Please note that this is an “Invitation Only” forum to help block the significant number of SPAM users that we get. If you want access please contact the Webmaster via this Form to request access
Hi,
I have seen on different RC boat sites many pros and cons regarding the use of PLA vs other materials for 3D printing. I know I must not leave the boat in the car on a hot day (already have experience with a submarine needing a new bow). But is there any other concern? Seawater, epoxy detaching, etc. I have already made and tried a Nano with epoxy joints and seems to be ok.
By the way, I am new on the site, but did not see an introduction post so I jumped straight in. Hi everyone.
Hi Antonio. Welcome on-board.
I am using PLA+ for my 3d prints when it comes to hull building as it is considered stronger than common PLA. However these materials can get affected a lot by heat and high impacts (collisions etc). So I am very concerned on their life-span and I only use printed hulls for prototyping and testing. I am not in favor of having my racing boat to be constructed from these materials as in a regatta you definitely need durability.
RG65 ICA Webmaster
...Dublin-Ireland...
I Love the smell of the sea breeze in the morning!!!
Hi guys,
I am printing some part (internal structures) of the my boat with PLA+ (and a very cheap printer) and they seems to hold well, but I need to do a real test.
The parts I glued with epoxy (PLA+ on a carbon hull) seems to form a strong bonding. The only shrewdness I can suggest is to sandpaper a little the printed parts with a coarse-grained sandpaper, but that is valid in general.
@antsal while I don't think epoxy detaching can be a problem (I was able to detach two printed parts, but using a knife and a lot of force), maybe saltwater can be a problem in the long run but I bet that eventually saltwater ruins something else like servos, receiver and so on, long before the PLA/PLA+
As for the impact, there are some products that can strengthen the printed part (like the Smooth-On XTC3D or similar) which have the bonus to smooth the part. But also a thin layer of epoxy as coat can go a long way.
I suppose we all need to experiment
bye
Gianluca
Goth XP
ITA 02
