Rancher 4x4 Wagon

[k7zpj]

The Rancher 4x4 Wagon is a mostly 3D printed RC scale SUV designed by 3Dsets.com. The only parts not 3D printed are the electronics, shocks, tires, clear windows and the screws.

It looked interesting so I decided to print / build one to see how it turns out. It will be interesting to see how it will hold up to trail running. I don't have high expectations on durability, but I maybe surprised.

Some of the challenges I expect to see:

• Your printer has to be really well calibrated to be able to print the parts within the tolerances required to assemble it.
• It takes approximately 350 hours to print all of the parts.
• The parts are held together with screws so you have to be really careful not to strip out the part by over tightening.
• Some of the parts will need to be printed with plastic that can resist melting from the heat of the motor.
• It takes almost 3 rolls of filament and 300+ screws so this won't be a cheap way to build a scaler.
• You purchase the STL files and they are not Open Source so you can't share them.

I have my printer adjusted and I have started printing parts. I will post pictures of my progress as I go. Any comments or ideas would be welcome.

So you don't have to wait to see one built, here is a video that shows the assembly of the 2 door version.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yinLe4EwPvM" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>

 

[Phildirt]

Interested to see how the diffs hold up. Interesting concept. Worst case scenario you end up with a pile of 3D parts to use on another project

 

[meatmonkey]

First I've heard of this. So even the frame and gears are printed? Rough idea of weight? Given the printing requirements what percentage of at home printers do you reckon could print this in a correct manner?

 

[k7zpj]

Interested to see how the diffs hold up. Interesting concept. Worst case scenario you end up with a pile of 3D parts to use on another project

I am going to print the gears and shafts with a poly carbonate / nylon blend to increase the surface hardness and increase the melting temperature of the gears.

It's a for fun project so no big loss if it doesn't work. :ror:

 

[k7zpj]

First I've heard of this. So even the frame and gears are printed? Rough idea of weight? Given the printing requirements what percentage of at home printers do you reckon could print this in a correct manner?

The frame, gears and shafts are all 3D printed. The plastic parts weigh approximately 6 lbs. You lose some of the plastic due to supports and brim.

The STLs were designed on a Prusa MK3S but other printers such as the Ender 3 and CR10 have successfully printed all of the parts. The key is to make sure the printer can print a true circle. There is a test part you use to validate the printer alignment.

I have the chassis printed and assembled now. The chassis is reinforced by the body sides and the seats / electronics box ties the sections of the chassis together.

 

[dugans]

Any progress on the project?
I was looking at their stuff and thinking that even if the running gear doesn't hold up the shells look really good.

I'd love to hear what progress you've had.