01. Frame Assembly

The following tools are required for this section of the guide:

Allen key / hex wrenches in the following sizes: 4mm & 5mm

Avoid using ball end hex wrenches on the Quick Connectors as they are more prone to damaging the heads of the Set Screws

Spanners / wrenches in the following size: 13mm

A pair of scissors

The following tools are recommended for this guide:

A tape measure

An engineer square

The following steps show how the aluminium extrusion quick connectors are prepared and installed. The V-Core 4.0 frame assembly begins on step 7

The Quick Connectors are supplied in two parts:

Quick Connector T-Nut Pin with the O-Ring pre-installed

Quick Connector Housing with the Set Screw pre-installed

Before trying to install a Quick Connector Housing into an extrusion, check that the Set Screw is not blocking the hole in the Quick Connector Housing

If the Set Screw is blocking the hole in the Quick Connector Housing, slightly unscrew it to achieve the necessary clearance

Example extrusion

Quick Connector Housing

Insert the Quick Connector Housing into the hole on the aluminium extrusion

Please note: If the Quick Connector Housing is difficult to insert into the aluminium extrusion, try inserting it from the opposite side

Make sure that the Quick Connector Housings all face the same direction

Make sure that the hole in the Quick Connector Housing is aligned with the central hole on the aluminium extrusion as shown

Insert the Quick Connector T-Nut pin into the central hole on the extrusion slot

Make sure the "notch" in the pin is facing towards the Set Screw

Quick Connector Set Screw

Using a 4mm hex key, tighten the Set Screw just enough to hold the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin inside the extrusion

If correctly tightened, the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin should still move slightly backwards and forwards, but should not come loose

Slide the second aluminium extrusion into position, aligning the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin into the slot of the second aluminium extrusion

Be careful not to scratch the aluminium extrusions when assembling them

Quick Connector Housing Set Screw

Fully tighten the Set Screw to secure the extrusions together

The Set Screw will cause the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin to pull tight against the second extrusion, securing them together

If the extrusion connection is loose after fully tightening the Set Screw, loosen the Set Screw and check that the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin was properly positioned. The connection will not tighten if the "notch" on the pin is not aligned with the Set Screw

Set Screw

Quick Connector Housing

Quick Connector T-Nut Pin

The Set Screw within the Quick Connector Housing engages with the "notch" in the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin

As the Set Screw is fastened, the T-Nut Pin is pulled inwards, causing the extrusions to lock together

All of the extrusions for the V-Core 4.0 are provided packed in the same box. The SKU varies depending on the size being assembled:

V-Core 4.0 - 300: Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - CNC Milled Profile Pack v1.0 - 300 (SKU: HW3984MK)

V-Core 4.0 - 400: Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - CNC Milled Profile Pack v1.0 - 400 (SKU: HW3985MK)

V-Core 4.0 - 500: Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - CNC Milled Profile Pack v1.0 - 500 (SKU: HW3986MK)

Be careful when opening the package. Do not use a long blade to cut the box open as you can damage the extrusions

Unpack each layer carefully, placing the extrusions to the side for now

There are four layers of extrusions to unpack

The 2020 V-Slot extrusion will be used in a later guide. All others are used in the construction of the frame

If you are building a machine of a different size, add 100mm to all listed extrusion lengths for the V-Core 4.0 400 or 200mm for the V-Core 4.0 500

28x Quick Connector for 30 series B-Type - 0º (SKU: HW3347GC)

Install Quick Connectors into both ends of the following extrusions:

3x T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 440mm

4x T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 475mm

2x T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 475mm with two M8 holes

Make sure the Quick Connector Set Screws are facing the same side as the counterbores for the M8 screw holes

5x T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 540mm

If you are building a machine of a different size, add 100mm to all listed extrusion lengths for the V-Core 4.0 400 or 200mm for the V-Core 4.0 500

In addition to the extrusions prepared in the previous step, the following extrusions are needed to assemble th frame:

2x T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 750mm

2x T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 750mm with three M4 holes

1x T-Slot 3060 Milled Extrusion - 540mm

1x vc4_frame_jig Printed Part (SKU: PP000279)

Please note: The V-Core 4 frame jig may be have been printed in green or black. The design is the same regardless of colour

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 475mm with Quick Connectors and two M8 holes from step 9

Make sure that the counterbores for the M8 holes are oriented as shown

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 750mm

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 750mm with three M4 holes

Make sure this extrusion is installed as shown. It should be at the front, with the three M4 holes at the top and facing to the side

Assemble the extrusions as shown but do not fasten them together yet

Be careful when sliding the extrusions into position as you can scratch the black anodising

Lay the assembly on a flat surface, this is crucial to ensure a square frame

Good surfaces: Poured self-levelled concrete, glass, or a stone countertop

Bad surfaces: Carpeted floor, a tile floor, or rough concrete

Align the extrusions as shown - making sure the ends are flush

Build Tip: You can use a spare 3030 extrusion or an Engineer Square to help align the assembly

Fasten the Set Screws in both of the Quick Connectors to secure the extrusions together

If the extrusion connection is loose after fully tightening the Set Screw, loosen the Set Screw and check that the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin was properly positioned. The connection will not tighten if the "notch" on the pin is not aligned with the Set Screw

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 440mm with Quick Connectors from step 9

Align the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin with the bottom extrusion slot

Insert the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin into the bottom extrusion slot

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 475mm with Quick Connectors from step 9

Insert the extrusion into the side assemblies, making sure the Quick Connector T-Nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots

Be careful not to scratch the aluminium extrusions when assembling them

Slide the marked extrusion downwards, making sure the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin on the 440mm extrusion fits inside the extrusion slot

Carefully rotate the marked extrusion 90 degrees so that the Quick Connector Set Screws face outwards as shown

Look into the extrusion slots and make sure that both the upper and lower Quick Connector T-Nut Pins have rotated correctly

Be careful not to scratch the aluminium extrusions when assembling them

V-Core 4.0 Frame Jig

Install the Frame Jig onto the assembly as shown

Lay the assembly on a flat surface, this is crucial to ensure a square frame

Make sure the Frame Jig is installed completely flush with the extrusion and that the bottom "tabs" are within the extrusion slot

Push the Frame Jig to the right to eliminate any space between the Frame Jig and the front extrusion

The marked gap should measure 20mm

Build Tip: You can use the 2020 V-Slot extrusion to verify the gap but be careful not to scratch the aluminium extrusions

Fully tighten the marked Set Screw to secure the extrusions together

If the extrusion connection is loose after fully tightening the Set Screw, loosen the Set Screw and check that the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin was properly positioned. The connection will not tighten if the "notch" on the pin is not aligned with the Set Screw

Move the Frame Jig to the marked position

Make sure the Frame Jig is installed completely flush with the extrusion and that the bottom "tabs" are within the extrusion slot

Push the Frame Jig to the right to eliminate any space between the Frame Jig and the front extrusion

The marked gap should measure 20mm

Fully tighten both of the marked Set Screws to secure the extrusions together

Double check that the marked distance is 250mm. This measurement is the same for all V-Core 4.0 sizes

Fully tighten the marked Set Screw to secure the extrusions together

If any of the extrusion connections are loose after fully tightening the Set Screws, loosen the Set Screw on the loose joint and check that the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin was properly positioned. The connection will not tighten if the "notch" on the pin is not aligned with the Set Screw

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 475mm with Quick Connectors from step 9

Insert the extrusion into the side assemblies, making sure the Quick Connector T-Nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots

Be careful not to scratch the aluminium extrusions when assembling them

Align the extrusions as shown - making sure the ends are flush

Refer to step 12 for instructions on how to correctly align the extrusions

Fully tighten both of the marked Set Screws to secure the extrusions together

If any of the extrusion connections are loose after fully tightening the Set Screws, loosen the Set Screw on the loose joint and check that the Quick Connector T-Nut Pin was properly positioned. The connection will not tighten if the "notch" on the pin is not aligned with the Set Screw

The instructions in step 11 through step 17 dealt with assembling the left-hand side of the frame

The following steps will guide you through creating the right-hand side of the frame

One both are assembled they should be a mirror of each other

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 475mm with Quick Connectors and two M8 holes from step 9

Make sure that the counterbores for the M8 holes are oriented as shown

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 750mm with three M4 holes

T-Slot 3030 Milled Extrusion - 750mm

Make sure this extrusion is installed as shown. It should be at the front, with the three M4 holes at the top and facing to the side

Assemble the extrusions as shown but do not fasten them together yet

T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 440mm

Align and insert the T-nut pin in the bottom extrusion slot.

T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 475mm

Carefully rotate the T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 440mm 90º so the quick connectors face the side shown in the picture.

When sliding the extrusion to the right place, be careful, and take it slowly so as to not damage the extrusion coating.

Lay the assembly on a flat surface

Insert the frame jig on the assembly, make sure the frame jig is inserted all the way and completely flush with the extrusion

Push the frame jig to the left, eliminating any play between the frame jig and the extrusions

Tighten the quick connector to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

Insert the frame jig on the assembly, make sure the frame jig is inserted all the way and completely flush with the extrusion

Ensure the frame jig is inside the extrusion slot.

Push the frame jig to the left, eliminating any play between the frame jig and the extrusions

Tighten the quick connector to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

Ensure the distance between the extrusion and the top of the assembly is 250mm

Tighten the quick connectors to secure the extrusions together.

T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 475mm

Insert the extrusion on the assembly, making sure the T-nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots.

Align the extrusions - make sure they are flush

Check Step 10 on how to correctly align the extrusions

Tighten the quick connectors to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

Left Side frame sub-assembly

T-Slot 3060 extrusion - 540mm

Align the extrusion with the two holes on the side frame sub-assembly bottom extrusion

2x M8x40 Cap Head screw

Insert them into the sub frame assembly and tighten them to the T-Slot 3060 extrusion - 540mm

2x T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 540mm

Insert the extrusion on the assembly, making sure the T-nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots.

When sliding the extrusion to the right place, be careful, and take it slowly so as to not damage the extrusion coating.

Place the assembly on a flat surface, as to ensure all extrusions are correctly aligned.

Tighten the quick connectors to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

Right Side frame sub-assembly

Insert the extrusion on the assembly, making sure the T-nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots.

When sliding the extrusion to the right place, be careful, and take it slowly so as to not damage the extrusion coating.

Align the extrusion with the two holes on the side frame sub-assembly bottom extrusion

Insert 2x M8x40 Cap Head screw into the sub frame assembly and tighten to the T-Slot 3060 extrusion - 540mm

Place the assembly on a flat surface, as to ensure all extrusions are correctly aligned.

Tighten the quick connectors to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 440mm

Align the T-nut pin with the bottom extrusion slot

Insert the T-nut pin in the bottom extrusion slot.

T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 540mm

Insert the extrusion on the assembly, making sure the T-nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots.

When sliding the extrusion to the right place, be careful, and take it slowly so as to not damage the extrusion coating.

Carefully rotate the T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 440mm 90º so the quick connectors face the side shown in the picture.

Insert the frame jig on the assembly, make sure the frame jig is inserted all the way and completely flush with the extrusion

Ensure the distance between the frame jig side wall and the frame extrusion is 235mm

It should be 285mm for the V-Core 4 400 and 335mm for the V-Core 4 500

Tighten the quick connector to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

Insert the frame jig on the assembly, make sure the frame jig is inserted all the way and completely flush with the extrusion

Ensure the distance between the frame jig side wall and the frame extrusion is 235mm

Add 50mm for the V-Core 4 400 and 100mm for the V-Core 4 500

Tighten the quick connector to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

In this step, you will prepare two stepper motor plates with screws and T-nuts, although they will only be used to align the frame.

Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - Motor Plate - Lower Left v1.0

Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - Motor Plate - Lower Right v1.0

8x M6x12 Cap Head Screw

8x 3030 Drop In T-Nut M6

Loosely thread the 3030 T-Nuts onto the M6x12 screws. Do not tighten them at this point.

Please notice: The t-nuts should be on the same side as the countersink holes.

Install the Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - Motor Plate - Lower Right v1.0 Assembly to the frame as shown

Tighten the M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the plate and guarantee the extrusions are perfectly aligned.

Tighten the quick connector to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

Remove the Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - Motor Plate - Lower Right v1.0 Assembly and set it aside, it will be used later in the guide.

Repeat the Steps above for the other end of the extrusion, using the Rat Rig V-Core 4.0 - Motor Plate - Lower Left v1.0 Assembly

Make sure the front side extrusions have the 3xM3 holes facing the sides. Be aware of the extrusion orientation, the small spacing between the M3 holes must be upwards.

T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 540mm

Insert the extrusion on the assembly, making sure the T-nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots.

Ensure the two extrusions are perfectly aligned

Refer to Step 10 on how to accurately align the extrusions.

Tighten the quick connectors to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

T-Slot 3030 Milled extrusion - 540mm

Insert the extrusion on the assembly, making sure the T-nut pins are aligned with the side extrusion slots.

Ensure the two extrusions are perfectly aligned

Refer to Step 10 on how to accurately align the extrusions.

Tighten the quick connectors to secure the extrusions together.

Always verify the strength of the connection between the extrusions. If the connection is not strong, loosen the set screw, ensure that the T-nut pin groove is positioned below the set screw, and reconnect the extrusions.

4 x V-Core 4 rubber feet

Tighten the four V-Core 4 rubber feet to the frame assembly

1x Rear base plate

The rear plate has been recently updated. If you purchased your kit recently, your rear plate may feature a new hole for the Z stepper motor cable management. Refer to the second picture for more details.

1x Front base plate

19x M6 Washer

19x M6x12 Cap Head Screws

19x 3030 M6 Drop in T-Nut

Updated rear base plate with Z cable passthrough.

Rubber grommet. Insert the grommet in the designated hole.

Inset a M6x12 Cap Head Screw + M6 washer on every 6mm hole on the base plates.

Loosely thread the 3030 T-Nuts onto the M6x12 screws. Do not tighten them at this point.

Rear base plate assembly

Carefully place it inside the frame. The Z cable passthrough should be on the left side when facing the front of the printer.

Ensure the base plate assembly is pushed all the way to the back and aligned with the rear extrusions.

When sliding the base plate assembly to the right place, be careful, and take it slowly so as to not damage the extrusion coating.

Place the base plate assembly on the bottom of the frame

Make sure every 3030 Drop In T-nut aligns with the extrusion slots

Tighten the M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the base plate assembly to the frame.

Insert the front base plate inside the frame assembly, at an angle so it can be rotated into place.

When sliding the base plate assembly to the right place, be careful, and take it slowly so as to not damage the extrusion coating.

Carefully rotate the front base panel towards the side of the frame, as shown.

Align the base panel with the extrusions

Rotate the front base plate assembly into position.

Tighten the M6x12 Cap Head Screws to secure the base plate assembly to the frame.