Rubber Band Car Printed in 3D

This "snap together" rubber band powered car was printed using a MakerBot Replicator. I've never used 3D software before, so TinkerCad was my choice for first time work. Using TinkerCad (Tinkercad.com), I designed a car similar to the one in chapter one of my book, Amazing Rubber Band Cars.

To make a wheel, you just drag a cylinder onto the workspace. Set the diameter and the thickness and you're almost done. Drag a hole onto the workspace, adjust the diameter and place it in the center of the wheel. Group the hole and the wheel. That's it.

If you want to play with my design, go to TinkerCad.com and search for "Michael Rigsby" Under my things, you will find the wheels, base and sides. Adjust them to suit your fancy, then "Print 3d" which gives you a choice of commercial printing services or downloading a file for your 3d printer.

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Step 1: Gather Files

Screen Shot 2012-05-10 at 4.00.46 PM.png

Go to Thingiverse.com and download the Rubber Band Powered Car files:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:22821

Drag a downloaded file into the model window of MakerBot's ReplicatorG software.

If you don't have a 3d printer, you can still have the files printed at a commercial 3d printer.

benbenhu says: May 20, 2012. 6:40 PM

Very good i like the 3D Printer

WYE_Lance says: May 16, 2012. 5:12 PM

Great Instructable! I like the simple, snap-togehter design. It could go much further if the rubberband wasn't tied around the axel - it looks like the car will unwind as it moves forward, then wind itself back up and reverse direction. Regardless, you have my vote for the make it real contest!

MikeTheMaker (author) says: May 16, 2012. 6:45 PM

Thanks! You're correct--if you don't tie the rubber band to the axle (just hold it with your fingers while you start the wind), it will not pull the reverse trick you mentioned. Actually, I built a "life size" cardboard car using six giant "pallet" bands--and we had the "wind it up; release; go past the starting point and return syndrome." Much more pronounced with little kids than 250 pounders. My wife and I gave rides in the giant car at the 2007 Austin Maker Faire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVjAKWGvIj8