6. Frame

General idea

The general idea is to assemble a loosely connected frame first and allow it to shake like a skeleton as shown in the 1st video. Although the video uses SK-Tank as the example, the same principle applies to SK-Cube.


  1. Find a flat and solid surface. Eg. a large tile or a granite table.

  2. Assemble the frame pieces but don't fasten the nuts.

  3. Fasten the nuts in stages after all frame pieces have been put together.

Frame

  • Frame pieces (14 of 16. Leave 2 Y frame pieces.)

  • RH m4 x 10

  • Flanged nut m4


  • Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 243® (optional)


Exams

Make sure the frame is placed on a flat surface when you fasten the nuts.

Two Y frame pieces are not used here. In the later chapter 8, Y rails and XY joiners will be installed onto Y frame pieces first before putting them onto the frame.


Actions

The general idea is to assemble a loosely connected frame first, place it on a solid and flat surface such as a large tile or a granite table, gradually fasten bolts "in stages" to make the frame sturdy.

Feel free to tilt or flip the frame up-side-down during the assembly so you'll have more space to loosely attach the nuts by hand. You should be able to get a skeleton in 30 min. The frame pieces are strong enough even before being fully assembled. Wobble the frame if you find it a bit hard to insert the bolts. 😄

While fastening the nuts it's still OK to flip the frame up-side-down. Hold the bolts steady and turn the nuts as the nuts won't be stripped that easily.


Fasten the nuts in stages, so the torque won't pull your frame out of square.

Wrong: fasten individual nuts to 100% one after another
Fasten nut A to 100% --> nut B to 100% --> nut C to 100%

Correct: fasten nuts gradually in stages
Fasten ALL nuts to 50% --> ALL nuts to 75% --> ALL nuts to 100%.


Hole on the bottom are designed if you want to stack and bolt this Cube onto another Cube. If not, just paste some soft pads under the frame.


Refer to Hardware type & legends for the fonts in the label.

Grommets

  • Printed grommets for wires (7, STL here)



Actions

Press the grommets into the holes in the frame. The gaps in the grommets allow you to install/replace them after the printer is assembled.


Carbon fiber parts

  • Carbon fiber part (6)

  • Liquid/paste type super glue


Actions

To extend the component life and prevent fibers from spreading and make you itchy, it's best to seal the edges with super glue. No need to seal the bolt holes.

Be sure to work in a ventilated place.

(SK-Tank CF parts are shown here but the same principle applies to SK-Cube.)