3D Printers are cool....but I wouldn't get too exited if was you!
SLA, SLS, desktop printers (basically low quality FDM machines) do not make parts strong enough or durable enough for reliable use within RC racing.
Some SLA & SLS materials are pretty good, new ones developed all the time, and as has already been said it's massively expensive. Although FDM uses ABS, it's not even close to being the same end result as a moulding.
FDM (fused deposition modelling) is basically taking an ABS filament, typically on a roll, feeding it through an extruding head on a CNC platform. The result is wall sections made up of thin beads of ABS that overlay each other, fusing together under heat with tiny webs laid down to give the appearance if solid material, when actually it has many tiny gaps in it.
In some cases you can design parts to be made functional by over sizing them, but the strength is very directional...the material is laid down in layers, so it's strength is in one plane only, and it can delaminate under load. Whereas a moulding is obviously stronger in all directions, it flows under much greater heat and pressure so there is no layer structure, far superior!
I guess the clue is in the name...it's prototyping!!!
One day they might get there, but it's along way off, and still only really useful for quick fit and function testing...not something I'd want to use in a competitive environment, not for anything with any load on it anyway.
Still an interesting technology though!
