3D Printing an RC10 Chassis

[ROH73]

I'm using a Solidoodle 2, which is a capable (I typically print at 0.3mm resolution...it will go down to 0.1mm if needed), but inexpensive printer. The learning curve was somewhat steep (I'm still learning new things after a year) as the Solidoodle uses all open source software. The printer, software and process just aren't very refined. I get good parts out of it, however, and I think it was a great start to learning about 3D printing. In fact, I got a great education on the technology and software by not being able to just hit a print button.

I think it's time for an upgrade, however. I need to do some research. I think I'll stay with the same filament style technology, but with just a more refined printer.

Translating aluminum to plastic seems to be more an art than a science. Almost no "rule of thumb" ratio seems to apply. The plastic is just too flexible and responds so differently when stressed. That said, I roughly doubled the tub thickness all around and then added gussets and bosses where I had the space. I didn't run any stress analyses to see what that means because 1) I don't know what any real world loading conditions are and 2) plastic is tough to stress model, especially printed parts which respond so differently than a machined or molded equivalent. So, real world testing will be required .

CAD models: Thanks. I've got a few done for the RC10, but I'm not planning on replicating the whole car. What parts have you modeled?

Along those lines, you can download complete models of the B4.1 and other RC cars at http://grabcad.com/. Example: http://grabcad.com/library/team-associated-b4-1-factory-team

I don't know how accurate they are, but they look very impressive.

[ROH73]

Great project Robert. You're just a bit ahead of the rubber-band/balsa racer I've been working on. I think a 1/18 RC10 would be a cool project. Maybe steal a transmission from an existing model or go direct drive.

Thanks! Well, it is mostly virtual at the moment, so at least that balsa car is real .

Hmm...scaling it is very an interesting idea...

[clm]

Great project Robert. You're just a bit ahead of the rubber-band/balsa racer I've been working on. I think a 1/18 RC10 would be a cool project. Maybe steal a transmission from an existing model or go direct drive.

I have been thinking this too... since the the losi broke the 1/18 market actually. My plan was to stuff a mini t transmission in a 1/18 scale 6 gear looking case! Granted the whole being no good at making parts kinda made it a pointless endeavour to shoot for. I did draw up a 1/18 scale plan for it once however...

Chris

[DMAT]

http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=31253&start=60

just a link to the thread ive been posting on.

almost every major part has been modeled so far. the ones i can think of off hand are motor plate, front bulkhead, rear bulkhead, front arms, rear arms, caster blocks, front hub carrier, rear hub carrier, front and rear shock towers, 6-gear tranny case, front and rear wheels (jelly beans), rear arm mounts

all the parts were measured to the thousand of an inch or so when trying to get everything modeled up properly. These were all based off the original parts and could probably be simplified.

[clm]

That would be awesome, I would love a mini gold pan!

It would have made a great anniversary release for Associate, or maybe a whole line of minis touted as commemorative collectible miniature RC cars... 1/18 short arm 1/18 long arm 1/18 graphite 1/18 truck. All tucked into a shrunken version of the original box...

Chris

[LTO_Dave]

Very nice work so far!

This is an idea I have that maybe you could bring to life...a tiny 1/64 scale or smaller chassis of your design to use as a keychain, maybe with the site's logo engraved on it?

[ROH73]

http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=31253&start=60

just a link to the thread ive been posting on.

almost every major part has been modeled so far. the ones i can think of off hand are motor plate, front bulkhead, rear bulkhead, front arms, rear arms, caster blocks, front hub carrier, rear hub carrier, front and rear shock towers, 6-gear tranny case, front and rear wheels (jelly beans), rear arm mounts

all the parts were measured to the thousand of an inch or so when trying to get everything modeled up properly. These were all based off the original parts and could probably be simplified.

Nice work! If you have them in .ipt or stp. format, I'd love to try and print some wheels.

[ROH73]

Very nice work so far!

This is an idea I have that maybe you could bring to life...a tiny 1/64 scale or smaller chassis of your design to use as a keychain, maybe with the site's logo engraved on it?

It's possible, although I'd have to fudge the scale for much of the geometry. 1/64 scale would make sidewalls only 0.020" wide .

I'll see what I can do.

[DMAT]

Most of my stuff is in an .dwg file but I could create some stp files i think.

looks like your using inventor if you've got ipt formats. Guess id need to convert to an stp for you to use. I miss having inventor. doing everything in straight autocad is a pain.

Know any good file hosting sites that can be uploaded too for this file type?

edit: actually, inventor should be able open a 3d autocad file as an IAM. you should be able to reconstraint them and it would be ok. If you want, just pm an email address and I can send them to you.

[myfordcnc]

Know any good file hosting sites that can be uploaded too for this file type?

DropBox is what I've been using.

[ROH73]

Here you go! 1:32 Scale (with 3x wall thickness). Anything smaller would be very tough to print with any detail.

[clm]

SWEET! Now to find the rest of the parts and the electronics for it

I bet those screws would be friggen TINY.

Chris

[GoMachV]

Hmmm....almost keychain size

[ROH73]

We're getting closer!

[Headling]

Great job dude!

Looking forward to seeing the final build