OpenRC HPD F1 Lexan Body version

thingiverse

This car is built to meet the exacting standards of real RC F1 racing and has the performance to keep up with the pros. Check out this video of the fastest lap from a recent race: https://youtu.be/CIAOM8PESa4. The HPD F1 design has been modified to accommodate a Lexan body, and both the front and middle sections have been redesigned for added strength. The front is now even stronger, while the middle section houses the battery at a 90-degree angle. This design allows for compatibility with the original rear cradle, but there's also an optional cradle that can be built from multiple parts - it may not be as strong, but it's easier to repair and produces less plastic waste when components break. The car is designed to be printed in Nylon, such as 910, which has a slight rigidity. However, my prototype was made with PLA, and surprisingly, it didn't break. This suggests that PLA can also be very strong, especially when combined with other upgrades. I strongly recommend printing the front wing using Bridge Nylon or a similar flexible material. The rear wing, on the other hand, has performed well with Bridge Nylon and doesn't tend to break. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option or can't find springs, I've used ballpoint pen springs cut down to size for the front, and you can even omit the side springs altogether if you're just racing and printing the main rear spring. All parts are designed using OpenSCAD, and the source code is available on GitHub: https://github.com/condac/hpdf1_lexan. You can also discuss this project with me on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+JohnDoe or Reddit's RC F1 community. When it comes to materials, PLA has been a surprising performer in crashes, but I've also experimented with other options like PETG, ABS, and ASA - none of which have held up as well. PETG and ABS are particularly prone to failure in impacts, while ASA is no better than PLA. Generic Nylon and Alloy 910 also warp over time due to the weight of the motor. PP (PolyPropylene) has been a game-changer for me, though. It's super soft and flexible but incredibly tough. I've used it on my front wing, and after a year of use, it still looks great - even after countless impacts. The tips have worn down slightly, but it simply deforms and can be bent back into shape. The front arms are another story, though. Despite being made from PLA, they're extremely durable and rarely break. They compress in a crash rather than bending, which helps absorb the impact. I've also tried using PP and Bridge Nylon for these parts, but it seemed to shift the breaking point inward, causing damage to the nose chassis instead. In conclusion, when racing with this car, the most common cause of retirement is impacts on the rear wheels - specifically side_stabs or cradle_bottomplate failures. However, the main chassis and nose chassis have consistently performed well, withstanding even the toughest crashes. The high poles in the nose can be repaired with a screw from underneath if needed, but I've never had to use one yet.