VZBot 235 Top Hat 125mm Tall

Top Hat designed for the VZ235 that allows easy access to the extruder without removing the upper panel or opening the doors. Also prevents the CPAP and extruder harnesses from dragging on the top cover. 

This top hat requires several pieces of 2020 extrusion and can be customized to your preferred height via the Step File included. I recommend 125mm as it seems to provide adequate clearance without making it overly bulky. Additionally, due to the cost of the extrusions and finding suitable matches if you prefer the simplest path is to procure a second VZBot 235 frame kit from Mellow or other retailer and cut the upright extrusions to the correct height for your top hat. This gives you all of the horizontal parts cut to the appropriate lengths and minimizes the cutting you have to do for about the same cost.

Other than that you will need the following to make this work:

Hardware:

• Various M3 Bolts, M3 T-Nuts and M3 Heat Set Inserts.
• (2) Latches of your preference, the files included work with these: https://www.penn-elcom.com/nl/small-black-low-profile-surface-latch-with-slotted-wings-7333-397bk-unm
• Be sure to get the matching catch plates if you use these latches: https://www.penn-elcom.com/nl/medium-zinc-tapered-catch-plate-2696
• (2) M5 x 25mm (or 30mm) Bolts
• (2) M5 Heat Set Inserts for the Lower Hinges
• (8) Bearings (11mm OD, 5mm ID, 4mm Thick)
• (10) M5 washers to space out the bearings a bit and allow them to rotate freely.
• (Optional) (2) Small struts with mount plates - I recommend 80N strength struts for adequate lift but not overly strong. These are the ones i used: https://www.yachtsupplier.nl/gasveer-zwart-gelakt-550mm-80n Mounting Plates are also required: https://www.yachtsupplier.nl/zijplaatbevestiging-o8-mm-vlak-rvs-316-60x50-mm

Additional Notes:

• The panels use the standards VZBot corner and mid span attachment plates just like your printer.
• The top cover has been widened to help seal in the heat but also allows for use of the handles should you have them already. It also uses the standard top panel mounts with the magnetic plates. 
• The frame is very rigid already but corner braces similar to those used in the build look nice and help make it even more rigid.
• The latches have a 2mm gap in them when fully closed. I recommend using some 3mm thick x 6mm wide foam sealing material affixed to the lower side of the top hat extrusions to seal it up nicely. You do not want metal on metal due to vibrations and it would likely cause some type of damage closing together.

WARNINGS:

• The hinges and latches are very strong if constructed and printed well. If you use the handles on top of the top hat. I do not recommend trying to carry your printer in this fashion. I've done it and it seems very firm, but if one of the parts breaks your printer will be heavily damaged. Use them for moving it around on a flat surface or for opening/closing the top hat.
• The design of the rear hinges allows them to float in place and find center on the lower hinges. Side to side force on the top hat could dislodge the top hat (doubtful). Make sure both sides are on before attempting to open or close the top hat as the hinges do not retain the top hat position unless used as a pair.