This is a tool changer mod for the RatRig VCore 3 utilising an E3D style coupling.
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updated January 19, 2024

Description

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About

This is a tool changer modification for the RatRig VCore 3 printer that utilises an E3D style coupling.

Belts

This modifications is designed with the intention of being used on an VCore 3 with the so called “OpenFront” modifications where an alternative location exists for tensioning the printer belts.

Z-Probe

This modification is designed with the intention of using the z-probe mounts (or similar) used with the EVA system and specifically a SuperPINDA.  I will possibly design an alternative mount using a SPDT endstop type switch.

X-Endstop

This modification uses the blank EVA MGN12 top and therefore EVA X-endstop mounts can be reused.

Y-Endstop

This modification moves the Y-endstop to the front of the frame - once tested I will attach an STL.

 

Demo

 

Upcoming Enhancements

CAN Board Mounts

I am currently testing alternative extruder mounts that can fit 36 size CAN boards, e.g. BTT EBB36.

Heat Insert Sizing

I am investigating increasing heat insert chamfer from 0.5mm to 1.0mm to create a better fit.

Dock Improvements

I am going to implement some screw holes to retain the docking pins as I have had one pin start sliding out when un-docking tools.

 

Bill of Materials

Head

PartQuantityComment
TC - Head - Front.stl16 perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Head - Top.stl14 perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Head - Bottom - Small.stl14 perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Head - Back.stl16 perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Head - Belt Grabber.stl44 perimeters / top / bottom
10mm x 4mm Dowel Pin6 
SF695ZZ Bearing1 
4mm E-Clip1 
12mm x 3mm Dowel Pin1 
M3x3mm Grub Screw1 
Tool Coupler Shaft1From E3D
M3x6 Socket Head Screw1 
MR105RS Bearing1 
F5-12M Thrust Bearing1 
15mm x 1mm Spring1 
40T Mod 0.5 Gear1From E3D
M3 Washer1 
M3x10 Socket Head Screw1 
20T Mod 0.5 Gear1From E3D
M3x50 Socket Head Screw4 
Stepper Motor1From E3D
M3x8 Socket Head Screw13 
M2.5x8 Socket Head Screw2 
Omron D2HW-C201H Switch1Optional tool detect switch
M3xD4.6mmxL5.0mm Heat Insert3 
M3 Full Hex Nut12 
M3x6mm Grub Screw2 
Motor Brace Options
Small - As designed by E3D
TC - Head - Motor Brace - Small.stl14 perimeters / top / bottom
16mm Standoff215mm standoff if using non-E3D stepper
M3x8 Socket Head Screw2 
M3xD4.6mmxL5.0mm Heat Insert2 
Large - A larger version of the E3D design with 4 standoffs for more support
TC - Head - Motor Brace - Large.stl14 perimeters / top / bottom
16mm Standoff415mm standoff if using non-E3D stepper
M3x8 Socket Head Screw4 
M3xD4.6mmxL5.0mm Heat Insert4 
Switches - A 4 standoff version with 2 SPDT switches for lock/unlock detection
TC - Head - Motor Brace - Switches.stl14 perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Head - Cam.stl14 perimeters / top / bottom
16mm Standoff415mm standoff if using non-E3D stepper
M3x8 Socket Head Screw6 
M3xD4.6mmxL5.0mm Heat Insert6 
Omron D2HW-C261H Switch2 

Stepper Motor: This build assumes the usage of the motor although I have trialled and used a 24BYJ-48 (available from Mouser and RS Components) which seems to work well too. I can provide alternative parts for this if required. 

Spring: I purchased a 20mm spring initially which was too long and I cut it down, the 10mm I have is slightly too short so would recommend a 15mm or 20mm and cut if required.

 

Dock

Note: This is for a single tool dock.

PartQuantityComment
TC - Dock - Stand.stl14 Perimeters / top /bottom
TC - Dock - Receiver.stl14 Perimeters / top / bottom
M6x12 Socket Head Screw2 
M6 3030 T-Nut2 
M3xD4.6mmxL5.0mm Heat Insert3 
M4x45 Locating Dowel Pin2Can be longer
M3x10 Socket Head Screw1 
M3x12 Socket Head Screw2 
M3x6mm Grub Screw1 
6mmx3mm Neodymium Magnet1 

 

Tools

Helical Lock Ramp: This can be 3D printed (TC - Tool - Ramp.stl) and I would recommend 0.1mm layer height or less.

 

Tool v2

BOM coming soon.

This tool is a modular tool which:

  • Enables easier changing of parts (e.g. swap a hotend or extruder easily)
  • Easier printing
  • Better airflow for inward facing 5015

 

E3D Revo Micro / LGX Lite (Tool v1)
PartQuantityComment
TC - Tool - Face.stl16 Perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Tool - LGX Lite Mount.stl16 Perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Tool - Revo Mount.stl16 Perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Tool - 5010 Fan Mount.stl1 (or 2)6 Perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Tool - Revo Fan Duct.stl1 (or 2)4 Perimeters / top / bottom
LGX Lite1 
E3D Revo Micro1 
8mm M3 Steel Ball 3 
Helical Lock Ramp1From E3D
M3xD4.6mmxL5.0mm Heat Insert15 
M3x6mm Grub Screw1 
6mmx3mm Neodymium Magnet1 
Bowden Tube (2mm ID, 4mm OD)1 
M3x10 Countersunk Socket Head Screw5 
M3x6 Socket Head Screw3 
M3x16 Socket Head Screw4 

 

Phaetus Dragon HF / LGX Lite (Tool v1)
PartQuantityComment
TC - Tool - Face.stl16 Perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Tool - LGX Lite Mount.stl16 Perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Tool - Dragon Mount.stl16 Perimeters / top / bottom
TC - Tool - 5010 Fan Mount.stl16 Perimeters / top / bottom
LGX Lite1 
Phaetus Dragon1 
3010 Fan w/ Duct1 
8mm M3 Steel Ball 3 
Helical Lock Ramp1From E3D
M3xD4.6mmxL5.0mm Heat Insert15 
M3x6mm Grub Screw1 
6mmx3mm Neodymium Magnet1 
Bowden Tube (2mm ID, 4mm OD)1 
M3x10 Countersunk Socket Head Screw5 
M3x6 Socket Head Screw3 
M3x16 Socket Head Screw4 

 

Tool v1 Beta Tooling
PartComment
TC - Tool - Orbiter Face.stlTool interface plate without LDO36 motor support
TC - Tool - LGX Lite Mount CAN.stlLGX Lite mount with CAN board support
TC - Tool - Orbiter Mount CAN.stlOrbiter mount with CAN board support

 

Software Configuration

The configuration here presumes the usage of Klipper - Duet is not covered.

Plugin Installation

Install this excellent Klipper plugin by Andrei Ignat - https://github.com/TypQxQ/Klipper_ToolChanger

Klipper Configuration

I have uploaded my RatOS configuration folder to the following repository:

https://github.com/psyvision/vcore3-configuration

This is mostly typical RatOS configuration and the tool changer configuration is in the “additions” folder:

File / FolderPurpose
coupler.cfgConfiguration and macros relating to the tool head coupler
dropoff.cfgMacros relating to dropping tools onto docks
pickup.cfgMacros relating to picking up tools from docks
tX.cfgConfiguration relating to individual tools
toolchanger.cfgToolChanger Klipper plugin configuration
tools.cfgToolChanger Klipper plugin tool configuration

speed-limits-performance.cfg

steppers.cfg

tmc2209-performance.cfg

These files provide the same functionality/configuration as the original RatOS configuration except removing the extruder configuration

 

Version History

VersionDateComment
v0.1028/10/2022Added Tool Version 2
v0.915/10/2022

Added Orbiter CAN mount - currently under test 

Added LGX Lite CAN mount - currently in use

Updated all dock files

v0.813/07/2022

Added Revo Mount for using M12 A2 Nut

Added LGX cable brace

v0.728/06/2022Added Tool STEP files
v0.608/04/2022Updated TC - Head - Back files
v0.501/04/2022

Revised dock with cable bracing

Partial STEP file publication

v0.431/03/2022

Improved dock cable management

Mirrored fan/cable on LGX Lite mount

Software configuration update

Add head bottom with ADXL mounting

v0.310/03/2022

Update dock files

Added carriage motor brace options

v0.225/02/2022Updated after initial trials
v0.121/02/2022Initial beta release

 

Attribution

This modification would not be possible without designs from:

  • E3D Online (Tool changer)
  • Pawel Kucmus (EVA platform)
  • Joshua Vasquez (Jubilee 3D)
  • Andrei Ignat (Klipper Toolchanger plugin)

Tags



Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

License