3D printing of Futaba battery compartment cover?

Don Ferrette · Jun 16, 2024

Anyone who owns and still uses a Futaba 4PKS I'm sure knows how fragile the battery compartment cover is, I've got two that are cracking. I'm wondering for all the 3D printing guys out there what would it take to recreate these if an unbroken one was available to go off of? I'm still quite partial to my 4PKS and have zero desire to change.

Daniel's Racing · Jun 16, 2024

I am no 3D print guy and know they have scanners to get detail without all the programming.

Can they get the detail to match on the sliding edges from a scan ? and just print and fit ?

Not sure where it is cracking but could you maybe print or cut a plastic backer to epoxy over it ? I mean if that is where it is breaking at.

Don Ferrette · Jun 16, 2024

Daniel's Racing said:
Getting the detail to match on the sliding edges would probably be little difficult to get right first go round.

Not sure where it is cracking but could you maybe print or cut a plastic backer to epoxy over it. I mean if that is where it is breaking at.

They crack/break in random spots. This is not a new thing either, was an issue on other Futaba radios as well.

Daniel's Racing · Jun 16, 2024

Seems everything with those 3 words on it is designed for short life and eminent failure.

Don Ferrette · Jun 16, 2024

Daniel's Racing said:
Seems everything with those 3 words on it is designed for short life and eminent failure.

A lot of truth there. I still miss my old Futaba 1024PCM radios. They were bulletproof..... including the battery cover.

Grimracer · Jun 16, 2024

I might consider making a TPU boot that attaches to the bottom. A "cap" that you snap on.

Thinking

LohringMiller · Jun 17, 2024

Scanners are worthless for something like this. It takes careful measurements and a good 3D modeling program. I wouldn't consider making a matching part without the part it fits into in my hand. The needed clearances for a good fit depends on the filament used and may take several tries. A redesign increasing the thickness might help.

PLA+ prints accurately, but the black color won't hold up in the bright summer sun. ABS is better, but doesn't print as accurately. More exotic carbon filled filaments should work, but I have no experience printing with them.

Lohring Miller

Grimracer · Jun 17, 2024

I would not even attempt to make a print of that cover..

BUT if a new cover can not be be found,.,... a TPU boot over the bottom would be a good solution.

Don Ferrette · Jun 17, 2024

For what it's worth the part # is FT-1M10E50201 there's a guy in the UK who has 5 but won't ship to the US.

Daniel's Racing · Jun 17, 2024

Don Ferrette said:
For what it's worth the part # is FT-1M10E50201 there's a guy in the UK who has 5 but won't ship to the US.

Maybe a member over there will come along to help.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/352635915287

A $2 kids toy comes with a better battery cover than a $400 Futaba transmitter. Nice.

Grimracer · Jun 17, 2024

Don hopefully somebody on here can help.

I have been digging some.. no luck yet.. but we will keep digging.

Grim

bzubee · Jun 17, 2024

Don Ferrette said:
Anyone who owns and still uses a Futaba 4PKS I'm sure knows how fragile the battery compartment cover is, I've got two that are cracking. I'm wondering for all the 3D printing guys out there what would it take to recreate these if an unbroken one was available to go off of? I'm still quite partial to my 4PKS and have zero desire to change.

That would be great.

Grimracer said:
I would not even attempt to make a print of that cover..

BUT if a new cover can not be be found,.,... a TPU boot over the bottom would be a good solution.

Similar to the silicone cover for the RCATS glow igniter would be super

Grimracer · Jun 17, 2024

Bill,

Would not be far off of that.. VERY TOUGH.. any color and slip "dare say snap" right on and off. It has been YEARS since I have touched one of those. (2009 maybe) the 4PK came out in 2007..

Jerry Betke · Jun 17, 2024

This sounds all to technical for an old guy!! I would take a piece of 1/16 plywood, trace the shape, cut it out and sand to fit opening, seal with epoxy, sand to nice finish, prime and paint black. Take some good old radio box tape and assemble to radio. Repeat taping process if removed to service or replace batteries. Whole process should take about an hour plus dry time for epoxy and paint to dry. If you don't tell anyone they will never know it is home made from old school fix idea. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JB

Daniel's Racing · Jun 17, 2024

You could just epoxy/fiberglass over the outside too and make it a rigid piece pretty easily.

Bill Gibson · Jun 17, 2024

Jerry Betke said:
This sounds all to technical for an old guy!! I would take a piece of 1/16 plywood, trace the shape, cut it out and sand to fit opening, seal with epoxy, sand to nice finish, prime and paint black. Take some good old radio box tape and assemble to radio. Repeat taping process if removed to service or replace batteries. Whole process should take about an hour plus dry time for epoxy and paint to dry. If you don't tell anyone they will never know it is home made from old school fix idea. Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JB

Jerry, its really amazing how with a little effort one can make a piece of wood look like and feel like a piece of plastic! Great idea!

Mike Hughes · Jun 17, 2024

Don,
I have an idea. How about one laid up in glass. Attachment would be an issue. I have on that I could mold from. Just a thought.
Mike

Grimracer · Jun 17, 2024

maybe one can me machined from G10 or CF.. (not that hard with the machines I have)

Grim

XtremeRcBoats · Jun 18, 2024

Don Ferrette said:
For what it's worth the part # is FT-1M10E50201 there's a guy in the UK who has 5 but won't ship to the US.

Don, let me have a look tonight when i'm at home if he would ship from the UK to the Netherlands.

Oscar Love · Jun 18, 2024

The 7px cover fits, 1M10E71705. I had to order one a few years ago from Futaba USA.

3D printing of Futaba battery compartment cover?

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