3D printed RC parts can outlast stock plastic: printed A-arms flexed instead of shattering in a hammer test by ValRC, a YouTube channel that printed replacements rather than wait one to two months for parts from overseas.
Print orientation matters most for strength, according to Karl-Emil Storm, a YouTube channel that prints RC spare parts. Moneypit RC, a crawler channel, prints bodies, skid plates and TPU paddle tires, mostly in regular PLA.
Here is what RC owners print, the filament for each job, and what is still better bought.
Best 3D Printed RC Parts to Print
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
Spare and upgrade parts
- Suspension A-arms, bumpers and shock towers
- Servo mounts, battery trays and body mounts
- Skid plates and protective guards
Bodies and scale accessories
- Crawler bodies, interior details and light buckets
- Scale accessories: jerry cans, roof baskets, winches, snorkels
- Magnetic body mounts
Tires and soft parts
- TPU tire inserts and paddle tires
- Soft bumpers
Shop and display
- RC car stands and wall mounts
- Battery and charger holders (3D printed battery holders)
- Tool caddies and hex driver racks
Drones and FPV
- Camera and GoPro mounts, antenna holders, battery straps
- Whole frames for small quads (see 3D printed drone frames)
Whole cars
Fully printed kits exist, from simple buggies to 60 km/h builds. See 3D printed RC cars.
Which Filament for Which RC Part
| Filament | Use it for |
|---|---|
| PLA | Display pieces, scale accessories, prototypes |
| PETG | Bodies, mounts and guards. More forgiving in crashes than PLA |
| TPU 95A | Bumpers, skids, tire inserts; hard to break |
| Nylon / CF nylon | A-arms and steering parts that take hits (dry it first; needs a suitable printer and hardened nozzle) |
| ASA | Parts that live in the sun or a hot car |
Tips
- Orientation matters most. Lay parts so the load runs along the layers.
- Use 4+ walls before raising infill.
- Add heat-set inserts where screws go in and out often.
- Buy gears, bearings and real rubber tires.
Best Printers for RC Parts
| Printer | Price (Amazon, Oct 16, 2026) | Why it fits | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed: PETG, ASA and TPU parts | Check price |
| Bambu Lab P2S Combo | $779.00 | Enclosed with built-in filament drying for nylon and PETG | Check price |
| Creality K2 Combo | $549.00 | Enclosed with a large bed for bodies | Check price |
What YouTube Creators Found About 3D Printed RC Parts
These are findings from popular YouTube videos, paraphrased from their transcripts and credited. They are the creators’ experiences and claims, not my test results.
- ValRC (ValRC: “I 3D Printed Unbreakable RC Car parts”) broke his RC car again and printed replacement A-arms instead of waiting one to two months for a cheap set (about $5, in his words) from overseas. In his hammer test, the stock arm shattered while the printed arm flexed and would not break.
- Karl-Emil Storm (Karl-Emil Storm: “How to Make 3D Printed Rc Car Spare Parts that WORK!”) says print orientation plays the biggest role in strength, because layer adhesion is the weakest point. Printing a part at an angle fixed weak sidewalls on his steering parts. He added that PLA snaps where ABS is tougher.
- Moneypit RC (Moneypit__RC: “If you’re into the RC hobby, you NEED a 3D PRINTER!”) prints crawler bodies, skid plates, winches, snorkels and TPU paddle tires, mostly in regular PLA, and warns you will need to dial in settings before parts come out right.
- On Reddit (r/rccars), users recommend PETG for bodies and mounts, TPU 95A for parts that get bashed (“have yet to break a single one”), and nylon or polycarbonate for steering links. Several said printed tires look fun but lack real rubber grip and can cost more in filament than buying tires.
Designing RC Parts That Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best filament for RC parts?
PETG for most parts, TPU for bumpers and impact parts, nylon for arms and steering if your printer handles it.
Can you 3D print RC tires?
Yes, in TPU, but users say they are not as grippy as rubber and may cost more than bought tires.
Will 3D printed A-arms hold up?
Creators have printed arms that outlasted brittle stock parts. Print them in a tough material and orient them correctly.
Is PLA OK for RC?
For display parts and accessories. It is brittle in crashes and softens in a hot car.
Sources
- ValRC: “I 3D Printed Unbreakable RC Car parts”
- Karl-Emil Storm: “How to Make 3D Printed Rc Car Spare Parts that WORK!”
- Moneypit__RC: “If you’re into the RC hobby, you NEED a 3D PRINTER!”
- r/rccars: Best filament for RC car parts
- r/rccars: Experience in printing tires
- Amazon product listings for the printers linked above, October 16, 2026
Related: Things to 3D Print for Kids | How to 3D Print Replacement Parts | PLA vs PETG for Beginners | 3D Printed Battery Holders
Notes and disclosure
Note: Printer prices come from Amazon listings on October 16, 2026 and change often. The ideas below come from popular YouTube creators and Reddit threads, credited where used. My own hands-on results will be added after my planned test prints.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.