3D Printing for RC Cars: Best Parts and Projects to Print

RC (Radio-Controlled) cars have long been a favorite hobby for enthusiasts, combining the thrill of racing with the hands-on joy of tinkering. In recent years, 3D printing has revolutionized the RC world, empowering makers to design, customize, and repair their vehicles like never before.

Whether you’re building an RC crawler from scratch or just replacing a broken suspension arm, 3D printing opens up endless possibilities for custom RC parts and performance upgrades. This guide explores the best RC parts to print, ideal materials, design tips, and inspiring project ideas to help you get the most out of your RC vehicle with the power of 3D printing.

Why Use 3D Printing for RC Cars?

3D printing is a game-changer for RC enthusiasts because it offers:

• Customization: Tailor parts to your car’s specific needs.
• Affordability: Print spares for a fraction of the cost of buying.
• Speed: Replace broken parts on-demand, same-day.
• Innovation: Design and test your own upgrades and aerodynamic tweaks.

Instead of being limited to aftermarket options, 3D printing lets you prototype, modify, and evolve your RC car’s performance and aesthetics with freedom and flexibility.

Best RC Car Parts to 3D Print

Here are the most popular and functional RC car parts that are well-suited for 3D printing.

1. Body Shells

Custom body shells are among the most visually striking parts to print.

• Uses: Style changes, brand replicas, fantasy builds.
• Print Considerations: Split into sections to fit on your bed; requires post-processing for best finish.
• Best Materials: PETG or ABS (for strength and flexibility), PLA+ for ease.

Tip: Print with 0.8 mm nozzle and use thick walls for rigidity. Sand and paint for professional results.

2. Bumpers and Skid Plates

These parts take the brunt of impacts and protect internal components.

• Uses: Reinforce the front/rear of your car, reduce shock damage.
• Best Materials: TPU for flexible bumpers, PETG or ABS for rigid ones.
• Design Tip: Add honeycomb infill for shock absorption.

Functional Advantage: Print multiple versions for racing, bashing, or crawling conditions.

3. Suspension Arms and Links

Lightweight and critical for handling, suspension arms are often damaged during intense runs.

• Best Printed With: Carbon fiber nylon, PETG, or reinforced ABS.
• Requirements: High strength, minimal flex.
• Tip: Reinforce high-stress areas with thicker perimeters or use metal inserts.

Note: Test printed parts carefully before high-impact use.

4. Tire Inserts and Wheels

3D printing lets you fine-tune wheel and tire combinations.

• Inserts: TPU foam-style inserts help with traction and shock absorption.
• Wheels: PETG or ABS rims are common; nylon for performance.

Modular wheels allow tire swapping and tread experimentation.

5. Chassis Parts and Mounts

You can print entire chassis sections or custom mounts for batteries, electronics, and motors.

• Uses: Extend wheelbase, lower center of gravity, add sensor mounts.
• Material Recommendation: Carbon fiber PETG or ABS; PLA is not ideal here.

Design Tip: Use lattice structures to reduce weight while maintaining strength.

6. Aero Parts: Wings, Spoilers, Diffusers

Aerodynamic parts help with downforce and stability at high speeds.

• Uses: Custom tuning for track racing or speed runs.
• Material: PETG for stiffness, ABS for smooth surface and durability.

Design parts that are easy to swap in and out based on track conditions.

7. Battery Holders and ESC Mounts

Printing your own mounts lets you perfectly fit your gear, even in tight spaces.

• Uses: Secure electronics, enable cleaner wiring, prevent damage from impact.
• Material: PLA+ for low-heat, PETG or ABS for more resilience.

Pro Tip: Print small test pieces to check fit before committing to a full mount.

8. Camera and FPV Mounts

If you’re into FPV (First-Person View) RC driving, 3D printing gives you the freedom to mount cameras exactly where you want them.

• Material: TPU for flexible, impact-resistant mounts.
• Design: Print with angle adjustment and wire channels.

Custom mounts improve visibility and minimize vibration.

9. Gears and Transmission Parts

These are high-wear parts that can be made functional with the right material and precision.

• Best Material: Nylon or carbon fiber-reinforced filament.
• Precision Needed: High; ensure proper meshing and tolerances.
• Use Case: Spur gears, pinions, center differentials (with care).

Note: Consider hybrid setups—3D printed housing with metal internals.

10. Tools and Accessories

Don’t forget to print accessories like:

• Tire jigs
• Shock oil holders
• Wheel balancers
• Pit tools
• Remote stands

They improve your workspace and maintenance efficiency.

Best Materials for RC Car 3D Printing

Choosing the right filament is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of common materials for RC use:

Storage Tip: Dry PETG, Nylon, and TPU before use for best results.

Top RC Projects to 3D Print

Ready to print your own RC upgrades? Here are the most popular project ideas:

1. Custom RC Body Shell (Scale 1:10 or 1:8)

• Print and assemble multi-part bodies
• Add LED light buckets, grilles, and roof racks
• Paint and apply decals for realism

Pro Tip: Use PETG for semi-rigid body panels.

2. Full RC Car Kit (OpenRC or DIY)

• Print every part of a functional RC car: chassis, suspension, arms, wheels
• Source standard hobby electronics (motor, ESC, receiver)
• Example: OpenRC F1, OpenRC Truggy

Great for learning mechanical systems and customization.

3. Rock Crawler Accessories

• Scale bumpers, jerry cans, winches
• Snorkels, roof racks, interior dashboards
• Modular rock light holders

Use PLA+ or PETG for most accessories; TPU for soft add-ons.

4. Speed Run RC Mods

• Aero kits (splitters, side skirts)
• Low-profile body shells
• Weight-saving components

Test your design for drag and stability before pushing speed.

5. Trail Gear & Storage Systems

• RC car toolboxes
• Spare tire mounts
• Action camera mounts for first-person footage

Enhances realism and adds functional storage to your build.

Best Practices for 3D Printing RC Parts

1. Use High Infill for Strength

• 40–60% infill for structural parts
• Grid or gyroid infill for impact strength

2. Increase Wall Count

• Use 3–5 perimeter walls for strong arms, links, and bumpers

3. Print Orientation Matters

• Print high-stress parts on their side to align layer strength with forces
• Avoid vertical prints for suspension arms and mounts

4. Post-Processing Enhances Fit and Strength

• Sand parts for smooth fit
• Use threaded inserts for durability
• Reinforce joints with epoxy or metal hardware

5. Test and Iterate

• Use prototypes for fit checks
• Don’t risk expensive electronics with untested printed parts

Where to Find RC Car Print Files

Some great platforms and sources for RC part STL files:

• Thingiverse – Thousands of community-made RC upgrades
• Printables – Prusa’s open-source model repository
• Cults3D – Unique designs and accessories
• MyMiniFactory – Niche accessories and tools
• STLFinder – Searches across multiple model repositories

Or design your own with Fusion 360, FreeCAD, or TinkerCAD.

Safety and Durability Considerations

• Avoid PLA for load-bearing parts—heat and shock will deform them
• Check tolerance of suspension parts after every few runs
• Test strength in a controlled environment before high-speed or off-road use
• Reinforce screw holes with inserts or nuts to prevent cracking

Conclusion

3D printing has opened up a whole new world for RC car enthusiasts. From functional upgrades to full vehicle builds, you now have the tools to customize, repair, and innovate like never before.

Whether you’re racing, crawling, or bashing, 3D printing allows you to adapt your RC car to any terrain or challenge—without waiting for shipping or spending big on replacement parts. With the right materials, designs, and techniques, your 3D printed RC components can be just as durable and precise as commercial ones.

Get started today with a simple upgrade like a bumper or wheel insert—and before you know it, you’ll be designing your own high-performance RC machine from the ground up.