New Tamiya Dyna Storm Suspension Blocks

[Origineelreclamebord]

Lately I've been working on some affordable improved suspension blocks for the Dyna Storm. The result is this prototype part:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...verviewPNG.png
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...3-3Drawing.png

Last year I did a similar project, but it turned out injection moulding wasn't an economical option, and the project was put on hold. Over the last 6-9 months I have been experimenting with 3D printed parts, and I was amazed by the quality and strength that these parts have. I think it is a production method to be taken seriously for mechanical parts, so I wanted to test this - what better than to put some life back into the project that I did last year?

The parts will be 3D Printed from Nylon (PA12) powder and has similar strength to ABS plastic, the material of the original parts, but is tougher (which is a good thing) and more flexible (which might not be ideal, but the company I ordered at does have a more rigid version of the material with aluminium powder in it).

While I was designing the part I had many ideas as to how to improve it compared to the original. Here is a list of features that should describe the part:
- The part is meant to be used with (nyloc or threadlocked) hex nuts instead of press nuts to prevent the problem of loose press nuts making it difficult to re-tighten or undo the screws on the mount.
- The part has shallow debossed portions that prevent the need of a wrench during (dis)assembly.
- The part has a lot more material around the mounts/screws with the aim to spread the stresses better.
- As much material as possible has been added to make the part as strong as possible.
- An additional mount has been added to the rear, which mounts to the same mounting hole as the two lower screws of the motor guard. Mounting it will require 20mm selftapping screws instead of the standard 15mm ones. The mount forms a brace similar to the one on the front side of the rear suspension blocks, which reinforces the structure from impacts on the rear of the suspension arms and wheels.
- The 2 degrees Anti-Squat of the original blocks have been maintained.

Two TamiyaClub members will be testing the blocks - one in bashing conditions, one on a track. If the blocks succeed these tests, they will be on sale soon. Because the parts are 3D printed, the design is very flexible. This means that it can be printed in different materials individually, or for individual buyers the part can be customized. For example, people who don't want the rear brace on can have it removed. Custom embossed or debossed portions can be made on the part and there are several standard colouring options, as well as ordering the part in white and dying it yourself. These customized designs, depending on how different they are, don't cost a lot of extra money, as the costs of the parts is only the labour of remodeling the part and the material price per volume.

Speaking of price, if the parts become available (which of course is my intention), a cost of as 18 euros can achieved for single purchases down to as little as 14 euros when ordered in small batches (these prices are based on the design you see above). If there is interest, other Dyna Storm parts or parts from other cars may follow through the same route