West3D is an exclusive partner for Vector3D Products in the United States. We sell both the VLMP 2 Hardware Kit (Complete) and the VLMP 1 to 2 Upgrade kit (just the parts to upgrade an existing VLMP1).
From Vector3D:
VLMP 2 builds on the incredible success of the original VLMP heat set insert press to bring you a rigid, strong, stable, and precise insert press for high quality repeatable results.
- Direct and easy upgrade from VLMP 1.
- Fully enclosed idler to prevent belt hop.
- Wider base for greater stability.
- Accessible storage for inserts.
- Fully covered and adjustable counterweight.
- Aggressive aesthetic design.
- 3D printed parts with all STLs included.
- Cost effective parts for easy spares and repairs.
Printing Parts
We do not offer printed parts for VLMP 2. You can print from any material for most of the design, you just need to make sure the grip is printed from ABS or ASA. The grip is quite small and can be done with a brim so should be achievable on many printers.
Soldering Iron
For the soldering iron I recommend the Handskit 927 with the CNC Kitchen M900 Tips. The 927 is great as it doesn't require a separate base station, is adjustable in small increments, has a built in display and sleeps after a short period just in case you leave it on by accident. The correct size tips ensure your iron won't get stuck on the inserts too, a must have.
If you want to purchase a separate soldering iron, here are a few tips to help you get a suitable model.
Ensure it can reach around 300C or the melting point +30C of the plastic you want inserts pressed into.
Ensure the iron uses common exchangeable tips such as those by CNCKitchen.
Ensure it has accurate temperature control with read-out
Ensure the iron has an on/off switch.
Additionally soldering stations with removable soldering irons may be a useful option.
Grip
The grip ideally needs to be printed from ABS and be just the right size for your soldering iron.
You get the Autodesk fusion CAD file (and common STLs) for the grip with your purchase as the grip itself is an open source design. We also have a database that stores common sizes for various soldering iron models so you can make it yourself in just the right size.
For the easiest route, we sell grips for the VLMP soldering iron (Handskit 927) made from ABS and guaranteed to work. If you have a grip from VLMP 1, this will work too.
Once you have a good grip size for your iron, be sure to share it to our database to help others too by filling in this form.
Upgrading from Original VLMP?
Upgrading from VLMP 1 is incredibly easy, many of the parts are common, particularly the extrusion, V wheels and idlers so you just the need the upgrade kit and new printed parts. The grip is identical so you don't need to be printing a new one in ABS. For the rest of the parts PLA is fine so pretty much any printer will work. All the parts are designed to be easy to print to success is simple, even for 3D printing beginners.
Digital Files License
The license for files included with this purchase permit you do download and print them, and also modify them for personal use, but you may not redistribute them, nor sell or trade printed parts.
Assembly Video