3D Printed Skis

by MESA RC | January 25, 2014 | (22) Posted in Projects

To the FliteTest Community;

This episode features the use of our 3D printer and the design and testing of skis for the Apprentice. Following the Design Cycle we use as the process to create this product just shows that designing and creating with the 3D printers leads to endless opportunities. Once more and more students get trained using the software and printer, look for more 3D printed products to come from the MESArcFF program in the future.

123D Design Software: http://www.123dapp.com/ 

Makerware Software: http://www.makerbot.com/makerware/

For more information about the MESArcFF Program, please visit us at the following: http://www.mesarcfoamfighters.com/ 

Keep up with us at: https://www.facebook.com/MESArcFF

 Ashton, Zach, and Jake work on the Apprentice ski design.

 

The design seen here on the Makerware software.

 

Makerbot in action.

 

Almost done!

 

Assembly was easy, now we need to go test it out.

 

After some compacting of snow, it took off for the skies, not all bad, revision to come.

COMMENTS

gremlin88 on January 28, 2014
I wish I had a 3d printer.
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MESA RC on February 1, 2014
They keep getting cheaper, soon everyone will have one, just wait!
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UndCon on January 27, 2014
Nice 1st attempt. There are a few things to consider when making skis. Total area versus weight - angle of skis when airborne and more...

This is a cool link where you can read more about it - and adjust your 3d model to perfection.

http://www.stefanv.com/rcstuff/skis.html

Design - Print - Repeat :)

BTW - I just printed replacement parts for suction cups - a hook broke so I printed new ones and my wife liked them so much that she want to replace all stock hooks (for towels in toilet)

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MESA RC on February 1, 2014
Thanks for the tip, have shown it this to Ashton and he is currently working on the revision of the skis.

Ya the 3D printers are amazing, just too cool, anything you can think of it will print. Thanks for the comment.
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godonholiday on January 27, 2014
Great show again! Maybe a competition between the students to see who can solve the issues you found?

Awesome job!
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MESA RC on February 1, 2014
The challenge was thrown out there, they are working on a new design as we speak.

Thanks,
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invertedbixler on February 17, 2014
you should have converted it to a tail dragger! Very cool though, nice job.
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RotateB4TheEnd on January 28, 2014
Even though i'm subscribed to your channel I thought I'd make a comment here:

Another great episode! Those kids are really learning great engineering skills that they can apply in future years! Can't wait to see how the revised skis turn out!
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MESA RC on February 1, 2014
Thanks for the kind words, the content lends them to endless creativity, very nice to have as a teacher. Thanks for supporting and following.
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oneiwily on January 29, 2014
I think that the skids are OK in size , they need to be in upward angle position.
so i would recommend using a spring to give the skids the upward tendency. that way if the surface is hard the skids will be flat , but when it's airborne or on soft snow it will not get stuck in the snow and have the tendency to get out of the snow.

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MESA RC on February 1, 2014
That seems to be the theme right now on what others have told us, we are working on it! Thanks for the support.
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SteevyT on February 3, 2014
Weighting the back end of the skis should have the same effect and be easier to design.
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3D Printed Skis