Local Motors Strati 3D printed car - modified for rolling wheels and detail

thingiverse

I really enjoy the model of the Local Motors Strati 3D printed car that is posted on Thingiverse, but I wanted to make it simultaneously more similar to the real car, and with rolling wheels. Working off the original files, I started from the individual files and scaled them to 1/20 scale. For some reason 1/10 was way too big for my printer. The original separate body file seems to be finer and more detailed, so this gives you improved quality. Next I cut out holes in the body so that an axle will pass through. I rebuilt the suspension pivots and struts to be more robust, and also to allow room for a rotating wheel. The windshield is broken out as a separate part so you can make it in clear plastic if available. (I used an Objet Connex printer for this) Last but not least, I modeled from scratch a wheel that looks more like the real one that was shown. The tires are separate, so you can print them in flexible filament/elastomer/another color if you so desire. Instructions Here's how to print it. Print two each of the suspension pivot (L and R versions). The axle hole is offset towards the REAR of the car. Print 4x suspension struts. Print one each of the roll bar, battery, motor, steering wheel and windshield. Print the body. Print 4x wheel using support. Print 4x tires. The "objet" version of the tire is for an Objet Connex printer which can print with rubber-like materials. You will need a 3mm or so steel rod for the axles. Cut it into two 81mm lengths. To assemble, glue a strut into the strut hole in the top of the wheel arch. Next glue the appropriate suspension pivot in place, and use a drop of glue to hold the other end of the strut into the top of the suspension arm. Do this for all the wheels. Fit the tires to the wheels. Glue the battery box in place. Glue the motor in place. Thread an axle through to make sure the motor is correctly placed. Glue the wheels to the end of the axles. Glue the steering wheel to a small piece of rod, or just straight to the dashboard. Attach the roll bar and windshield. Color in the lights with a silver marker if you want.