Introduction: Homemade RC Car

This project for my senior project will be fully completed by June of this year (2023). I am working on this project with a friend in my class. We are both studying mechanical engineering and decided to challenge ourselves in completing this project in less than a year. We are using prior knowledge from Central Washington University to apply the engineering fundamentals to our device. Having a strong understanding of physics, mechanics of materials, and statics has helped us figure out the necessary problems of the project. Since the project is not complete yet, we will show you what we have thus far.

Supplies

To begin you will need access to a CNC machine, plasma cutter, and a 3D printer.

CWU workshop has all we need.

Step 1: Engineering Merit

Students shall provide accurate engineering concepts that was taught from either CWU or other engineering applications to ensure proper achievement. Analysis of design and application shall be reviewed by authorized facilitators to the best of abilities. The suspension of the vehicle will be provided by mechanics of the specified material when undergoing analysis. Thermodynamics shall be associated with the tire spinning on the ground, and statics of the suspension when components are attached to frame will provide accurate detail of engineering principles. 

Step 2: Create Design of RC Car

These are sketches that was done through SolidWorks which is provided by CWU. I am not providing all parts of the project since it has not been checked off by the university. Once you have designed the parts, you can move to the next step.

Step 3: Figure Out How You Want to Fabricate the Parts

Once you figured out which way you want to fabricate the part. Move to the next step.

Step 4: CNC

The CNC or Computer Numerical Control machine will help the team manufacture important parts that need to be made from aluminum. This machine allows them to cut through any metal with incredible precision. Thus far, they have started the fabrication of the chassis using the CNC.


Step 5: Plasma

The Plasma Cutter located in the foundry at CWU provides the students with a high temperature precision flame that allows them to cut through metal without the hassle of programming the CNC. The shock tower was the first part that was fabricated by the Plasma Cutter. They will be using this machine more as the year progresses.

Step 6: 3D-Print

The 3D-Printing room located in Hogue provides the team with three MakerBots. By converting any SolidWorks file to an .stl, they are able to plug and play with the printer. Every part that will not be under high load will be fabricated in this room with either PLA, ABS, or Carbon Fiber material.

Step 7: Contruction

Once you have your parts and hardware, you are ready for Contruction! As the project progresses. I will update the website further. I want to show classmates and facilitators my progress through this excellent website.