Introducing you to RoboFork, completely 3D printed R/C forklift.

This was a personal project of mine, which has since been modified for general use instead of personal needs.

RoboFork is optimized for easy 3D printing, no supports are needed!*

This completely 3D printed forklift features 4 wheels powered by very powerful yet small DC motors, offering enough power to carry heavier objects around the room than usual 2 motor designs.

The forklift mechanism is completely 3D printed, including the central threaded rod which connects to yet another DC motor, which is powerful enough to lift and lower the forks. Personally tested the weight limit with 2 Samsung A5 phones, but then I ran out of phones :P Which means it's capable to lift much more. The movable frame has another thread, which allows it to move up and down along the rod. The movable frame fits inside the main forklift frame, which has dedicated gaps for the movable frame. Forklift frame is secured with two Ø2mm screws with a nut on the other side. The threaded rod holder can be both hot-glued or secured with screws (Ø2mm with nut)

The main frame requires no supports and prints very fast. It features many holes for extensions and pre-made holes for Arduino Due. It's very sturdy (personally tested with PLA plastic) and features pre-made holes for the motor, cable management and the forklift. Motors are secured with screws which come in the box, including the forklift motor. Forks can be secured with glue or existing holes can be used to secure it with screws (Ø2mm with nut).

This is just a quick project and made for fun, feel free to customize it however you like it. The forklift module can be removed and a custom module can be mounted, feel free to experiment.

This is a great opportunity for teachers to demonstrate how 3D printed forklift mechanism functions and/or teach how to program such a robot so it can be driven with your phone or dedicated remote controller. It's very cheap to make (around $6 for motors & any Arduino can be used) and very fast to print.

Thanks for reading and have fun forklifting! :D

*Supports vary from printer to printer. Test prints on FlashForge dreamer with settings from below didn't require supports.