Straddle Carrier - Push-Fit 3D Printed Model 3D print model

This is a fully push-fit 3D model of a straddle carrier that I designed and printed from scratch. No glue is required for assembly, though I used a bit of Elmer’s glue on the print bed for better adhesion especially for the smaller parts. Everything is designed to fit together securely, but you can always use glue if you want extra reinforcement.

Wheels Explained: The straddle carrier features fully functional, movable wheels with two distinct types: treaded inner tires and smooth outer tires. Each tire is made up of two halves—Side 1 and Side 2—to allow for easier flat-bed printing. These halves push-fit together using built-in pins to form a full tire. Once assembled, the wheels attach to the axles and are held in place using wheel caps, keeping them secure while still allowing free movement.

Important note: The tire joints, where the tires mount to the straddle carrier frame, can be fragile—so take extra care when removing those parts from the print bed. If you're printing with glue, use only a very light layer, and gently wiggle the parts off the plate rather than forcing them. Printing on a textured build plate without glue also works well and reduces the risk of damaging these more delicate connections.

The spreader connectors are designed to fit snugly to help keep the wheel assembly from loosening, but they’re still easy enough to disassemble if needed.

Other Features: Bumpers: Printed with black stripes using the Bambu AMS. If you don’t have an AMS, just print all bumper segments in a single color for a consistent look.Spreader: Requires a thin string or cord to suspend it. I used 1 mm diameter rope and it works perfectly.Supports: This profile includes all necessary supports if using glue on the bed. Adjust as needed if printing on a clean or textured surface.Reefer Container: By default, split into two parts to fit on a standard 256 mm × 256 mm × 256 mm print bed and push-fit together seamlessly.Full-Size Container Files: I’ve also included files for a full reefer container and a full standard container for those with larger print beds who want a single-piece print.\Assembly: Most parts are push-fit without tools or glue. Real photos and CAD screenshots are included to help you see how everything fits.

Feel free to tweak infill settings or print speeds to suit your preferences or speed up the print. The settings in the .3mf file are what I found to work best, but you’re encouraged to customize them as needed.

Let me know if you give it a try—I’d love to see how yours turns out. Happy printing!