Team #9
Team Members: Alireza Sabbaghi, Oliver Farace, LOGAN-SAMUEL FERRER MAURER
Revving Up Innovation: The Mini RC Car Project
In the realm of engineering and design, the fusion of creativity, functionality, and technology often leads to the most intriguing and enjoyable projects. This is precisely the ethos behind our latest endeavor: the Mini RC Car project. Aimed at not just being a technical showcase, this project is about bringing a playful concept to life through the thoughtful integration of design, 3D printing, and electronic components.
Why Mini RC Cars?
The choice to make the Mini RC Car project was driven by a desire to create something that goes beyond the boundaries of 3D printing and design. We wanted a project that was not just about creating static models but something dynamic, functional, and, most importantly, fun. RC cars, with their blend of mechanical, electronic, and aerodynamic challenges, presented the perfect platform. Moreover, the project allows us to delve into the intricacies of component integration, size optimization, and material selection, all while keeping an eye on cost-effectiveness and practicality.
The Design Journey Begins
The initial phase of our project is all about planning and design. Before we can start the exciting process of 3D printing, we need to decide on the size and shape of our Mini RC Cars. This is not as straightforward as it might seem; it involves a delicate balance of component sizes, desired functionalities, and the physical constraints of 3D printing technologies.
Our choice of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology for printing the Mini RC Cars is rooted in its accessibility and versatility. FDM printers are widely available and can work with a variety of materials, making them ideal for prototyping and small-scale manufacturing. The material selection process is guided by the need for durability and weight considerations, essential factors in the performance and handling of RC cars.
Manufacturing Considerations and Preliminary Designs
The design phase is closely intertwined with manufacturing considerations. We are currently in the process of creating preliminary part drawings and STL files, focusing particularly on the frame of the RC car. The frame’s design is crucial as it needs to be robust enough to house the electronic components and withstand the rigors of use, yet flexible enough to allow for easy assembly and maintenance.
One of the significant challenges we anticipate is the design of the frame with respect to supports. Due to the nature of FDM printing and the complexity of the frame’s design, which includes several overhangs likely exceeding a 45-degree slope, supports are a necessity. This will add an extra layer of consideration in the design phase to ensure that these supports can be removed easily without compromising the integrity of the frame.
Proposed First Print Trials and Experiments
Looking ahead, our first print trials will be critical in answering several key questions. Can we achieve the desired minimum feature size? Is it possible to print certain parts of the car without supports, or can the entire assembly be printed in one go? These initial experiments will not only inform our design choices but also help us refine our printing parameters to optimize quality and efficiency.
Material properties are another area of focus. We need to ensure that the materials selected for the Mini RC Cars meet the necessary thermal and mechanical requirements. This might involve testing various filaments to find the right balance between strength, flexibility, and weight.