In the future, Rat Rig will focus on the large model with 500 mm build volume for the V-Core platform.
What exactly is being discontinued?
The affected V-Core variants have the following build volumes:
300 × 300 × 300 mm
400 × 400 × 400 mm
The Rat Rig V-Core with 500 × 500 × 500 mm build volume will continue to exist and will be the focus of the platform in the future. The V-Core 4.1 is still listed in all three sizes on the official product page. However, Rat Rig explicitly refers to the currently available 300 mm and 400 mm devices as the last production series.
This means: As long as devices and kits are still available, the smaller models can continue to be purchased. However, according to the current status, no further production is planned after the sale.
Why were 300 and 400 mm particularly interesting?
The two smaller models offered many users an attractive compromise between build volume, space requirements, and performance.
The V-Core 300 is particularly suitable for workshops, ambitious makers, and companies that need a powerful CoreXY printer but do not need to utilize a half-meter build volume.
The 400 mm version already offers significantly more space for large functional parts, enclosures, prototypes, and small series, while remaining more compact than the V-Core 500. Therefore, the V-Core 400 was an interesting intermediate size for professional users.
While the V-Core 500 offers maximum possibilities, it also requires a correspondingly large footprint with its official external dimensions of approximately 823 × 783 × 985 mm. According to Rat Rig, the complete kit weighs around 55 kg. For comparison, the manufacturer states about 35 kg for the 300 mm version and 45 kg for the 400 mm version.
Rat Rig focuses on the 500 mm platform
Rat Rig cites no technical problems with the smaller models as the reason for the discontinuation. In the official statement, the manufacturer rather speaks of a strategic focus on the 500 mm platform.
This positions Rat Rig even more clearly as a provider of particularly large and modular high-performance printers. A build volume of 500 × 500 × 500 mm enables the production of large components that would need to be divided and then assembled with many desktop 3D printers.
The V-Core 4.1 can also be built or expanded with various drive concepts. In addition to the classic CoreXY configuration, hybrid and IDEX variants are available. The IDEX system operates with two independently moving print heads and enables, among other things, multi-material printing as well as copy and mirror modes.
What does this mean for existing owners?
The discontinuation of the two sizes does not mean that existing V-Core-300 or V-Core-400 printers suddenly become outdated or unusable.
Rat Rig continues to provide documentation, CAD data, and bill of materials for the different sizes. Current V-Core-4.1 upgrades and individual components are still being offered for 300, 400, and 500 mm. This includes, for example, the V-Core-4.1 upgrade kit and the new Steel Gantry module.
However, it was not specifically stated in the announcement how long certain spare parts and size-specific components will remain available.
Last chance for a V-Core 300 or 400
Anyone specifically looking for a Rat Rig V-Core with 300 or 400 mm build space should not wait too long. After the sale of the last production series, these sizes are not expected to return.
At DRUCK3D.ch, we currently still have one Rat Rig V-Core with 300 and 400 mm build space in stock. Thus, these devices are among the last available specimens of these sizes.
If you have questions about the models, assembly, possible expansions, or the suitable size, we are happy to advise you personally.
Interested in one of the last Rat Rig V-Core 300 or 400? Contact us directly or visit us in our store in Herisau.