Sharing notes from my build for future Cat Guard Builders…
I built the Cat Guard enclosure for my Lulzbot Taz 5. The Open Hardware Assembly Instructions (OHAI) are provided by Lulzbot along with a Bill of Materials (BOM).
Following BOM v1.1, I was able obtain all the hardware from Misumi using the part numbers provided. The total cost before shipping was $233.88. They have a nice quote system to provide an estimate before placing your order. Considering all the custom cuts, ordering was easy.
I made one substitution in my order from Misumi. I ordered black hinges instead of the specified stainless steel hinges. The BOM v1.1 specifies 2 silver “HHPSN5-SET” hinges. I changed this to 2 black “HHPBSN5-SET” hinges. Cost was the same. Other then this substitution, I ordered the exact part numbers specified and all lengths were correct.
In addition to the hardware, the instructions call for 5 pieces of 6mm (1/4”) acrylic. 4 with corner notches. I had harder time sourcing the acrylic. My local glass shop charged me $254.40 for the 5 pieces. They would not cut the required corner notches for a reasonable rate. I cut the notches myself.
My local glass shop would only take dimensions in inches. I sent the following dimensions to my local glass shop:
- 30 1/8 x 20 7⁄8
- 23 1⁄4 x 27
- 23 1⁄4 x 27
- 31 7⁄8 x 27
- 31 7⁄8 x 23 1⁄4
I had to cut notches in 4 of the acrylic pieces following the Cat Guard Plate template. I used a small hacksaw and a template I 3D printed to cut all the 6mm x 11mm notches. I’ve shared the cutting template on thingiverse.
The final component are the rubber feet ordered from Advanced Antivibration components for $11.04. I had to order a whole sheet of the feet. They are the same feet that come on the Taz 5. I have plenty remaining in case I ever need one.
Assembly is straightforward. The instructions are easy to follow. The only issue I have is the centering of the door. The instructions say to vertically center the door but it sags. To make it straight I had to lower the door hinges leaving a bigger gap at the top. I may fix this by printing a small support piece. Still investigating.
Total Price: $499.32
The enclosure is big. In the photos, I have the printer sitting on a 48” tabletop.
There is a vent cover in the Cat Guard Repository. No instructions provided. I emailed support and they are unaware of reason for the vent cover. They said as long as the internal temperatures are staying below 95 degree, there is no need to vent the electronics. The Cat Guard is vented at the bottom because of the rubber feet and the space around the door.