Battery Box MK1 – 27.5mm x 127mm (~1 1/8" X 5")
$2.70 Battery Box MK1 – 27.5mm x 127mm (~1 1/8" X 5")
Published 2019-10-07T16:14:04+00:00
An open style battery box for a mid-size profile model aircraft constructed from foamboard, cardboard and/or balsa, with a wingspan of approximately 1 to 1.5 meters (~39 to 60 inches).
The finished compartment with a channel for a restraining strap, is designed to hold a standard 1300~1800 mHA 3-cell LiPo battery in the center of the fuselage.
The parts can be easily 3D printed, without any support, on a modern inexpensive 3D Printer. They can be printed with a variety of materials, including PLA, PETG, ABS and many other types of printable materials.
PLA works for this application. However, a more heat resistant material such as PETG or ABS should be used to print the battery box, because of the possibility that the battery could heat up to a temperature exceeding ~55 C (~ 130 F). If this were to happen, then it is likely that a PLA part would warp or deform.
The same would hold true if the model containg the object is to be left in a parked car in the summer.
Therefore, I strongly recommend using another heat tolerant material, such as PETG or ABS.
Recommended print settings with a .4 mm nozzle:
- Layer Hight: .150 ~.160 mm, depending on motors and gearing
- 2 perimeters or shells (0.90 ~0.96 mm)
- 6 bottom layers (0.9 ~ 0.96 mm)
- 6 top layers (0.9 ~ 0.96 mm)
- Infill ~20%, depending on infill type
Additional items needed for assembly in the model
- Medium CA or Epoxy
Assembly Instructions
Please note that the parts are designed so that the frame is mounted from one side of the model first, then the box should slide in from the other side. In addition, the opening for the restraining strap should be facing the bottom of the aircraft.
1- Carefully cut an opening of appropriate size for the frame – Approximately 33mm X 133mm ( ~ 1 5/16" X 5 1/4"). Please double check the mesurement with the actual printed part, before cuting the opening.
2- Dry fit the frame in the opening that was cut in the previous step. Trim the opening as required to ensure that the frame fits in the opening. It should be a snug fit – Not a tight fit!
3- Once satisfied with the fit of the frame, remove it to apply your adhesive of choice and re-install to let the glue bond and set.
4- Apply glue to the box and install from the opposite side of the model. It may help to clamp the parts in place to let the glue set.
Date published | 07/10/2019 |
Price | $2.70 |
Time to do | 100 - 160 minutes |
Material Quantity | 19.8 grams for both parts |
Dimensions | 144mm X 38.5mm X15.4mm each |
Support Free | YES |