3d printing?

[rockgod88]

Well i was wondering if i could 3d print parts for some RC trucks. Has anyone ever tried this before? My friend wants to get a printer and says i can use it.

[SS™©®]

it really comes down to the quality of 3d printer you are using and the type of material you choose to use, i am assuming your looking for plastic parts to replicate what it is you are trying to do and you have make sure that the plastic is strong most likely ABS, avoid anything with poly in it for for strength and durability. If you can get your hands on a real nice machine you can use metals which will greatly improve the product you are making. Depending on which model you get, one can create an entire chassis out of metal over a 18 hour period never done a full chassis but im looking to do one someday just to try it out

[SS™©®]

make sure you find out what type of printer he is getting( SLS, SLA, FDM etc) so you make a solid decision on what type of material you choose to use. one would hate to sit and wait for a part then get it on the rc vehicle to only find the durability is not there at all.

[rockgod88]

Yeah my friend is getting a plastic printer, also one of my tech teachrs has one, and uses it all the time and from the looks of what he prints, it should be fine for rc trucks.

[Stephen Hopkins]

good luck.......... If using the 3d printed parts in stress related areas the parts often just snap. A couple people tried various 3d printed wheels and it resulted in the same out come...... always broken and in a short period of use. If you're going to try to make a fuel cell or other scale parts go for it, should do them well and at a decent quality if done right. Actual truck parts, dont waste your time unless the truck is a shelf queen and you will never ever run it.