SCX6 Plow

SCX6 plow

Working video included in zip.

I have designed this plow for the SCX6. The blade reaches a size of approximate 15.5 (+/-394mm) wide. If you want to print one solid blade it would required a 400mm build volume. However, I have added 2 piece blade and blade mount files with 2mm x 202mm support lines. This will allow you to print in two separate files, insert (up to) 1.8mm steel rod in each hole, and glue together. The steel rods are to ensure the glue join will hold. I recommend Bob Smith Industries CA glue and it should hold well with this, but the steel rods will ensure that there is minimal flex and break around the join.

The arm, blade, and blade mount all have files to allow for steel rod inserts as additional strength.

Suggested filament:
PETG, ASA, ,ABS, PLA-ST. PLA-ST is "Super Tough" but it has a high flex to breaking point. I find it stronger (for my needs) than PETG, but is MUCH easier to print.

Shopping list:
Bolts
- M5 x 30mm - 4ea - connects blade to mount
- M4 x 20mm - 1ea - connects blade mount to arm
- M3 x 20mm - 4ea -
- 2 servo arm to blade mount
- 2 bumper mount to arm hinge - these will be longer if adding optional axle support
- M3 x 18mm - 7ea - 2 per shock tower, 2 for servo arms, 1 for winch pull
- M3 x 12mm - 2ea

Screws
- M2 x 12mm - 2ea
- 4 for bumper mount supports
- M2 x 8mm - 2ea
- 4 for winch mounting plate

Shocks
- 2 - I have been using 70mm thru 98mm spring shocks for testing, not dampeners - internal suspension shocks won’t work well. You will need shocks that have springs creating a downward force. The distance traveled is dependent on the shock length. This was designed using 98mm or 80mm in order to give more downward force than other plows I have gotten in the past.

Electronics:
- Servo - 1 - waterproof, metal gear, for the turning of the blade. I am using/showing 25kg and 35kg metal gear, waterproof servo from Amazon
- Winch - 1 - for lifting of the arm. I am using/showing RC4WD 1/8 warn winch. There are a few 3D print models on thingiverse that will also fit here. The RC4WD 1/8 warn is using a dual motor setup, However, I have tested with the 3D print winch and winch replacement motor (bought on amazon), and it also works perfectly.

Suggested:
If you are not using nylon locking nuts make sure to use blue locktite wherever possible. This will ensure the nuts don’t spin loose after some use.

Build:
- Connect the bumper mount to the arm with the M3 bolts. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. These need to be tight enough to hold it together, but loose enough to allow movement. I suggest using nylon locking nuts here. You can also use blue (medium) locktite in order to secure the bolts from coming off.
- Connect the blade to the blade mount using the M5 bolts
- Secure the mount to the arm using the M4 bolt
- Secure the shocks to the bumper mount and arm holes using the M3 bolts. They do not need to have nuts on them
- Secure the winch pull to the blade mount using M3. This one will not be able to use a nylon lock nut. You will need a standard M3 nut, It will slide into place. You may need to use pliers to push down into place. I had used needle nose pliers. I also used a dab of hot glue to aide in minimal movement. You do not want this piece permanently glued. It is 3D printed and could break. This was designed to allow easy re-print and replace if it breaks.
- Take the mounting plate off the winch and secure to bumper mount with 2x8mm screws. I screwed them at a slight angle so they don't come through. There are no holes for this due to a variety of options to secure down. The M2x8mm is more of a minimum suggestion. M1 is not a good idea because there is not enough thread and could eventually pull out.
- Screw metal gear servo into arm. Again there are no holes for the same reason as mounting place. I also screwed these in at an angle for better hold. I also only used two of the 4 screws provided with the servo.

My printer setup:
All Creality
- 300x300x400 build volume - blade and blade mount as one piece
- Ender5 - all parts. Blade and blade mount have a 2 piece alternative

Filament
- eSun PETG - Orange and black. 230/60 65/55 mm/s - At least 2 1KG rolls will be needed. Blade at 10% infill was approximately 650g.

My CURA settings:
Everything is printed with 3 walls and cubic subdivide at 65mm travel and 55mm walls

Print setting adjustment per part
- Bumper mount and arm are printed with 60% infill, cubic subdivide, .2 layer height, and .4 nozzle. They are also printed at a 45d angle with support blocks to minimize support needs and maximize breaking point.
- Blade - 10% infill with cubic subdivide and 3 walls, .28 layer height with a .6 and .4 nozzle. Both came out approximately the same and the time difference wasn't major enough to care.
- Blade Mount - 20% infill with cubic subdivide, 3 walls, .28 layer height, and .4 nozzle
- Dual servo horn, control arms, and Winch pull - 100% infill, cubic subdivide, .2 layer height, and .4 nozzle
Total time to print: +/- 35hrs.

Suggested alternatives:
- Adjustable Control arms - these are ready for use and can take a hit. However, they are only 4mm and can snap. Luckily we can quickly reprint and replace. Aluminum, adjustable control arms is ideal. 90mm is the printed length of the control arms.
- Metal servo horn - PETG on metal gear servo with the force will inevitably strip the horn. Luckily we can quickly reprints and replace. To avoid this, a metal/aluminum servo horn is a better alternative.
- M3 eye bolt. Although I could find M# eye bolt to use for the winch pull, the head was too wide for the winch hook. This is why I had designed the pull to be printed. It is a snug fit (using 1/8 RC4WD winch). If you can find one that would be a great alternative since it is less likely to break.

Usage:
Keep in mind this is designed to be used for snow. It was built in mind to take a hit but as a 3D print it can only take so many direct hits. You can print the blade at 10% infill due to the stress being spread out. There is no direct force on the blade and at a curve it is moving the stress around.

Printer setup:
All Creality
- 300x300x400 build volume - blade and blade mount as one piece
- Ender5 - all parts. Blade and blade mount have a 2 piece alternative

Filament
- eSun PETG - Orange and black. 230/60 65/55 mm/s - At least 2 1KG rolls will be needed.

My CURA settings:
Everything is printed with 3 walls and cubic subdivide at 65mm travel and 55mm walls

Print setting adjustment per part
- Bumper mount and arm are printed with 60% infill, cubic subdivide. They are also printed at a 45d angle with support blocks to minimize support needs and maximize breaking point.
- Blade - 10% infill with cubic subdivide and 3 walls
- Blade Mount - 20% infill with cubic subdivide and 3 walls
- Dual servo horn, control arms, and Winch pull - 100% infill, cubic subdivide