Not Treading Lightly
There are endless DIY projects online, and one of the most popular categories is remote-control (RC) tanks. 3D printing comes in handy because it allows for the creation of all kinds of custom parts.
Not only are RC tanks fun to build, but they also look super cool. These tanks can even drive on rough surfaces (as seen in the picture above). All tanks on our list consist of 3D printed components as well as parts that you can purchase at your local hardware store or online.
This article is divided into two parts: standard and more challenging projects. The standard projects typically don’t involve too much skill or money to build. The challenging projects, on the other hand, require significantly more expertise and monetary investment. A bit of programming may also be in order, as many of these models incorporate single-board computers or microcontrollers.
If you see an RC tank that has to be yours and you don’t have the right printer or desire to print it yourself, head to Craftcloud. With a range of materials and finishes, you can be sure that the parts for your tank will be delivered right to your door.
And now, let’s roll on down our list!
Easier Projects
The following RC tanks are within the realm of possibility of most hobbyists. From the simplest to those using Arduinos and Raspberry Pis, we’ve got the best basic RC tank options covered.
Mini
This mini RC tank is the most straightforward one on this list. It requires absolutely no soldering and assembles easily (no screws needed). The full parts list can be found on the project page, but it includes motors, batteries, a microcontroller, breadboard, resistors, and capacitors.
There are a total of 22 printed parts, which adds up to about 1,400 minutes of printing time, although you might be able to shorten it by printing multiple parts at once. It’s recommended to print with a medium to high infill percentage for strength. The website includes a full list of assembly instructions.
Who made it? otvinta3d
Who printed it? This amazing mini RC tank has over 35,000 downloads and 13 recorded Makes!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Arduino
This compact Arduino tank isn’t too hard to put together and uses some unique tread wheels. Most of this design is 3D printed including the wheels!
This RC tank requires an Arduino Uno along with some other parts found on the project page linked below. Expect to acquire motors, resistors, a Bluetooth chip for controlling the tank, and a port board.
Although there are no printing tips provided by the maker, based on the design, we recommend printing slightly slower for the hexagonal pattern to come out better. We also suggest using a high infill percentage and printing with supports activated for any parts containing an overhang. Use a small layer height for the detailed wheels.
Who made it? Obenottr3D
Who printed it? This compact RC tank has over 1,600 views with 73 downloads.
Where to get it? Cults
Robotic
This special robotics tank has a camera (as seen in the picture above) that will help you control it more easily. The tank shouldn’t be too hard to assemble, and the treads attach to each other using 1.75-mm filament offcuts.
You can find the parts needed for this RC tank on the Thingiverse project page below. The tank uses a color sensor, ultrasonic sensor, servos, an Arduino Uno, a battery, and more to function.
You’ll need 16 different 3D printable parts. It’s recommended to activate both a raft and supports (though not for the tracks), as there might be bed adhesion problems and overhangs. The maker also advises you to print with a 0.2-mm layer height and a 50% infill.
Who made it? timmiclark
Who printed it? This DIY RC tank design has over 25,000 downloads as well as 9 recorded Makes and 15 Remixes!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
FPV Rover
This rover utilizes an FPV camera for live-action viewing just like a drone. It was designed in Fusion 360, and the creator includes the files in case you’d like to make any changes. The tank looks great when it’s painted too, as you can see in the picture above. You can also check out a video of its design, assembly, and motion.
The project uses two 100 RPM motors to ensure quick movement. The full list of parts can be found on the project page linked below but includes an Arduino Nano, RC receiver, FPV camera, motors, and a battery.
There are 17 different 3D printable parts as well as 12 purchased parts to complete this one. The maker didn’t provide any printing recommendations, but you should be mindful of making the parts strong enough with both infill percentage and pattern.
Who made it? bribro12
Who printed it? This FPV rover has over 4,400 views and almost 500 downloads.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Raspberry Pi
Controlled through a Raspberry Pi, this tank is in its second version and is more versatile than the original. Stainless steel pins are used to connect the 3D printed treads, making this model structurally sound and well designed.
The full list of non-printable parts can be found on the project page below and include rods, brackets, motors, an Adafruit breadboard, and more. The robot also utilizes a multitude of sensors to allow the tank to prevent running into walls and even off of surfaces (such as a table). See it in action in a video from the creator.
This design uses a lot of 3D printed parts, as each track is an individual part. Because of this, we recommend you print multiple track pieces at the same time since you’ll need 52 for assembly.
Similar to other models, use a small layer height for precise and consistent tracks and a high infill percentage and strong pattern. Activate supports if you feel your printer might not be able to handle certain overhangs.
Who made it? timmiclark
Who printed it? This Raspberry Pi RC tank has 27 recorded Makes, 11 Remixes, and around 46,000 downloads!
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Claw
This tank comes with a special something: a controllable claw. It’s a pretty straightforward one to assemble, as it’s quite minimalistic with its small hull (to cover the electronics). The large angle of elevation for the front treads gives this tank an edge on the battlefield, allowing it to handle rougher surfaces better.
Unlike what we’ve seen so far, this RC tank is controlled by an actual remote, whereas most of the other projects use computer programs. This project’s bill of materials can be found on the project page linked below and includes an RC receiver, controller, extrusions, and a battery.
The creator of this project didn’t advise any specific print settings, so just use your common sense. It would be advisable to increase the infill to around 75% and use a couple of shells on the larger parts for good exterior strength.
Who made it? Greystone
Who printed it? This simple tank has over 5,900 views and 349 downloads.
Where to get it? Cults
Trench
This trench tank can move very fast and is quite sturdy. The large angle of the tracks’ is modeled after WWII trench tanks. Such an angle allowed tanks to run over trenches without getting stuck.
This design’s parts list can be found on the project page and consists of brackets, motors gearboxes, a battery, and more. The designer says that supplies should set you back around €150 (~$178).
The designer recommends printing all parts with a 30% infill for strength and proper weighting. No supports are needed, but you should use three top and three bottom layers for good exterior durability. It’s also suggested that you use a 0.2-mm layer height with a standard 0.4-mm nozzle. Lastly, the maker states that this tank works best when the 3D printable parts are printed in PLA or PETG.
Who made it? Staind
Who printed it? This trench tank has an impressive 58 posted Makes, 51 Remixes, and around 133,000 downloads.
Where to get it? Thingiverse
Challenging Projects
The following three projects are too cool to leave out, but, as we mentioned, they’ll be more challenging to undertake, often because their files aren’t publicly available. Read on to be inspired!
Tanky McTankface
Tanky McTankface, other than having a superior name, is truly a masterpiece of an RC tank. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the amazing suspension system that this tank has, allowing it to climb over rocks and drive on rough paths.
Although this tank doesn’t have a model cannon on the top, the frame makes up for it. Who knows, maybe the maker will add a cannon soon! At this point, the maker has not shared the files or materials needed to build this tank.
Who made it? p0Pe
Who printed it? This project on Reddit has 53 upvotes.
Where to see it?
Airsoft
This amazing airsoft tank has many great qualities. It’s extremely fast, and you can watch it zoom over some obstacles and even go slightly airborne in the link below.
The tank can actually shoot bbs, too! Even though it may not be that accurate or powerful, it’s pretty impressive. As this project is view-only and can’t be downloaded, there are no printing suggestions.
Who made it? LegoDEI
Who printed it? This shared project has 402 upvotes on Reddit!
Where to see it? Reddit
Panzer VIII Maus
This Panzer VIII Maus design is mind-blowing. Using a complex motion system as displayed on the project page, this model might be a challenge to build. However, this project only uses five different parts other than the 3D printed frame.
The maker states that the materials for this model will cost around $240 (printing costs not included). Thankfully, the maker links a video on the project page where he describes the assembly.
According to the designer, this model’s 3D printable parts are all support-free. This project consists of nine different 3D printable parts as well as five different non-printed parts (though you’ll need multiples of the non-printed parts bringing the total to 97 non-printed pieces). The project page contains no other printing tips, but we suggest you print with a high infill percentage to follow suit with the other projects.
Who made it? LombardiEngineering
Who printed it? This RC tank design has almost 1,400 views and 134 downloads.
Where to get it? MyMiniFactory
Lead image source: bribro12 via MyMiniFactory
License: The text of "3D Printed RC Tank: 10 Amazing Prints & Projects" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.