
- 2x Magnet - Neodymium disc shape - 10x4mm
- It is important to make sure the polarity of the magnets are correct. Use the assemblies from step 3 to make sure the magnets do not repel each other
- It is recommended to apply a drop of cyanoacrylate glue in the magnet recesses to prevent the magnets from coming loose over time
- 2x Hex Locking Nut - M6
- Insert an M6 Hex Locking Nut into each of the two hex sections in the printed part
- Prepare two of these assemblies
¶ Step 6 - Prepare the front door support parts
- 2x vc4_door_support Printed Part (SKU: PP000280)
- 2x M6x12 Cap Head Screw (SKU: HW1836SC)
- 2x T-Nut - Drop In Type for 30 Series - M6 (SKU: HW1361NC)
¶ Step 7 - Assemble the front door supports
- 1x vc4_door_support Printed Part
- 1x M6x12 Cap Head Screw
- 1x T-Nut - Drop In Type for 30 Series - M6
- Loosely thread a 3030 T-Nut onto the M6x12 Cap Head Screw. Do not tighten it at this point
- Prepare two of these assemblies
¶ Step 8 - Install the front door supports
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Bottom Front edge
- It is recommended to slightly tilt the V-Core 4.1 assembly backwards to aid installation of these parts, either by placing something under the two front feet, or by having a second person support the assembly temporarily
- Do not allow the V-Core 4.1 assembly to fall over. It is large and heavy which could easily cause damage or injury
- 2x Front door support assemblies from the previous step
- Position each front door support assembly so that they are 60mm from the side of the V-Core 4.1 frame as shown
- Make sure the T-Nuts are slotted into the extrusion
- Fully tighten both M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the front door support assemblies to the V-Core 4.1 frame
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed parts
¶ Step 9 - Install the front door magnet holders - Part 1
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Front
- 4x Frame magnet holders from step 3
- Position the upper and lower frame magnet holder assemblies so that the marked distance measures 111.50mm
- Make sure the T-Nuts are slotted into the extrusion
- Fully tighten the M6x12 Cap Head Screws in each of the four frame magnet holders to secure them to the V-Core 4.1 frame
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed parts
¶ Step 10 - Install the front door magnet holders - Part 2
- 2x Frame magnet holders from step 3
- The position of the middle frame magnet holder assemblies depends on the size variant of V-Core 4.1 being assembled. The measurement between the front tensioner housing and the frame magnet holder should be as follows:
- V-Core 4.1 - 300: 56.50mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 400: 106.50mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 500: 156.50mm
- Make sure the T-Nuts are slotted into the extrusion
- Fully tighten the M6x12 Cap Head Screws in each of the two frame magnet holders to secure them to the V-Core 4.1 frame
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed part
¶ Step 11 - Install the lid magnet holders
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Top
- 4x Frame magnet holders from step 3
- Position the frame magnet holder assemblies so that the marked distance measures 61.50mm
- Make sure the T-Nuts are slotted into the extrusion
- Fully tighten the M6x12 Cap Head Screws in each of the four frame magnet holders to secure them to the V-Core 4.1 frame
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed parts
¶ Step 12 - Prepare the panel foam seal
- 1x Foam Strip - 1mm x 8mm (SKU: HW2943GC)
- This is the remaining foam strip which has been used previously throughout the guide
¶ Step 13 - Install the top foam seals
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Top
- Cut the following lengths of the 8mm x 1mm foam strip depending on the V-Core 4.1 size:
- V-Core 4.1 - 300: 2x 560mm, 2x 479mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 400: 2x 660mm, 2x 579mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 500: 2x 760mm, 2x 679mm
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the longer lengths to the front and back extrusions as shown
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the shorter lengths to the left and right extrusions as shown
¶ Step 14 - Install the left-hand side foam seals
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Left-hand side
- Cut the following lengths of the 8mm x 1mm foam strip depending on the V-Core 4.1 size:
- V-Core 4.1 - 300: 2x 560mm, 2x 479mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 400: 2x 660mm, 2x 579mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 500: 2x 760mm, 2x 679mm
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the shorter lengths to the top and bottom extrusions as shown
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the longer lengths to the left and right extrusions as shown
¶ Step 15 - Install the right-hand side foam seals
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Right-hand side
- Cut the following lengths of the 8mm x 1mm foam strip depending on the V-Core 4.1 size:
- V-Core 4.1 - 300: 2x 560mm, 2x 479mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 400: 2x 660mm, 2x 579mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 500: 2x 760mm, 2x 679mm
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the shorter lengths to the top and bottom extrusions as shown
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the longer lengths to the left and right extrusions as shown
¶ Step 16 - Install the door foam seals
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Front
- Cut the following lengths of the 8mm x 1mm foam strip depending on the V-Core 4.1 size:
- V-Core 4.1 - 300: 2x 560mm, 2x 694mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 400: 2x 660mm, 2x 794mm
- V-Core 4.1 - 500: 2x 760mm, 2x 894mm
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the shorter lengths to the top and bottom extrusions as shown
- Peel the protective backing from the back of the foam strip and apply the longer lengths to the left and right extrusions as shown
¶ Step 17 - Prepare the V-Core 4.1 enclosure panels
- 1x V-Core 4.0 / 4.1 Panel - Top
- 1x V-Core 4.0 / 4.1 Panel - Door
- 2x V-Core 4.0 / 4.1 Panel - Side
- Please note: The V-Core 4.1 panels are not included in the kit and must be sourced separately
- The V-Core 4.1 is designed to use 4mm thick polycarbonate panels
¶ Step 18 - Prepare the V-Core 4.1 enclosure panel fasteners and accessories
- 4x Handle - Cast Aluminium - Black - 100mm Spacing (SKU: HW3943GC)
- 8x M6x16 Cap Head Screw (SKU: HW2827SC)
- 4x Hex Locking Nut - M6 (SKU: HW1311NC)
- 46x M6x12 Cap Head Screw (SKU: HW1836SC)
- 46x M6 Washer (SKU: HW2746NC)
- 30x T-Nut - Drop In Type for 30 Series - M6 (SKU: HW1361NC)
¶ Step 19 - Assemble the top panel - Part 1
- 1x V-Core 4.0 / 4.1 Panel - Top
- 4x panel magnet holder assemblies from step 4
- Place each panel magnet holder under the panel, with the magnets facing downwards, and align each with the holes as shown
- 8x M6x12 Cap Head Screw and 8x M6 Washer
- Install an M6 washer on to each of the eight M6x12 Cap Head Screws and then fasten them through the panel into the panel magnet holders below
- Fully tighten all M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the panel magnet holders to the panel
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed parts or bend the panel
¶ Step 20 - Assemble the top panel - Part 2
- 2x Handle - Cast Aluminium - Black - 100mm Spacing
- 4x M6x16 Cap Head Screw
- Insert an M6x16 Cap Head Screw into each of the two holes on each handle
- Install both handle assemblies onto the panel as shown
- 4x Hex Locking Nut - M6
- Fasten an M6 Hex Locking Nut onto each of the four M6x16 Cap Head Screws and tighten them to secure the handles to the panel assembly
¶ Step 21 - Install the top panel
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Top
- Place the top panel assembly on the top of the V-Core 4.1. The magnets should align the panel and hold it in place
- If the panel does not sit correctly:
- Check that the frame magnet holders are aligned with the magnets on the lid panel assembly. If necessary, adjust their positions by loosening the M6x12 Cap Head Screws on them, then retightening
- Verify that the magnets were installed with the correct polarity as mentioned in step 4. If the magnet polarity is incorrect, they will repel each other rather than attract
¶ Step 22 - Assemble the door panel - Part 1
- 1x V-Core 4.0 / 4.1 Panel - Door
- 4x panel magnet holder assemblies from step 4
- Place each panel magnet holder under the panel, with the magnets facing downwards, and align each with the holes as shown
- 8x M6x12 Cap Head Screw and 8x M6 Washer
- Install an M6 washer on to each of the eight M6x12 Cap Head Screws and then fasten them through the panel into the panel magnet holders below
- Fully tighten all M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the panel magnet holders to the panel
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed parts or bend the panel
¶ Step 23 - Assemble the door panel - Part 2
- 2x Handle magnet holder assemblies from step 5
- Place each handle magnet holder under the panel, with the magnets facing downwards, and align each with the holes as shown
- 2x Handle - Cast Aluminium - Black - 100mm Spacing
- 4x M6x16 Cap Head Screw
- Insert an M6x16 Cap Head Screw into each of the two holes on each handle and then fasten them through the panel into the handle magnet holders below
- Fully tighten all four M6x16 Cap Head Screws to secure the handles and handle magnet holders to the panel
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage the printed parts or bend the panel
¶ Step 24 - Install the door panel
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly
- Hook the bottom of the door panel assembly into the front door supports on the V-Core 4.1
- Rotate the door panel assembly towards the V-Core 4.1. The magnets should align the panel and hold it in place
- If the panel does not sit correctly:
- Check that the frame magnet holders are aligned with the magnets on the door panel assembly. If necessary, adjust their positions by loosening the M6x12 Cap Head Screws on them, then retightening
- Verify that the magnets were installed with the correct polarity as mentioned in step 4 and step 5. If the magnet polarity is incorrect, they will repel each other rather than attract
¶ Step 25 - Assemble the side panels
- 1x V-Core 4.0 / 4.1 Panel - Side
- 15x M6x12 Cap Head Screw and 15x M6 Washer
- Install an M6 washer on to each of the fifteen M6x12 Cap Head Screws and then insert them into each hole in the panel as shown
- 15x T-Nut - Drop In Type for 30 Series - M6
- Loosely thread a 3030 T-Nut onto each of the M6x12 Cap Head Screws. Do not tighten any of them at this point
- Prepare two of these panel assemblies
¶ Step 26 - Install the left-hand side enclosure panel
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Left-hand side
- Align the side panel with the V-Core 4.1 frame assembly as shown
- Make sure all of the the T-Nuts are slotted into the extrusion
- Fully tighten all fifteen M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the side panel assembly to the V-Core 4.1 frame
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage or bend the panel
¶ Step 27 - Install the right-hand side enclosure panel
- V-Core 4.1 Assembly - Right-hand side
- Align the side panel with the V-Core 4.1 frame assembly as shown
- Make sure all of the the T-Nuts are slotted into the extrusion
- Fully tighten all fifteen M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the side panel assembly to the V-Core 4.1 frame
- Take care not to overtighten the screws as you can damage or bend the panel
¶ Step 28 - Next guide
- Continue to the next guide: V-Core 4.1 Commissioning