Questions About Custom RC Parts

[Carknowledge101]

I was wondering if i was to 3D print a-arms for an RC10, which plastic would be the best? I mostly use PLA but I dont know if that would be strong enough. I was thinking Nylon or ABS but I haven't experimented with that. I was going to test the strength of PLA parts Vs. Stock (vintage) RC10 parts but those are expensive to replace. Any Ideas?

[Carknowledge101]

As a side note the running conditions would be a soft sand/dirt track outside.

[GoMachV]

Depends a lot on the printer. I have 5, and they are set up for different materials.

Hands down the strongest material I use is NylonX (carbon infused) and NylonG (fiberglass infused). To print that, you need an enclosure and hardened nozzle. I use a ruby nozzle. It’s not terribly hard to print but everything has to be right or it will warp. It’s also not a very pretty material as you can see the texture of the shards of carbon and fiberglass. I have to plan about 24 hours ahead of time so I can dry the filament. I print on a garolyte bed.

The next best material I have used is Ryno. It is like petg but much stronger and not as pretty. Kinda “goopy” looking. It doesn’t need an enclosure and doesn’t seem to draw moisture. It sticks like glue to glass, and will pop right off when it cools. Really good, easy to print material.

Petg and pla imo aren’t great for parts that will be used. Pla will warp at such a low temp- I’ve had pla wheels warp on a 100 mile car ride to deliver them. Petg shatters too easily imo. The only nylon (taulman) I have printed was very rubbery and unusable. I haven’t tried polycarbonate or any of the other materials.

Pics shown are NylonG (white and gray parts) and NylonX (black). Note you can get NylonG in multiple colors including black and it looks identical to the black case shown when printed.