Key Takeaways
1. Sturdy Design: The Curv Lab team improved the initial designs of the RC chassis to create a robust 3D-printable model that can handle real-world stress.
2. Easy Customization: Users can easily swap out parts like suspension mounts without reprinting the entire chassis, allowing for personal modifications and experimentation.
3. Material Optimization: PETG was chosen for its balance of durability and flexibility, with enhancements made to wall thickness and infill patterns for stressed components.
4. Drivetrain and Drive Shaft Solutions: The drivetrain issues were addressed by using steel parts, while the drive shafts were improved by changing the print direction to enhance strength.
5. Affordable Access and Guidance: The 3D files for the chassis are available for $35, along with a comprehensive 67-page build guide, with assembly instructions and parts lists offered for free.
The maker group known as Curv Lab dedicated six months to create a fully 3D-printable chassis for remote-controlled cars. In the beginning, early prototypes revealed several problems: the drivetrain parts struggled under stress, the suspension design was inadequate, and some components even broke during initial rigorous testing. These challenges led to improvements in the subsequent designs, resulting in a much sturdier printable RC chassis that can withstand real-world usage.
Easy Repairs and Customization
One impressive aspect of this system is how simple it is to repair certain parts. For instance, the suspension mounts can be swapped out without needing to reprint the whole chassis. This allows users to try out different shock absorber configurations with ease. Additionally, people can print and add their own unique designs.
Material Choices and Reinforcements
The team chose PETG as the main material because it strikes a good balance between durability and flexibility, all while being easy to print. However, some parts that experienced higher stress needed redesigning and reinforcement. To address this, they optimized the wall thicknesses and infill patterns for better strength.
Overcoming Drivetrain Difficulties
The drivetrain became one of the most challenging aspects to tackle. In the initial models, steel ball bearings quickly degraded or damaged the softer plastic bearing mounts. The fix was to substitute the heavily stressed components with readily available steel parts, including GPM differentials, which proved to be much more robust.
Improvements in Drive Shafts
The drive shafts were another point of concern early in the development, occasionally breaking under twisting pressure. The team found a solution by changing the print direction to a longitudinal alignment, which significantly enhanced the shafts’ structural integrity.
Pricing and Availability
Initially, all print files, assembly guides, and parts lists were free. However, the team has now begun selling the printer files. The 3D files for the chassis, known as the WR1, are currently priced at $35.
Comprehensive Build Guide
The package provides both the STL/3MF files and a detailed 67-page guide that explains how to build a complete 1/8-scale AWD RC rally chassis from the ground up using a home 3D printer.
On the project’s website, the assembly instructions and a list of all necessary additional components remain available for free. The team classifies the build as suitable for beginners. It is estimated that printing all the parts will take around 17 hours, while putting everything together will only require about 1.5 hours.
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