The intersection of 3D printing and RC cars has created a dynamic and exciting hobby. For those in the know, the question isn’t if you can 3D print RC car parts, but rather how to maximize the potential of this powerful combination. As experts at cardiagxpert.com, we’ve delved deep into the world of automotive customization and repair, and 3D printing RC car parts is a natural extension of this passion. This guide will explore the ins and outs of 3D printing RC car components, offering insights and tips to elevate your RC modeling experience.
The Sandy model by 3D Sets exemplifies the detail achievable with 3D printed RC car parts, available for download on their website.
Achieving the Right Look for Your 3D Printed RC Car
For many RC car enthusiasts, the visual appeal of their model is paramount. Even if the internal mechanics are pre-assembled, the desire to customize the external aesthetics is strong. Some hobbyists even focus solely on static display models, emphasizing the importance of printed visual components.
The Landy Mini, another impressive 3D printed RC car model by 3D Sets accessible on Printables.com, showcases design possibilities.
PLA: The Go-To Filament for Aesthetic RC Car Parts
When it comes to visual appeal and ease of printing, PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament stands out as the ideal material for 3D printed RC car bodies and cosmetic parts. PLA is renowned for its smooth finish and wide array of colors, providing a matte surface that enhances the look of RC car components. Its ease of use makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced modelers looking to create visually stunning parts.
While PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) offers increased durability, it can sometimes present printing challenges like stringing and oozing, potentially requiring post-processing to achieve a flawless finish. PETG also has a glossier surface, which may not always be preferred for aesthetic parts compared to PLA’s matte finish.
Advanced materials like PC Blend, ASA, and ABS, although suitable for functional parts, are generally less preferred for visual components due to warping tendencies and higher printing complexity, especially for those new to 3D printing. These materials are also typically more expensive than PLA and PETG.
For intricate details in RC car bodies, interiors, or transparent elements like headlights, consider using a high-resolution 3D printer such as the Original Prusa SL1S SPEED. This level of detail allows for incredibly realistic features in smaller scales.
The detailed interior of the Bamboo 4×4 RC car model by 3D Sets illustrates the fine features achievable with PLA in 3D printing RC car interiors.
Optimizing Part Orientation for Surface Finish
The orientation in which you print your RC car parts significantly impacts their final aesthetic. Sometimes, printing a part in what might seem like an unconventional orientation is necessary to achieve the best surface finish. For example, printing thin body panels perpendicular to the print bed can result in a smoother, more visually appealing surface. Experimentation with part orientation is key to maximizing the visual quality of your 3D printed RC car components.
Creating Transparent Parts: Headlights and Windows
Creating clear, transparent parts for RC cars, such as windows, presents a unique challenge in 3D printing. While achieving glass-like transparency is possible, printing large, thin windows can be difficult to post-process to a satisfactory level. Minor imperfections become highly visible in transparent parts. For RC car windows, it’s often more effective to cut them from transparent films or foils.
When using foils, be cautious with superglues (cyanoacrylate), as they can cause unsightly white fogging. It’s generally better to mechanically fasten the foil between parts or use alternative adhesives like epoxy if gluing is necessary.
However, 3D printing excels in creating transparent headlight lenses. Especially with SLA printers, post-processing transparent resin can yield excellent results for smaller, detailed parts like headlights. Another technique involves 3D printing molds to cast transparent parts using epoxy resin, offering another avenue for achieving clear components. For those aiming for ultimate realism, integrating working lights into your 3D printed RC car is achievable, with many modern designs including provisions for wiring and LEDs.
Foil windows fogged by superglue on a Sova 120 RC car model, highlighting the adhesive issue when creating transparent RC car windows.
PLA and Heat Sensitivity: Considerations for Outdoor Use
A known limitation of PLA is its sensitivity to heat. In hot environments, PLA parts can soften and warp, especially under direct sunlight or in enclosed hot spaces like car trunks during summer. This is a crucial factor to consider when using PLA for RC car parts that will be exposed to outdoor conditions. A PLA RC car left in a hot car or run on sun-baked asphalt is at risk of deformation.
If heat resistance is a primary concern, consider using materials like ABS or ASA, despite their increased printing difficulty and potential need for post-processing. Choosing lighter filament colors can also offer a slight advantage, as darker colors tend to absorb heat more readily.
Filament Shrinkage: Ensuring Part Fit
Material shrinkage is another important factor when 3D printing RC car parts. Different filaments shrink at varying rates during cooling. For instance, PETG, ASA, and ABS tend to shrink more than PLA. If you’re printing parts in a material different from what the design was originally intended for (e.g., printing PETG parts designed for PLA), you might find that the parts don’t fit together correctly.
It’s always wise to print small test pieces first when using a new material to check for proper fit and shrinkage before committing to printing entire sets of RC car parts. This pre-emptive step can save considerable filament and time.
Repairability: A Key Advantage of 3D Printed RC Car Parts
One of the most compelling benefits of 3D printing your own RC car parts is the ease of repair. Damaged bumper? No problem – simply reprint it! The philosophy behind projects like 3D Sets, and 3D printing in general, is centered around rapid prototyping and easy repairs. Instead of waiting for replacement parts and incurring additional costs, you can quickly reprint broken components and get your RC car back in action.
Damaged RC car models awaiting new 3D printed parts, illustrating the quick repair capability offered by 3D printing.
3D Printing Functional and Mechanical RC Car Parts
While aesthetics are important, the functionality of RC car parts is equally crucial. Not all parts are equally suited for 3D printing, and material selection plays a vital role in the performance and durability of mechanical components.
Material Selection for Mechanical Parts
According to experts at 3D Sets, PLA is surprisingly versatile and suitable for many mechanical parts in RC cars, even gears and driveshafts, especially for slower models. Our Prusa Material Table offers a comprehensive overview of material properties. Here’s a breakdown of common filaments for mechanical RC car parts:
- PLA: Excellent for most mechanical parts in slower RC cars, including gears and driveshafts. However, it’s not ideal for parts requiring high heat resistance or very small, stressed gears.
- PETG: Its flexibility makes it good for impact-resistant exterior parts like bumpers and wheel discs. However, PETG is not recommended for gears due to its wear characteristics.
- PC Blend: Ideal for robust mechanical parts, particularly differentials, small gears, and parts near the motor that experience heat.
- PC Blend Carbon Fiber: Offers enhanced temperature resistance and dimensional stability over standard PC Blend. Suitable for most mechanical parts where elasticity and high impact resistance are not critical. Its low friction coefficient can be beneficial for moving parts like gears. The drawbacks include higher cost and the requirement for a hardened steel nozzle.
- ASA / ABS: Affordable alternatives with better heat resistance than PLA and PETG. Good for heat-resistant parts if PC Blend is not available. Remember that ASA and ABS warp significantly and are best printed in an enclosure.
- Polyamide (Nylon): The top choice for gears and bumpers due to its superior mechanical properties. However, nylon is challenging to print, prone to warping, and absorbs moisture. It may not be suitable for highly detailed parts.
- Flexible Filaments (TPU/TPE): Excellent for bumpers, specialized tires, and other impact-absorbing parts due to their mechanical resistance and layer adhesion. Printing flexible filaments can be more complex and is recommended for experienced users.
For increased strength in mechanical parts, especially gears and stress-bearing components, printing with a higher perimeter count is advised. Some parts may even benefit from 100% infill, but generally, increasing perimeters is a more efficient way to enhance part strength.
Printing RC Car Chassis and Tires
Flexible filaments open up possibilities for 3D printing RC car tires, particularly specialized types.
3D printed sand tires, showcasing a specialized application of flexible filaments in RC car tire design for enhanced off-road performance.
3D printed tires are excellent for niche applications like sand tires or hard drift tires. Compared to standard rubber tires, 3D printed tires generally have lower surface adhesion due to the material’s inherent hardness. Flexible filaments can be challenging to print due to their properties, requiring careful support settings and printer calibration. Experimentation is key to determining if 3D printed tires meet your performance needs compared to injection-molded options.
Tires often need to be secured to wheel rims to prevent slippage, either through gluing or by clamping them between two rim pieces. For slower crawlers, gluing may not be necessary unless driving in wet conditions. Wheel discs for crawlers can be 3D printed from almost any material, while faster RC cars benefit from more durable materials like PETG or PC Blend for wheel discs.
Gearboxes are essential for 4×4 RC cars, requiring dual-sided output designs. Simpler gearboxes for 4×2 setups are suitable for fast cars and drifting. Always remember to lubricate gears, especially PLA gears, with grease to reduce friction, dissipate heat, and ensure smooth operation.
Parts Less Suited for 3D Printing
While 3D printing offers incredible versatility, some RC car parts are still best sourced conventionally. 3D printed shock absorbers might suffice for static models or very smooth surfaces, but for robust performance in varied terrain, conventional, stronger shock absorbers are recommended. Similarly, while 3D printed bearings exist, their durability and lifespan are questionable compared to inexpensive and readily available metal bearings, which can withstand significant stress.
Metal bearings are recommended over 3D printed alternatives for RC car applications due to their superior durability and reliability under stress.
Selecting the Right Electronics for Your 3D Printed RC Car
Every RC car relies on electronics, and choosing the right components is crucial for performance. The specific electronics required will vary depending on the model, so research and understanding are essential. Online forums like Instructables and Facebook groups, along with YouTube channels like Make It RC, are invaluable resources for learning and guidance.
A critical electronic component is the servo, which controls the steering. A servo needs to provide sufficient torque, especially when the car is stationary or encountering obstacles. 3D Sets recommends 20 kg/cm torque servos for their 3-4 kg cars as a starting point for your own designs.
Choosing the motor involves considering the car’s size and gearbox design. 3D Sets models use size 540 DC motors, and some even utilize AC motors. The Sandy model, for example, employs a DC aircraft motor. For slower, more controlled vehicles, sensor motors are preferable for smooth acceleration. Motor Kv rating (rotations per Volt) is also important to match the intended use – lower Kv motors are generally more suitable for RC cars than very high Kv motors. Matching the motor with a compatible ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) is also crucial.
Li-Po batteries are the standard in RC cars due to their high energy density, lightweight nature, and rapid charging capabilities. However, Li-Po batteries require careful handling as they can be damaged by over-discharge, physical impacts, or water, and improper use can pose safety risks. Hard-case Li-Po batteries designed for RC cars offer improved safety.
Transmitters for RC cars typically feature a steering wheel interface. The choice of transmitter often comes down to budget and frequency of use. For enthusiasts with multiple RC cars, investing in a higher-quality transmitter and separate receivers can be more economical in the long run. Joystick-style transmitters like the Frsky X12, recommended by 3D Sets, offer advanced features and expandability.
Free 3D Printable Skoda Favorit RC Car Model
As a special bonus, we’re excited to offer a free 3D printable model of the legendary Skoda Favorit, courtesy of Tomáš Hubík from 3drcmodely.cz! You can download this fantastic model from Printables.com. If you appreciate the work of designers like Mr. Hubík, consider supporting them by purchasing models from their pages or donating through platforms like Printables.com. Design work is time-consuming, and community support helps creators continue to share their passion. You can easily donate by clicking the “Donate” button on their Printables.com profile if they have linked their PayPal account.
The Skoda Favorit 3D printed RC car model, printable on both SLA printers like the Original Prusa SL1S SPEED for detail, and FFF/FDM printers for larger scale.
Explore our curated collection of RC car related 3D prints for more inspiration. We encourage you to share your own RC car projects with the community!
Happy 3D printing and RC modeling!
