Oct 19, 2015 | By Alec
3D printing technology has already repeatedly proven itself when it comes to miniatures, as an internet full of wargaming examples emphasizes. But as everyone with a bit of CAD experience will agree with, making a miniature that is small, looks good and is functional at the same time is something entirely different. That’s just one of the reasons why we are so impressed by Mortimer von Boettger’s (also known as Mortimer on the web) amazing 3D-printed Unimog micro RC truck. 3D printed at an amazing 1/87th scale, the Unimog is not only a 3D printing miracle, but it is also remote controlled and even capable of picking up very small objects.
Perhaps the Unimog appeals to makers for bringing us back to the toy cars of our childhood, but Mortimer’s creation is truly one of the most remarkable 3D printed toy cars we’ve ever seen. Of course, several small scale RC cars are already around, but the German designer’s Unimog is surely the smallest of all. With a scale of 1/87, this tiny truck even makes lentils or grains of rice look bulky, and fits in a cigarette carton. And as you can see for yourself, that scale hardly diminishes the 3D printing quality of the truck itself. It must have been a hellish designing and 3D printing project.
But there’s a lot more to the Unimog than just scale. For as you can see in the clip below, this is a functional RC that even comes with a working articulated front end loader. It is controlled with a 7 channel, four-wheel drive controller, and with some careful practicing, the user can even hook the Unimog up to a matching trailer and collect lentils with its loader. Isn’t it one of the most amazing things you’ve seen?
The Unimog is, as was revealed on Reddit, part of a German hobby known as Table Top Truck Trials, where smaller trucks like this are built to complete challenges. The radio equipment for this particular truck is a smaller DSM2 2.4 ghz receiver unit, smaller than a stamp. These kinds of trucks also typically include a 4 mm motor from a micro linear servo, or something similar. Extensive use of magnets is also typical in these kinds of German micro trucks.
But as you can understand, it’s an expensive hobby, easily costing $200 USD to build one of these trucks. The value is obviously much lower, but the parts themselves are so rare and custom made, that costs quickly rise. Fortunately, 3D printing significantly decreases costs, and Mortimer has made his own 3D printable designs available on Shapeways, where the Unimog main body can be ordered for as little as $20.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
Maybe you also like:
- Make cool, realistic Halo props with CAD software and a 3D printer
- Build your own furniture using Playwood's modular, 3D printed connectors
- Make your very own 3D printed toy mobile, designed by FabShop's Samuel Bernier
- 3D printed whisker uncovers science behind prey-sensing ability of harbor seals
- SUNfeet unveil 3D printed, customised insoles for improved shoe comfort
- New 3D printed teeth kill over 99% of bacteria for healthier, cleaner mouths
- XYZprinting to display 3D printers at over 650 Barnes & Noble stores during Educator Week
- Project Runway and 3D Systems present 'Fabricate' 3D printed wearables you'll actually want to wear
- Construction of world's first 3D printed metal bridge begins today in Red Light District of Amsterdam
Hallo, Kann man den. 3d. Unimog. Komplett. Fahrtüchtig. Erwerben
danke wrote at 11/12/2015 4:23:29 AM:
pretty swag
Jean Fabre wrote at 10/22/2015 6:19:18 PM:
Hi, Is it possible to have some clues on what machine was used to print such small parts? I am looking at brands and their samples are no way near the accuracy os these parts. So I am really wondering here what was used to print this great assembly. Thanks,
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
