NANO 500 for Small Printers

thingiverse

I am being superseded by a new design, the NANO 500 V1, available on Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3678421. My Background As a retired mechanical engineer with experience in advanced control systems and 3D printing, I have designed this model of a RC sailboat. My background in engineering and design has allowed me to create a boat that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Design Process The design process for the NANO 500 began with creating a concept and gathering inspiration from various sources. I then used CAD software to bring my ideas to life, refining the design through multiple iterations until I was satisfied with the final result. Material Selection For this project, I chose to use PLA as the primary material due to its ease of printing and durability. However, I also experimented with other materials such as PETG and TPU to achieve specific properties for certain parts. Printing Settings To ensure optimal print quality, I set my 3D printer to a layer height of 0.1mm and a infill density of 20%. This allowed me to achieve a smooth finish while maintaining structural integrity. Assembly Process Assembly was relatively straightforward, with most parts snapping together easily. However, some parts required additional glue or sanding to ensure a secure fit. Testing and Evaluation After completing the assembly process, I conducted a series of tests to evaluate the performance of the boat. The results were promising, with the boat showing excellent stability and maneuverability. Future Developments In future versions of the NANO 500, I plan to incorporate additional features such as adjustable rudder and sail trim. I also aim to improve the design for easier assembly and maintenance. Work Flow The work flow for this project involved designing in Onshape, exporting STL files, re-orientating them using Microsoft 3D Builder, generating G-code with Ideamaker, and printing on my Geeetech A10 3D printer. Updates Since the initial release of the NANO 500, I have made several updates to improve its performance and functionality. These updates include: * Middle and Keel Top updated to minimize bridging (20/12/18) * Onshape refined and all STLs re-generated (29/12/18) * Stern with hatch cut out and new Hatch Frame glued into Stern (9/1/2019) * Bow, Middle, Stern, Hatch, and Hatch Frame updated to increase join width (30/3/2019) * Mast moved forward 5mm and Mast Ram added to allow mast aft rake of 0-15mm at top (30/3/2019) These updates have significantly improved the performance and functionality of the NANO 500, making it a reliable and enjoyable RC sailboat for enthusiasts.