This is a new version of the tacks for Staind’s RC Tank. The redesign is based on test results and on my earlier remix of the tracks. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2862231

Short videos:

• Testing New Track Design (mod2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ulxJjGS1Ts
• Some comparing during intermediate tests, Tracks, New Design vs. Original Design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uKf3B8hOis

Improvements:

• the same track can be used with and without insert;
• tracks can be printed as easy as the original design;
• rounded outside corners for easier access with pliers when tightening the nuts and better turning on soft grounds (like grass);
• two options for joining track elements: by screws or by filament joints;
• using filament joints significantly reduces the track weight;
• shorter printing time (see settings below);
• less material use even when printed at 100%;
• increased material thickness by 0.5mm on both sides of the track mounts. Hence, with a 0.4 nozzle, 0.2/0.3 layer height and two outer shells, there is more “zigzag“ pattern possible on small portions, this seems to make things stronger.
• reduced vertical space between elements to minimum. This prevents flexing when using filament joints.

The inserts can be pressed into the tracks and should hold whiteout gluing. The top holes in the tracks are meant for several aims: fixating the inserts, removing inserts by pushing through with a small tool, strengthening infill and reducing material. If necessary, to get a tight fit, extrusion multiplier can be minimally increased.

Since the space between elements is narrow, when using screws to join, they shouldn’t be tightened too much, leaving enough space to move freely.

For joining elements with filament rods, I used 1.75mm nylon. It although works with ABS/PETG. To stay in place I “treated” both ends with a short touch of a hot soldering iron.

Even if the tolerances used in the design of the connection holes should be enough for any well calibrated printer, it is always useful to clean them up with a 2mm drill for 1.75mm filament joints and 3mm drill for M3 screws or 3mm filament joints.

Impression after testing:

• preferred build is with 1.75 filament joints and inserts;
• inserts give good grip on grass, sand, mud and other soft grounds; (ready for snow)
• even with inserts the tank still drifts nicely on hard ground;
• filament joints give flexibility to the whole track making it harder to break under aggressive driving;
• smooth running with Oger’s modified drive wheel, no clicking sounds; https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2743302

Print settings:

• nozzle: 0.4mm
• layer height 0.3mm / 0.2mm
• infill: 100%
• 1 top, bottom layer
• 2 outer shell
• print speed 60mm/s

With these print settings the shortest time I could get is: 20min/track.