Build Plate Storage for RatRig 500 VCore 3.1

This is a simple build plate storage solution for the RatRig 500 VCore 3.1 and possibly others. It fits under the bottom panel between the frame and the polycarbonate sheet. It will raise the bottom panel only by 16mm so as not to interfere with normal operations.

Several plates may fit in this space to keep them out of the way and safe from damage.

Hardware needed:

2 - M4x20mm Socket Head Screws 

2- M4x25mm Button Head Screws

 2 - M4x16mm Socket Head Screws

 2 - M4x8mm Flat Head Screws

20 - M4x20mm Flat Head Screws

16 - M4 T-Nuts 3030 Profile

 8 - M4 T-Nuts 2020 Profile

 8 - M5x16mm Socket Head Screws

 4 M5x16mm Flat Head Screws

 2 pcs. 2020 x 638mm T-slot or V-Slot Extruded Aluminum Channel

Instructions:

1. Remove bottom panel of printer and set aside. Cut 2 pieces 2020 channel to 638mm. Put 4 - “2020 bracket 30” brackets on ends of channel. Use 8 - M5x16 socket head screws and size 30 T-nuts to attach it to the side channels. Use 4 - M5x8mm flat head screws and 4 - size 20 T-nuts to hold the channel in the brackets. Do NOT tighten these up at this time. See Pic. #1.
2.  Print the 2 front pieces (RR500 BP Left Front and RR500 BP Right Front) and affix them to the front 3030 channel and the 1st 2020 channel. See Pic. #2. Tighten the channel brackets as soon as the front pieces are in place. Use the M4x16mm Socket Head Screws with size 30 T-nuts and the M4x8 Button Head Screws with Size 30 T-nuts in the front. Use the M4x10mm Button Head screws with size 20 T-nuts and the M4x8mm Button Head Screws with size 20 T-nuts in the rear of these panels. 
3.  Print the 2 rear pieces and affix them to the 2nd 2020 channel. Use the 2 - M4x20 Socket Head Screws to attach the rear panels front tab to the front panels on the side. See Pic#1 and #4
4. Print 2 sets - “Front Side Spacer A and B” and attach them using 12 - M4x16 Flat Head Screws w size 30 t-nuts. These are sized to be the same size as the panel so they will need to be centered to fit. Print 1 each of the “Rear Left Spacer” and the Rear Right Spacer" and attach them using 6 - M4x16 Flat Head Screws w size 30 t-nuts.
5. Replacing the Bottom Panel. There are 2 ways to re-attach the bottom panel. Use 10 - M6x20 Socket Head Screws with size 30 T-nuts to reach thru the side spacers. This is why the holes are larger. Or, if you have a thicker panel you can use the “Alignment Button” with a M6x12 Socket Head Set Screw and size 30 T-nuts. This method will leave the panel loose for easy removal.
6. Pic. #4 shows the completed project.

“”""NOTE""""

If you use a 3mm sheet for the panels there will be some sag in the middle across the front. The 6mm sheet should be more rigid. A 2020 channel can be screws to the top of the bottom panel to correct this.