00. Preparations

Introduction

This section of the guide will step you through preparing all of the printed parts, and wiring, necessary to assemble the V‑Core 4. This includes removing any support material, clearing sacrificial layers, and installing any threaded heat inserts into the printed parts, as well as crimping and assembling the necessary wiring.

Step 1 Tools for this section of the guide

• The following tools are required for this section of the guide;
• A soldering iron;
• Heat insert tips for the soldering iron are recommended and will make installation easier;
• The V‑Core 4 kit uses M2.5, M3 and M4 sized heat inserts;
• The following tools are recommended for this section of the guide: An electric, or hand drill & drill bits in the sizes of 3mm and 4mm;
A drill, and correctly sized drill bits will help with clearing sacrificial layers on some printed parts; Cyanoacrylate glue

Step 2 Tutorial: Installing a heat insert - Part 1

• These steps show how to install a heat insert into the printed parts, the instructions are the same for all heat insert sizes;
• Example printed part;
• Heat insert;
• Insert the thinner end of the heat insert into the printed part hole as shown;
• Soldering iron with matching size heat insert tip;
• Rat Rig printed parts are made from ABS, it is recommended to set your soldering iron to 265°C to install the heat inserts;
Do not use a temperature higher than 280C as this can cause the ABS to release harmful fumes;
Be careful not to burn yourself

Step 3 Tutorial: Installing a heat insert - Part 2

• The protrusion on the heat insert tool should align with, and fit inside the heat insert as shown;
• Apply gentle downward pressure to guide the heat insert into the printed part;
• Keep the soldering iron perpendicular to the printed part, otherwise the insert could end up installed at an angle;
• Keep applying downward pressure until the heat insert is flush with the printed part, or even a little recessed into it