RC model plane fuselage bulkhead, lightweight and strong

thingiverse

This is yet another part of the 3D printed RC model airplane which I have in the makes right now. Together with four 4x4mm wooden square bar longerons, this thing gives a very light weight but still very strong RC model fuselage. I have ironed on Ora Light foil with an electronically controlled iron. I started at 100°C to get the foil glued on, then improved the hold at 130°C and in the end I straightened all the wrinkles out at 150°C. During all this, the PETG bulkheads did not show any problems. Diameter of the round fuselage is 50mm. From my trials, it makes sense to use one of the these bulkheads every 70mm (every 50mm for an even more perfect shape, but at the cost of a bit more total weight). Each of the bulkheads weighs about 2.2g when printed in PETG at 100% infill, which I recommend. I strongly advice against using PLA, due to its low temperature resistance which will like cause a mess when you try to iron on the foil. The piece of fuselage shown in the picture is only a test piece, consisting of 3 bulkheads of different iteration phases and four 150mm long wooden bars. Follow me if you are interested in how the complete plane evolves, my goal is to have it airborne now very soon.