Hardware Upgrades
At Vision Miner, we are committed to the long-term success of our customers and their equipment. We actively support previous-generation machines by offering a clear upgrade path. This document outlines the official hardware kits and user-printable enhancements available for the 22IDEX V2, explaining the benefits and installation requirements for each.
Before you begin – safety and risk
Read the Safety – Before You Begin article to understand the hazards involved in working on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V2 – including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical risks. All procedures in this wiki are provided as recommendations only. By choosing to follow any procedure, you do so at your own risk.
Tools and Materials
The following hardware is required to install the various printable upgrades.
| Item | Quantity | Specification | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screws | 6 pcs | M3×8, rounded head | Spool Holders |
| Screws | 4 pcs | M4×18 | XY Cable Chain Guides |
| Screws | 3 pcs | M4×20 | Z-Top Limiters |
| M4 T-Nuts | 3 pcs | For aluminum extrusion | Z-Top Limiters |
| Thread Tap | 1 pc | M3 | Spool Holders (recommended) |
Hardware Upgrades
How to request parts
Many of these hardware upgrades are provided free of charge to eligible V2 machine owners. If you have not yet received these parts, contact our support team to have them prepared and shipped to you.
We offer several hardware upgrades to enhance your V2 machine. These are divided into free upgrades for eligible machines and purchasable retrofits.
Free Hardware Upgrades
New Y-EndStops
- Purpose: Increases the repeatability and accuracy of tool alignment, which is critical for high-quality multicolor and soluble support printing.
- Eligibility: Free for all 22IDEX V2 Batch 1 and Batch 2 machines that were originally shipped with only two end stops.
- Installation: Y-EndStops Installation Guide
New Distribution Blocks
- Purpose: Improves the electrical contact for sensors, leading to more stable and reliable readings.
- Eligibility: Free for all 22IDEX V2 machines that have not already been upgraded.
- Installation: Distribution Block Retrofit Guide
Bed Securing Cables
- Purpose: Replaces previous solutions with robust metal cables that securely fasten the build plate to the Z-axis support carriages.
- Eligibility: Free for all 22IDEX V2 machines that did not originally ship with these cables.
Purchasable Retrofits
These upgrades bring features from our newer V3 machines to your V2 model and are available for purchase. Please contact our sales team for pricing and ordering.
High-Temperature Belt Set (V3 Retrofit)
- Purpose: Upgrades the motion system with higher-temperature rated belts from the V3 model, improving durability in heated environments.
- Components: Includes two belts for the X-axis and two for the Y-axis.
Front Idler Pulleys (V3 Retrofit)
- Purpose: These toothed pulleys replace the original smooth idlers, providing a more secure grip on the belts to prevent slipping and improve motion stability.
Front Door Magnets (V3 Retrofit)
- Purpose: Upgrades the front door closure mechanism.
- Parts: You can reuse your old magnets or purchase a new set by contacting our sales team. Please specify that you need two magnets for the front door.
Printable Upgrades
These are user-printed parts designed to enhance machine safety, wire management, and usability. STL files are provided for download.
Wire Covers
- Purpose: Essential for protecting the toolhead wiring harness from damage. They are installed on top of the fan shroud.
- Files:
- Hardware: Uses the same screws that already hold the fan shroud.
- Quantity: One per tool.
Improved Spool Holders
- Purpose: An improved, more robust design if your machine came with the original plastic spool holders.
- File: Spool Holder V2
- Hardware: Requires two (2)
M3x8rounded-head screws per holder. - Quantity: Your machine may have 2 or 3 spool holders, depending on its version.
- Assembly Tip: It is highly recommended to tap an M3 thread into the printed part before installation. This ensures the screws engage smoothly and securely.
XU-EndStops with Filament Guide
- Purpose: This updated end-stop design features a pass-through hole for the filament guide tube. This allows the PTFE tube to flex under load, preventing damage to the tube and reducing the risk of brittle filaments breaking.
- File: XU-EndStop Updated
- Printing: Print one part, then create a mirrored copy in your slicer for the other side.
Y-EndStops (Printed)
- Purpose: These printed parts complement the hardware upgrade and may be needed for extra adjustment to perfect tool alignment. They are recommended if you plan to do multicolor or soluble support prints.
- Files:
XY Cable Chain Guides
- Purpose: A usability improvement that guides the XY cable chains, allowing the printer lid to be opened more easily without obstruction.
- File: XY Cable Chain Guide
- Hardware: Requires one (1)
M4x18screw per guide. - Printing: You will need two guides. Print one part, then mirror it in your slicer to create the part for the opposite side.
Z-Motion Limiters
- Purpose: These parts act as physical stops to ensure the build plate cannot accidentally slide off the Z-axis rails at the top or bottom of its travel range.
- Files:
- Top Limiters: Z-Top Stop
- Bottom Limiters: Z-Leadscrew Spacer
- Assembly:
- Top Limiters: You need three (3) per machine. Install each at the top of a Z-rail with one (1)
M4x20screw and one (1)M4 T-nut. - Bottom Limiters: You need three (3) per machine. No hardware is required; they simply clip onto the shaft of each Z-axis leadscrew.
- Top Limiters: You need three (3) per machine. Install each at the top of a Z-rail with one (1)
Upgrading your 22IDEX V2 with these enhancements ensures you benefit from our continuous engineering improvements, leading to better print quality and a more reliable user experience. By keeping your machine up-to-date, you maximize its performance and lifespan.
Support
If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our support team.