3D Printing RC Parts is rapidly becoming more and more popular. Many parts can be designed in your own home and then turned into a fully functioning component or at the very least, a well designed prototype. Some may choose to make just replacement parts while others may be interested in improving the component to better suit the application they intend to use the particular piece for. Rapid Prototyping is an industry given name to 3D printing as this is one of the largest strengths to the technology.
Take a look at some 3D print articles. These projects have all been designed from ground up. There may be some downloadable print files (For Free) as well!! Here are the most recent 5 Articles.
Why is 3D Printing so Good for RC?
Firstly, 3D printing allows for a very large scope of designs. If you were to consider CNC milling a part, there is only a certain amount of flexibility the designer has when using a CNC mill. However, with 3D printing, the flexibility in design is rather large. Nearly any shape can be printed but could not be milled.
Secondly, cost of 3D printing has dropped drastically over the last several years. Technology is constantly increasing allowing for better and more competitive pricing. This is true for both the service of getting 3D printing done for you, and the actual printers/parts available.
Thirdly, 3D printing RC components can be accomplished by anyone with a printer and an internet connection. It’s as easy as just downloading what you want to print. Or you can come up with your own design perfected right from scratch.
Lastly, there are many different types of filament material that can be used in a 3D printer. 3D print technology is estimated to rapidly increase over the next several years and this means more types of material will become available. There is material available to handle high strength requirements or high heat requirements. A well designed component or part made from plastic can be designed to be quite strong, proving to be very useful in many RC applications.
How to get started in 3D printing RC Parts?
This is a tough position to be in, however it is also very rewarding. The reason it is tough is there are many 3D printers available on the market. Some of the less expensive models will also require more up front setup time and tinkering. This can be part of the fun or part of the pain. Pick out a good 3D printer to go along with your comfort level.
Once you have a printer the next part is to find some parts to print and use. Here you have 2 choices depending on whether you prefer to design or download your model. If you would prefer to download your printable models, check out the RCexplained thingiverse page
If you have time to invest in learning how to design 3D printed parts, you can be exposing your inner creativity in a very rewarding way. This would be true by 3D printing the parts that you have designed!
Here is the latest 5 3D Printing Articles!
3D Printed Radio Box for 1/8 Scale Hobao VSE Buggy Free Download
Download this Printable File on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4300018 The trigger for me to design and print this radio box came from a requirement that the physical internal size of the stock box was too small. I could not get the radio that I wanted to use in the stock box. What was required was a new box …
LaTrax Prerunner Teton 3D Printed Drift Wheels Free Download
Download this Printable File on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4235548 Here we have a 3D printed LaTrax Teton or Pre-runner (by Traxxas) Drift wheel. The idea was inspired by a friend talking about having an indoor RC car that can drift. I know how much I like the LaTrax line of RC cars and decided that adapting one …