Let's get tacti-cool - 3D Printed ELTV Mk1 Strike Tactical Crawler

[xjtorc]

i got filament on the way so stoked!! did you have to make any adjustments to the files or are the settings already pretty spot on? I'm still stuck on what color to do my body, not a lot of realestate on mine, any suggestions on an order? i was figuring id print it chasis out and assemble as i go, or would it be better to print out all the pieces and go from there?
i noticed on my chssis motor mount for instance, it calls for a 15% infill, weighing 24.6 grams
but this part is going to recieve constant stress, so i thought id jump it up to 100% jumping it up to 56.26g of weight and density right? or am i just going overboard?

The only adjustments I've made were print orientation. Some stuff may lay flat on the print bed by default with the finished surface pointing straight up. The finished product will have that layered, 3d printed look so you'll want to angle them at 45s on the print bed. For example, the grill of mine is printing laying down right now and I'm kicking myself for not angling it at a 45. "Eh, it'll be fine" is what I said... lol

For print order, I plated them in the order they appear within the zip files and it has worked out to follow the flow of the build, allowing me to print and build in tandem. Solid feat of architecting and engineering if you ask me! I am currently printing the dark gray plate and have assembled the entire first and second row with the exception of the seats. Coming back for them in a different color, soon.

BUT, since it's your first print build, I would focus all of my energy on printing the parts perfectly. Once everything is printed, come back and start assembly. While you're printing, familiarize yourself with the build process and pay attention to any quirks along the way so you know what to expect. Make sure you have all your hardware so you don't get to the third step and have to wait a week for parts to arrive.

For chassis pieces, bumpers, and motor mounts: 100% infill. I don't care what the designer says. The added weight down low created by the infill is a bonus. 15% gyroid on the rest is fine. Mine is heavy as a tank already.

Another tip I've found when doing these full print builds: Some parts, like thin doors and body panels, do not always play well with tree supports. If your print is failing on supports, don't be afraid to try standard supports. Sometimes that's all ya need.

 

[xjtorc]

Printer has been spewing out body panels today and, I must say, this hood looks so sick….

And no, that’s not a layer shift. It’s the hood design. I was super angry at first glimpse, once it completed printing. But it’s all good in the hood!

Also got the motor, trans, B-pillar, and seats installed on the chassis. Went with a HW Fusion 1800kv. I wont have a lot of room for electronics in this thing without stuffing them inside the cab, so an all-in-one was the best move.

 

[Doom!]

I'm still amazed at how quickly 3d printing has advanced. This is gonna be so cool.

 

[RudyF6]

Printer has been spewing out body panels today and, I must say, this hood looks so sick….
View attachment 266906

And no, that’s not a layer shift. It’s the hood design. I was super angry at first glimpse, once it completed printing. But it’s all good in the hood!

Also got the motor, trans, B-pillar, and seats installed on the chassis. Went with a HW Fusion 1800kv. I wont have a lot of room for electronics in this thing without stuffing them inside the cab, so an all-in-one was the best move.

View attachment 266907

Hey, that looks like my 10mm socket in the last pic - I just knew it grew legs!

 

[xjtorc]

Hey, that looks like my 10mm socket in the last pic - I just knew it grew legs!

that dude is my favorite thing I’ve ever printed lol.

 

[WickedFog]

This is going to be awesome!

 

[xjtorc]

Over the weekend, I hit a wall with printer frustrations. I printed all of the body panels and doors and only have the windshield frame left. The first attempt on the frame was with a fresh spool of filament (same brand of PLA+ that I've been using for the body) and I had issues with the supports sticking. I figured it was an orientation issue, so I angled the part on the build plate and tried again. Printed on slow settings for 13 hours. I didn't see any issues while it was printing...pulled it off and it's a freakin mess...poor layer adhesion. I'm guessing it's a moist filament issue even though it was cut out of the vacuum seal and put right into the printer. I'm going to run a full calibration and some test prints before sending it for another attempt. Once I get this windshield frame done, I have to print the fenders and roof which I'm doing in black. Then, I'll be able to make some more assembly progress.

 

[Doom!]

Over the weekend, I hit a wall with printer frustrations. I printed all of the body panels and doors and only have the windshield frame left. The first attempt on the frame was with a fresh spool of filament (same brand of PLA+ that I've been using for the body) and I had issues with the supports sticking. I figured it was an orientation issue, so I angled the part on the build plate and tried again. Printed on slow settings for 13 hours. I didn't see any issues while it was printing...pulled it off and it's a freakin mess...poor layer adhesion. I'm guessing it's a moist filament issue even though it was cut out of the vacuum seal and put right into the printer. I'm going to run a full calibration and some test prints before sending it for another attempt. Once I get this windshield frame done, I have to print the fenders and roof which I'm doing in black. Then, I'll be able to make some more assembly progress.

Danged bump in the road! No hurry, as long as you have it done by this weekend. and ready to ship to me.

 

[Lukedavis]

This is looking so good! Can't wait to see the finished result!

 

[xjtorc]

Finally, I was able to print a useable windshield frame.
Useable but not 100% up to my quality standards. I'm really starting to think it's the file...and I hate saying that. I went on the designer's FB group to look at others' prints of this truck and, honestly, none of them are perfect. I've had zero issues with the chassis, seats, or any body panels up until this point...it all printed beautifully.

For now, I'm going to move on. I'll either revisit it later or weather it and make it look like it was in a fire fight? lol

 

[xjtorc]

I couldn’t leave well enough alone. Started from scratch on my slicer settings. Re-calibrated everything from the ground up…we’re back to set it and forget it goodness, pumping out pure art.

Making some good progress this weekend!

 

[CertifiedMike]

I couldn’t leave well enough alone. Started from scratch on my slicer settings. Re-calibrated everything from the ground up…we’re back to set it and forget it goodness, pumping out pure art.

Making some good progress this weekend!


View attachment 267895
View attachment 267896

Thats the same Skil driver I have!

Is this thing done printing yet???

 

[xjtorc]

Thats the same Skil driver I have!

Is this thing done printing yet???

Love that driver! Wish I had a second one to use when this one is charging lol.

Almost done printing! I only have the roof and some small pieces left. Although, I’m probably going to do a reprint of the most time consuming part so I can get a cleaner version of it.

 

[Spksh]

The 3D printing trap: It can always be 5% better if I just change this one setting…

 

[xjtorc]

The 3D printing trap: It can always be 5% better if I just change this one setting…

exactly!

I'm really not sure when or where I lost control of the situation...but my settings were JACKED up lol.

 

[xjtorc]

Worked on the doors last night while I wait for more filament to arrive.

Windows, hinges, and magnets installed.

I decided to leave the film on the lexan windows. I was doing an initial mock-up and thought it looked exactly like the bullet proof glass used in the Presidential limo....did some research and I was right. It stays!

The Beast with its green tinted bullet/bomb proof glass:

 

[WickedFog]

Worked on the doors last night while I wait for more filament to arrive.

Windows, hinges, and magnets installed.

I decided to leave the film on the lexan windows. I was doing an initial mock-up and thought it looked exactly like the bullet proof glass used in the Presidential limo....did some research and I was right. It stays!

View attachment 268045

View attachment 268046
The Beast with its green tinted bullet/bomb proof glass:
View attachment 268047

This is going to be cool!

 

[xjtorc]

Some quick mock ups.

10mm socket buddy is not to scale. This thing is hyuge.

 

[xjtorc]

Been screwing this thing together in between conference calls all day and I ran out of 3x20 and 3x30 screws. Dannnng ittttt.

Also, I officially have only one part left to print. The frame which holds the rear window in. Somehow, it got lost in the sauce while I was organizing the files into build plates.

Might have to make an impromptu trip to Hobbytown or the hardware shop after I pick the kids up from school.

Should have the chassis and body completed 100% tonight as long as I can scrounge up some hardware.

 

[xjtorc]

Chassis and body are done!

Also installed:
6x 5mm white headlight LEDs
6x 5mm red taillight LEDs
6x 3mm orange marker lights
Axial 3-gear transmission
Hobbywing Fusion 1800

SCX30 for scale.