Flex Leg for RcExplorer Tricopter
Description
PDFI grew tired of tie wraps breaking on even a slightly bounced landing with my rcexplorer tricopter. So I developed these flex legs for the tricopter. They will work with any 10mm square tube so these legs are not limited to the tricopter, but any vehicle that uses 10mm square tubing and requires legs with some flex.
The legs are amazingly tough and won't come off, yet require no tie wraps or glue to stay on. I really love these.
*Update 03-24-20* Added a base for the 2 piece version that fits the tricopter LR
*Update 01-13-2019* Added a two piece version which is based on the HD version. This design allows both the leg and base to be printed such that intra-layer weakness of 3D printing is immaterial to the design. No more supports, no more clean up and no more breaking either on hard landings or even when installing onto the CF tubing. I highly recommend this version over the others.
*Update 10-8-2018* Added "hd" version which has thicker side walls where it engages the 10mm tube for more sideways strength in landings where the copter is moving forward or backward a little. If you use the hd version be sure to be extra diligent in cleaning up after the supports so it fits well to the tube. The standard wall version tolerates a little sloppier support cleanup job than the hd version
Print Settings
Printer Brand:
LulzBot
Printer:
TAZ 5
Rafts:
No
Supports:
Yes
Resolution:
.2mm
Infill:
60% or higher
Filament: Gizmo Dorks ABS Any
Notes:
Please use ABS to print these, or PETG. PLA is too brittle. TPU is too flexible.
It's best to print with a .5mm extrusion width if you can control this variable in your slicer. This way the flex leg portion of the print will be solid when printed with 2 perimeters. Print these as it is set up in the stl model, laying on its side to give the legs maximum strength. 4 solid layers (or more) top and bottomFor the one piece versions: Make sure you have good layer adhesion so the print doesn't break when installing it on the tube. If they do break, try increasing your print temperature.
Post-Printing
With the two piece version there is no cleanup. Just use a 2mm x 6 long servo style self tapping screw (or similar) or some goop glue to hold the two pieces together. The screw connection is preferred that way the legs can easily be replaced after a crash. (The clip should survive just about anything). You can press as hard as you want when installing the 2 piece style mounting clip as they won't break (if printed out of ABS or PETG).
For the one pieces versions: Make sure you clean up the portion of the model that mates with the square tube well after removing support material. Be sure the inward stepped portion of the groove (that captures the tube) is true and doesn't have any blobs. You shouldn't have to press really hard to get them on the tube. Use a razor on the stepped portion to reduce its size if it is too hard to get them installed. Be sure your layer adhesion is good, if you find the print is breaking when installing it try increasing your nozzle temperature.
Tags
Model origin
The author marked this model as their own original creation. Imported from Thingiverse.