Since 3D Print Labs has the codes for Simplif圓D in the download, tweaking the settings in that to work with his printer (Creality CR-10) was far easier. My friend, who has a computer science degree, was having a hard time dialing in Cura's settings. Simplif圓D, while $150, was well worth the money. My best friend just got a 3D printer for Christmas and after a big learning curve, he printed the first successful piece of the wing. Here is our video on that particular model and a link to the article that describes our thoughts in more detail. You might want to check out our other experience with the P-38 from 3DLabPrint. A new chapter has only just begun, and it's one that holds many opportunities for the years ahead. Although a lot of this has been available for a while now, it's now that we see a step forward to the point where scale warbirds can be printed with plastic and flown with similar performance to their balsa and fibreglass counterparts. Along with full-sized aircraft builds, 3D printing opens the door to printing components for scratch building such as cowlings, motor mounts, tires, wheel hubs, canopies, cockpit details and more. We're very excited about this next chapter of the hobby which is opening up. You can purchase the STL files from the website here. Lulzbot make some great quality printers, such as the Lulzbot Miniwhich is a great option for beginners. Step by step build videos are also available on the website for you to follow along with detailed user manuals.įor this aircraft, all you need is a 3D Printer with a nozzle of 0.4mm diameter and PLA filament (and of course your own RC gear). In actual fact, the build process isn't a million miles away from our foam board DIY Swappable Series. Wondering how it works? Here's the straightforward rundown of how you build a 3D printed plane like this Spitfire.Īll of 3DLabPrint's aircraft are easy to assemble without the need for complicated tools - it's simply glued together. It is so scale you can almost hear that Merlin engine. It is features like these that make 3D printed models like this even more impressive - there is little doubt that they aim to equal, if not improve upon, the alternative traditional building materials of balsa, plywood and fibreglass that are used to create most large-scale models. Up at altitude, it's clear to see the intricacy of the fine structure of the wings as the internal shapes become shadows against the low winter sunlight.įrom Alex's 270 chase quad, the plane almost resembles a balsa model with tissue wings, sunlight pouring through the veins of the wings and the formers of the fuselage.Īs you can see from this shot of the underside, as the plane almost eclipses the sun, this model includes a retractable undercarriage. With the throttle back wide open, she regains airspeed and lifts skyward once more. The 3kg takeoff weight makes landings like this very scale, the plane rolling along without too much deceleration. The plane is a mix of old and new - heavy warbird-like flying characteristics with ultra-modern 21st-century manufacturing technology.Ĭruising in for a touch and go, the big Spitfire settles down into the uneven grass without any issues. Like the big scale gassers, the plane ripped by on it's several low and fast passes. Aside from flying like a charm, the Spitfire looked simply wonderful. Several times, he expressed his enthusiasm. This image was sourced from 3DLabPrint's website.Īs was clear in the video, our daring test pilot Josh Bixler was extremely impressed.
#3DLABPRINT SPITFIRE TORRENT SKIN#
One highlighted feature in this model is the double skin of the fuselage which is required because of the sheer size of this airplane. It does the job of the stressed aluminium skin of the real Spitfire. Stealth mode activated!Īs you can see, the structure is intricately designed to give the aircraft the required torsional strength. If you look at the clear version, like this particular bird, you can see all the way through the internal structure that gives the Spitfire its rigidity and strength. The retractable landing gear, three bladed prop and details like the canopy just make the thing look magnificent.