3D Flight Piper Super Cub User manual

Piper Super Cub

*one printing appearance suggestion

PRINT YOUR AIRFRAME WHENEVER NEEDED
● Fully printable high quality airframes that you can print anytime on your desktop printer.
● Anytime you need spare parts just reprint at little to no cost.
● An entire airframe can typically be printed with about $10-$20 worth of material.
● Engineered internal structure only attainable through additive manufacturing makes the.
parts lightweight and strong enough to handle loads during flight.
EASY AS
From www.3d-flight.com simply add the desired plane to your cart,
purchase and then all the files needed for the plane will be
available to download anytime you need! Just go to My Account>
Downloads.
Included in the download:
● All STL part files necessary to print your entire airframe.
● Gcode prepared using simplify3d for fast and easy printing.
● Slicer settings for Simplify3D, CraftWare, and CURA.
Once you have downloaded the files you will have all the files
necessary to print your airframe and you can print any time you
need them.
You will have two options to printing your parts:
● Print your files using the provided gcode for fast easy printing.
● Print your files using your own slicer and the provided STL files.
Our airframes are engineered with the assembly process in mind.
The airframe goes together relatively quickly with simple tools and
materials.
● Airframe segments are engineered to be structurally strong.
● Assembly is quick and easy, assembly aids make gluing segments
together fun and easy.
Once your airframe is assembled go out and enjoy flying your new
plane.
1

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
⚠
Congratulations on your purchase of the 3D Flight Piper Super Cub! We hope you enjoy your
flying experience with this product.
Your 3D Flight Piper Super Cub should not be considered a toy, it is a remote control model
that functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance capabilities and
the nature of the product the Piper Super Cub could cause injury to yourself, those around
you or property. Please exercise caution and common sense while operating the aircraft.
Flight
➢Always take care when flying the product to avoid personal harm or harm to others
around you.
➢Always fly in an open space that allows you to avoid buildings, trees and crowds.
➢Check operation of the aircraft before every flight to ensure that all equipment and
linkages are structurally sound and ready for flight.
Print/Assembly
➢Always take care while assembling the product and wear proper protective equipment
to avoid any personal injury.
➢Follow 3D printer manufacturer guidelines to avoid any damage to your printer or
yourself.
➢3D flight declines all responsibility for any harm that may result during the printing or
assembly process.
Propeller
➢Take care to avoid any contact with the prop when testing or launching this product.
Failure to do so may result in injury.
Battery
➢Take care when connecting the battery. See battery supplier manual for full
instructions.
Radio
➢This is a radio control product and interference with other transmitters may cause
intermittent loss of control take care to avoid monetary loss or harm.
Operation
➢This is not a toy, ensure that children are supervised by adults when flying this
product.
➢3D Flight declines all responsibility for any liability arising from operation of this
product.
2

Introduction
This plane was designed to be a Piper Super Cub scale model with some slight modifications.
With standard tires it is a fun and simple trainer that looks awesome and performs well. If you try
out the optional landing gear then you can upgrade this plane into a multiversital super fun flier
that can tackle any flying environment. It is pictured with large (bush plane) tires upgrade below
and look forward to us releasing floats and skis as well.
3

Recommended Parts  POWER YOUR PLANE
Since your are downloading and printing your plane you will need to purchase at least a battery,
motor and esc. Below is what we recommend for this airplane. You can use other battery, motor
and esc combinations since our provided motor mounts allow it but they should provide you with
close to the required thrust specification listed below. Often motors have thrust specs with
different prop/battery combinations so please refer to the manufacturer's specifications if you
are using a non-recommended motor:
Required Thrust: 1000 g
Maximum Motor Diameter: 36 mm
Component
Description
Qty
Shopping
Link
Required
Power System
Combinations
(Motor/Prop/Battery)
These are the
combinations we have
tried. Feel free to try
others
Combination 1
Motor: Propdrive 3536 1400kv motor
Prop: Master Airscrew 9x6 propeller (CW)
Battery: Zippy compact 3 cell 2200 mah battery
1
Hobbyking
Hobbyking
Hobbyking
Combination 2
Motor: Propdrive 3536 1400kv motor
Prop: Master Airscrew 10x6 propeller (CW)
Battery: Gens ace 3 cell 2200 mah battery
1
Hobbyking
Hobbyking
Amazon
ESC
Hobbyking 50A ESC (or larger)
1
Hobbyking
Servos
HK15178 Analog Servo
6
Hobbyking
Alternate:HXT900 Servo
Hobbyking
Servo Extension Lead
Servo Extension Lead
2
Hobbyking
Servo Y lead
Servo Y lead
1
Hobbyking
CA Glue
Hobbyking Super Glue CA Medium
1
Hobbyking
4

CA Glue Accelerator
Insta-Set CA Accelerator
1
Hobbyking
CA Hinge
CA Hinge Sheet
1
Hobbyking
Self Tapping Screws
M2.5x8mm Self Tapping
2boxes
McMaster Carr
Motor Mount Screws
M3x12mm screws
4
McMaster Carr
Alternate:M3x12mm screws
Any Hardware
store
Control Rod Material
304 Stainless Steel Wire ¼ lb coil .035” dia
1
McMaster Carr
Spring Steel around 1mm dia
Any Hardware
store
Gear/Strut Material
1080 Spring Steel .080” dia
1
McMaster Carr
Spring Steel around 2mm dia
Any Hardware
Store
Front Tires
Light Foam Wheel 75 dia
2
Hobbyking
Rear Tire
Light Foam Wheel 35 dia
1
Hobbyking
Wheel Stop
Landing gear wheel stop collar 2.1mm
1
Hobbyking
Balance Material
Iron Balance Weights
1
Hobbyking
Bullet ESC Connectors
HXT 3.5mm connector
3
Hobbyking
Alternate: PolyMax 3.5mm connector
Hobbyking
Battery Power Connector
XT60 Connectors Male/Female
1
Hobbyking
Heat Shrink
Turnigy Heat shrink 6mm
1
Hobbyking
Solder
Solder wire 1mm
1
Hobbyking
Velcro
Polyester Hook and Loop Velcro
1
Hobbyking
Alternates are provided is in case the vendor is out of stock on the first option
5

Printing Instructions PRINT YOUR PLANE
Once your files are downloaded from www.3d-flight.com you have two options for printing your plane:
METHOD1: Using the supplied Gcode prepared using Simplify3D
● Simply load the gcode into your printer in order to print with our specified settings.
● This is the fastest and easiest method for printing.
● Simplify3D does a really great job generating the tool path for the Gcode so parts come out great.
● Usually works with printers having a 250mm x 210mm x 200mm build volume and the origin at
the front left corner of the printbed. May work on larger printers.
METHOD2: Using Your Own Slicer to Prepare Your Own Gcode
● We recommend that you use this method because the your printer settings will be customized to
your printer.
● All STL files necessary to print the plane are included in your download.
● Slicer settings for Craftware, Cura and Simplify3D are included in your download.
● Simply use your slicer with the STL files and generate the Gcode for your printer
● Please note you do have to use an open source style printer. Printers like XYZ printing and
Zortrax will not give you the freedom to adjust settings needed.
Importing the settings into each of the slicers is easy. Look at our support page if you have any issues.
Edit the settings as needed to customize them to your printer. If you have issues adjusting the machine
settings in your slicer or with print quality issues please see our support page.
6

Printed Parts Weight List
When printing parts use the printer settings below for each part and make sure to print the
quantity needed so that you have the correct amount when you go to assemble. Try to get your
main part weights are within +10%/-15%; if the parts are too heavy the plane won't fly as
desired.
Wing Assembly
Item No.
File Name
Print Weight
Qty.
Printer Settings
1
PiperCub - WingM
36g
1
Wing/Fuselage
2/3
PiperCub - WingL1/PiperCub - WingR1
37g
1/1
Wing/Fuselage
4/5
PiperCub - WingL2/PiperCub - WingR2
36g
1/1
Wing/Fuselage
6/7
PiperCub - WingL3/PiperCub - WingR3
33g
1/1
Wing/Fuselage
8/9
PiperCub - WingL4/PiperCub - WingR4
33g
1/1
Wing/Fuselage
10/11
PiperCub - WingL5/PiperCub - WingR5
10g
1/1
Wing/Fuselage
12/13
PiperCub - FlapL1/PiperCub - FlapR1
9g
1/1
Control Surface
14/15
PiperCub - FlapL2/PiperCub - FlapR2
7g
1/1
Control Surface
16/17
PiperCub - AileronL1/PiperCub - AileronR1
8g
1/1
Control Surface
18/19
PiperCub - AileronL2/PiperCub - AileronR2
8g
1/1
Control Surface
20/21
PiperCub - AileronL3/PiperCub - AileronR3
7g
1/1
Control Surface
*Part weights are only included for main segments of the plane
7

Fuselage Assembly
Item No.
File Name
Print Weight
Qty.
Printer Settings
1
PiperCub - Fuselage1
27g
1
Thick
2
PiperCub - Fuselage2
29g
1
Wing/Fuselage
3
PiperCub - Fuselage3
31g
1
Wing/Fuselage
4
PiperCub - Fuselage4
45g
1
Wing/Fuselage
5
PiperCub - Fuselage5
36g
1
Wing/Fuselage
6
PiperCub - Fuselage6
22g
1
Wing/Fuselage
7
PiperCub - Fuselage7
16g
1
Wing/Fuselage
8
PiperCub - Fuselage8
13g
1
Wing/Fuselage
9/10
PiperCub - HStabR1/PiperCub - HStabL1
10g
1/1
Wing/Fuselage
11/12
PiperCub - HStabR2/PiperCub - HStabL2
8g
1/1
Wing/Fuselage
13/14
PiperCub - ElevatorR1/PiperCub - ElevatorL1
7g
1/1
Control Surface
15/16
PiperCub - ElevatorR2/PiperCub - ElevatorL2
8g
1/1
Control Surface
17
PiperCub - Rudder1
3g
1
Control Surface
18
PiperCub - Rudder2
11g
1
Control Surface
19
PiperCub - Rudder3
4g
1
Control Surface
8

20
PiperCub - HStabConnector
2
Thick
21/22
PiperCub - FuselageStructureR1/PiperCub - FuselageStructureL1
1/1
Thick
23
PiperCub - FuselageStructureM1
1
Thick
24/25
PiperCub - FuselageStructureR2/PiperCub - FuselageStructureL2
1/1
Thick
26
PiperCub - FuselageStructureM2
1
Thick
27/28
PiperCub - FuselageStructureR3/PiperCub - FuselageStructureL3
1/1
Thick
29
PiperCub - FuselageStructureTail
1
Thick
30/31
PiperCub - HatchR/HatchL
1/1
Thick
*Part weights are only included for main segments of the plane
Inserts/Struts/Mount/LandingGear
Item No.
File Name/Part Name
Qty.
Printer Settings
1
PiperCub - ScrewInsert
18
Thick
2
PiperCub - GearBracket
4
Thick
3
PiperCub - FrontGearBracketR
1
Thick
4
PiperCub - FrontGearBracketL
1
Thick
5
PiperCub - FrontGearWire2
1
N/A
6
PiperCub - FrontGearWire1
1
N/A
9

7
PiperCub - FrontGearWire3
1
N/A
8
PiperCub - StrutBracketTop
4
Thick
9
PiperCub - RearStrut
1
N/A
10
PiperCub - FrontStrut
1
N/A
11/12
PiperCub - StrutBracketBottomL/PiperCub - StrutBracketBottomR
1/1
Thick
13
PiperCub - RudderInsert
1
Thick
14
PiperCub - RearGearWire
1
N/A
15
PiperCub - RearTire
1
N/A
16
PiperCub - FrontTire
2
N/A
17
PiperCub - MotorMount3536
1
Thick
10

Assembly Instructions MAKE YOUR PLANE
Glue Screw Inserts in WingL2/R2
Start by gluing screw inserts (PiperCub - ScrewInsert) into WingR2 and WingL2 (4x total). Self
tapping screws will be landing in these parts so DO NOT FORGET THIS STEP, you will not be
able to glue in the inserts after the wing segments have been glued together. You can also use
a soldering iron or drill to open up through holes in the wing segment (the holes have detented
areas showing location and size).
Glue Wing Segments Together
Apply CA glue along the segments, press two segments together and apply accelerator. The
glue should dry within seconds and you can release the segments. Repeat until you have glued
together the entire wing. Alignment tabs make aligning the segments effortless. We plan on
releasing a build video for this plane but haven’t yet, for gluing technique please view or other
build videos at www.3d-flight.com.
11

Glue Ailerons and Flaps Together
Glue together the ailerons and flaps, then attach them to the airframe using CA hinge material in
the designed in slots. CA hinge strips cut about .2in by .6in should work well for this.
Install Servos for Ailerons and Flaps
Glue in the servos for the ailerons and flaps and add control rods (cut the 1mm wire and add z
bends). The leads can be fed through the paths designed into the wing. Each aileron servo will
most likely need an extension and the flaps should have a Y extension. It's recommended that
you clip the appendages off the sides of the servos to fit them in the receiving slots in the wing.
You can use the clearance between the servos and the recieving slots for micro adjustment.
Glue Fuselage Segments Together
Apply CA glue along segments and apply accelerator, glue should dry within seconds making
assembly easy. Repeat until all segments of the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer are glued
together. The two halves of the horizontal stabilizer are glued together using their connectors
(shaped like trapezoidal prisms) and glued to the bottom of the vertical stabilizer. Dont apply
accelerator until all segments are aligned straight. Fuselage1 is screwed to fuselage2 to allow
motor installation and access to the front of the plane so do not glue.
12

Glue Fuselage Structure
Glue fuselage structure in place. Structure components are marked with numerals to indicate
their position; I being the most forward, II being the middle segment and III being the furthest
rear.
Glue Rudder and Elevator
Glue together rudder and elevator segments. Then glue the segments to the horizontal and
vertical stabilizer using CA hinge material. Strips cut to .2in by .6in should work well for this.
13

Cut Holes for Wing Leads and Hatch
Cut holes in fuselage for where the servo leads will be entering from the wing. You can do this
using an exacto blade or the hot end of a soldering iron (soldering iron is prefered becasue it
melts the print layers together.)
Glue Hatch
Glue hatch together using CA glue and accelerator. Then glue a CA hinge strip in the slot in the
hatch and glue the other end into the receiving slot in the fuselage 2 segment.
14

Glue Elevator/Rudder Servo in Place
Glue servos into their receiving slots. Recommended to do this without servo arms installed for
now. Slip the servo arms over the control rods later and screw to servos.
Install Elevator/Rudder Control Rods
Slide control rod material (1mm wire) thru their respective tubes, place a z bend at the servo
side of the control rod, slip servo arms over the rods and screw the arms to the servo heads with
the servos in neutral position. Then bend the rods into the control horns of the elevator and the
rudder with servos in the neutral position.
15

Glue Screw Inserts In Place
Glue screw inserts into the locations shown in the fuselage. Access should be relatively easy
through the hole cut for the wing servo leads. There are 4 locations in the top of the fuselage for
wing assembly and 14 locations in the bottom of the fuselage for strut and landing gear
assembly. Recommended to use tweezers or needle nose pliers for this step for access
reasons.
Glue Rear Gear Screw Insert
Glue the rear gear screw insert into the receiving slot in the rudder.
16

Bend Landing Gear
Bend the 2mm wire into landing gear using pliers and the provided PDF templates to get the
correct shape.
Build Front Landing Gear
Assemble front landing gear by gluing FrontLandingGearBracketL/FrontLandingGearBracketR
to wire1 and then crimp the ends of wire2 and wire3 with dikes (this makes it so the wires hold
into the brackets) then glue or heat stake wire2 and wire3 into their respective holes.
Recommended to heat stake the wires by heating them with a flame since heat staking gives
the most strength.
17

Install Landing Gear
Screw the landing gear to the fuselage using self tapping screws and GearBracket (4x). Also
insert the rear landing gear into the rudder screw insert and use a self tapping screw to set
screw it in place.
Install Tires
Add your desired tires and use a hub to hold them onto the landing gear.
18

Open Motor Bosses
Cut open the bosses that allow you to insert self tapping screws that fasten the motor mount.
Locations are shown below. You can use an exacto or a hot soldering iron tip to melt open the
holes.
Install Motor
Attach the motor to the motor mount using m3x12mm screws, feed the motor mount into the
front of the airframe and screw in place using self tapping screws.
19