Ratchet (transformable, single print, no support material)

This is one of my best-designed print-in-place transformers!

I've heavily updated my Kombitron design with new, locking, joints, extra transformation steps, and a more detailed robot mode.

Ratchet prints with no support material or rafts, and is ready to go with no clean-up right off of the build plate.

I've also designed an arm blaster for him that stows in the back of his ambulance mode. Unfortunately, you will have to use some supports on the blaster's tip should you choose to print it as well.

Print Settings

Printer:

Prusa i3

Rafts: 

No

Supports:

No

Resolution: 

0.2 mm

Infill:

20%

Filament: PLA

Notes:

Ratchet prints on his back. His blasters can either print with their handles pointed up (you will use less supports this way) or with the handles on the build plate. I have tested a number of orientations and these were the best.

When transforming Ratchet from ambulance van to robot modes, don't forget to open up the side skirts to clean up his leg profile!

The blaster is 5mm compatible, but it's designed specifically for Ratchet's (or Ironhide's) hands. Who am I to tell you how to use it.

Ratchet prints with no supports or rafts, ready to 'transform and roll out' right off of the build plate. His joints should all have about .4 mm tolerances.

How I Designed This

It didn't take long after I'd finished my Kombitron transformer to realize the potential in the design. He shares a body-type with other van transformers, including Ratchet and Ironhide, both characters I wanted to adapt. However, I wasn't completely satisfied with the stability of Kombitron, so I took the opportunity to make a number of improvements that likely make Ratchet and Ironhide my best transformers yet. If you've stumbled onto my designs and are wondering which one to try first, I'd recommend either Ratchet or Ironhide.

Video