3D Printing - Revision history

RobotRobot: Add 129 newly found, link-checked printable robot designs (Printables, MakerWorld, Thingiverse, Cults3D, GitHub); add 'Finding more designs' section

2026-10-17T06:22:04Z

Add 129 newly found, link-checked printable robot designs (Printables, MakerWorld, Thingiverse, Cults3D, GitHub); add 'Finding more designs' section

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RobotRobot: Replace dead Prusa PLA datasheet link

2026-10-17T06:08:55Z

Replace dead Prusa PLA datasheet link

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:08, 17 October 2026
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	The list of common 3D printable plastics below proceeds roughly from weakest to strongest. Whatever you print with, keep your filament dry: most of these materials absorb moisture from the air, which makes prints weaker and stringier. A filament dryer is a worthwhile purchase, and essential for nylon.		The list of common 3D printable plastics below proceeds roughly from weakest to strongest. Whatever you print with, keep your filament dry: most of these materials absorb moisture from the air, which makes prints weaker and stringier. A filament dryer is a worthwhile purchase, and essential for nylon.
	===PLA===		===PLA===
	PLA is inexpensive, but brittle.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIH-HS-SScY] It is the most common 3D printing filament. It rarely warps in use and is great for tiny parts.[https://~~shop~~.prusa3d.com/~~fotky~~/~~PLA_TechSheet_ENG.pdf~~] It's a great starter material, and recommended for printing prototype parts. Many builders prefer other plastics, especially for their active weapons or armor. Pure PLA is made from cornstarch[https://all3dp.com/2/what-is-pla-plastic-material-properties/] and gives off a corn syrup odor which reminds some people of waffles.		PLA is inexpensive, but brittle.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIH-HS-SScY] It is the most common 3D printing filament. It rarely warps in use and is great for tiny parts.[https://www.prusa3d.com/product/prusament-pla-gravity-grey-2kg/] It's a great starter material, and recommended for printing prototype parts. Many builders prefer other plastics, especially for their active weapons or armor. Pure PLA is made from cornstarch[https://all3dp.com/2/what-is-pla-plastic-material-properties/] and gives off a corn syrup odor which reminds some people of waffles.

	===PLA+===		===PLA+===

RobotRobot: Refresh printer tiers and filament advice for 2026 (PCTG, ASA, TPU 95A, CF nylon, resin); remove 6 dead design links; fix mislabeled entries; move PrusaPrinters links to Printables

2026-10-17T06:04:44Z

Refresh printer tiers and filament advice for 2026 (PCTG, ASA, TPU 95A, CF nylon, resin); remove 6 dead design links; fix mislabeled entries; move PrusaPrinters links to Printables

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Chklnk: More on TPU mostly

2023-05-26T00:26:56Z

More on TPU mostly

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:26, 26 May 2023
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	===PLA+===		===PLA+===
	Various manufacturers offer "PLA+" and/or "Tough PLA," which are modified PLA filaments that are meant to be less brittle. With an acrylic additive, for instance, it may show much better impact resistance.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAoZCpXoPWo] Inland and eSun claim their PLA+ products are 10x stronger than regular PLA.		Various manufacturers offer "PLA+" and/or "Tough PLA," which are modified PLA filaments that are meant to be less brittle. With an acrylic additive, for instance, it may show much better impact resistance.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAoZCpXoPWo] Inland and eSun claim their PLA+ products are 10x stronger than regular PLA. However, a combat bot made of PLA+ will not withstand attacks from metal weapons.

	===PETG===		===PETG===
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	===ABS===		===ABS===
	ABS is a strong and reasonably impact-resistant material at a moderate price, but warps easily and smells worse while printing. Its low density makes it one of the lightest of all printable plastics (PLA is about 20% heavier for the exact same print). You'll probably need to print it in an enclosure for best results; this keeps its temperature even during printing, so that it only shrinks after printing instead of curling or warping during printing. Many hobbyists ventilate the enclosure to the outdoors with fan(s) due to the odor.		ABS is a strong and reasonably impact-resistant material at a moderate price, but warps easily and smells worse while printing. Its low density makes it one of the lightest of all printable plastics (PLA is about 20% heavier for the exact same print). You'll probably need to print it in an enclosure for best results; this keeps its temperature even during printing, so that it only shrinks after printing instead of curling or warping during printing. Many hobbyists ventilate the enclosure to the outdoors with fan(s) due to the odor.


	===TPU and flexibles===		===TPU and flexibles===
	"TPU" is a name given to the wide range of semi-flexible filaments available for 3d printers. These are gaining popularity in combat robots because they can be used for "shock mounting" components in larger weight classes, or as ~~armour~~ in smaller weight classes. The advantage is that the material bends under forces, then springs back into shape, avoiding serious damage. TPU can be printed with medium difficulty on most 3d printers. ~~The disadvantage is that it~~ might not be sufficiently rigid for structural elements.		"TPU" is a name given to the wide range of semi-flexible filaments available for 3d printers. These are gaining popularity in combat robots because they can be used for "shock mounting" components in larger weight classes, or as armor in smaller weight classes. The advantage is that the material bends under forces, then springs back into shape, avoiding serious damage. TPU can be printed with medium difficulty on most 3d printers. It might not be sufficiently rigid for structural elements, but it won't shatter like PLA under high impact forces.

	===Nylon===		===Nylon===
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	===PC===		===PC===
	Polycarbonate is super strong - your robot arena walls are probably made from it! Many printers can't print it, though, because it must be heated to an extreme temperature (about 275°C/525°F).		Polycarbonate is super strong - your robot arena walls are probably made from it! Many printers can't print it, though, because it must be heated to an extreme temperature (about 275°C/525°F). However, you can buy clear sheet polycarbonate at hardware stores and plastic supply houses, and shape to suit your needs. You've probably seen robot kits with clear plastic covers; those are "polycarb" and they make for good armor against moderate attack strength.

	===CF Materials===		===CF Materials===

MarkR: /* Printable Filaments and Materials */

2023-02-03T09:40:58Z

Printable Filaments and Materials

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:40, 3 February 2023
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	===ABS===		===ABS===
	ABS is a strong and reasonably impact-resistant material at a moderate price, but warps easily and smells worse while printing. Its low density makes it one of the lightest of all printable plastics (PLA is about 20% heavier for the exact same print). You'll probably need to print it in an enclosure for best results; this keeps its temperature even during printing, so that it only shrinks after printing instead of curling or warping during printing. Many hobbyists ventilate the enclosure to the outdoors with fan(s) due to the odor.		ABS is a strong and reasonably impact-resistant material at a moderate price, but warps easily and smells worse while printing. Its low density makes it one of the lightest of all printable plastics (PLA is about 20% heavier for the exact same print). You'll probably need to print it in an enclosure for best results; this keeps its temperature even during printing, so that it only shrinks after printing instead of curling or warping during printing. Many hobbyists ventilate the enclosure to the outdoors with fan(s) due to the odor.


			===TPU and flexibles===
			"TPU" is a name given to the wide range of semi-flexible filaments available for 3d printers. These are gaining popularity in combat robots because they can be used for "shock mounting" components in larger weight classes, or as armour in smaller weight classes. The advantage is that the material bends under forces, then springs back into shape, avoiding serious damage. TPU can be printed with medium difficulty on most 3d printers. The disadvantage is that it might not be sufficiently rigid for structural elements.

	===Nylon===		===Nylon===

Chklnk: /* Robots you can Print */ Prusaprinters -> Printables

2022-06-16T07:07:58Z

Robots you can Print: Prusaprinters -> Printables

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:07, 16 June 2022
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	=Robots you can Print=		=Robots you can Print=
	You can download and print robot designs from sites like [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] and [https://www.~~prusaprinters~~.~~org~~/ ~~Prusaprinters~~]. Just 3D print the robot body and other provided parts, then assemble them with the working parts of the robot. Some have helpful instructions and buying suggestions for finishing the working parts; however, some have little or no guidance, and you will need some experience to try them.		You can download and print robot designs from sites like [https://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse] and [https://www.printables.com/ Printables]. Just 3D print the robot body and other provided parts, then assemble them with the working parts of the robot. Some have helpful instructions and buying suggestions for finishing the working parts; however, some have little or no guidance, and you will need some experience to try them.

	Below are links to 120 bot designs that have been shared by the robot building community. Limited consideration has been given to whether each of these is buildable, or will meet the stated [[RobotClasses\|weight class]].		Below are links to 120 bot designs that have been shared by the robot building community. Limited consideration has been given to whether each of these is buildable, or will meet the stated [[RobotClasses\|weight class]].

Chklnk: Nine new bots plus edits

2022-06-16T07:05:49Z

Nine new bots plus edits

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Chklnk: Six more bots, 133 in all, more to come; a few more motor and wheel items

2022-06-09T07:45:40Z

Six more bots, 133 in all, more to come; a few more motor and wheel items

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 || Pyrotron
 || 1215069
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 || alexmordue
 || 1665299
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 || Dkero4
 || 5351660
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 || 4308902
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 || [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2989490 Loader]
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 || JC2017
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@@ Line 971: / Line 1,013: @@
 *[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3210916 N20 motor bracket] Three designs
 *[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3411211 Double N20 motor mount]
 ==Hubs and Wheels==
@@ Line 984: / Line 1,027: @@
 *[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4130500 Mechanum Wheels] for 150g Robots
 *[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3322834 N20 Motor - Lego Axle] Adapts N20 D-shaft to drive Lego cross shaft wheels.
-*[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3284612 3mm D shaft hub Wheel] Wheels for Lego #3483 tires
+*[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3284612 3mm D shaft hub Wheel] Wheel for Lego #3483 tires
-*[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3247013 3mm D shaft hub Wheel] Wheels for Lego #30285 tires 18mm D x 14mm
+*[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3247646 Wheel 15mm D. x 6mm. 3mm D Axle] Wheel for Lego #50861 tires 15mm D x 6mm

Chklnk: Six more bots, other items

2022-06-08T09:55:28Z

Six more bots, other items

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User: Added 150g mini-mammoth

2022-03-15T04:13:47Z

Added 150g mini-mammoth

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:13, 15 March 2022
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	\|\| 3022469		\|\| 3022469
	\|\|		\|\|
			\|-
			\|\| [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5318276 Mini Mammoth]
			\|\| 150g
			\|\| Spin-Lifter
			\|\| JairEmia
			\|\| 5318276
			\|\|
	\|-		\|-
	\|\| [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4844195 Netsplit]		\|\| [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4844195 Netsplit]