Drones are still flying high. They proved their usefulness across different industry verticals including military, agriculture, video and photography… and it is just the start. The best thing about drones is that they can be easily enhanced thanks to little 3d printing magic. So it seems that they will land even more work in the near future!
3D printing helps with making drone parts because it can create complex shapes that would be otherwise impossible to make with traditional manufacturing methods.
It also allows for customization and shorter lead times. Let’s explore how 3D printing is helping to revolutionize the drone industry by making complex parts quickly and easily.
We will also discuss the potential applications of this technology in the future.
Benefits of using 3D Printing for Drone Making
When it comes to making drones, custom 3d printing can offer a number of benefits. First, it can help to create prototypes quickly and easily. This can be extremely helpful when trying to perfect a design before mass production. Additionally, 3D printing can allow for more customization and personalization of drone parts. This means that each drone can be made specifically for the buyer’s needs and preferences.
The second serious benefit is that you can upgrade it constantly. Imagine that. Thanks to 3d printing you can always experiment until you perfect your model… then make it even more perfect.
Another benefit of using 3D printing for drone making is that it can lead to less waste. With traditional manufacturing methods, there is often a lot of leftover material that goes to waste. However, with 3D printing, only the exact amount of material needed is used, leading to less waste overall.
Finally, 3D printing can help to make drones more affordable. Since less material is needed and there is no need for expensive moulds or tooling, the cost of production is lower. These savings can be passed on to the consumer, making drones more affordable overall.
Which material to choose for making custom drone parts?
When it comes to 3D printing drone parts, there are a few different materials that you can choose from. Of course, they all come with their own sets of pros and cons.
ABS plastic is a common choice for 3D-printed drone parts. What makes it a good choice for It’s strong and durable, making it ideal for parts that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, we need to mention that ABS plastic is also relatively brittle. It’s not the best choice for parts that need to be more flexible or bendable.
PLA plastic is another popular choice for 3D-printed drone parts. It is a more natural option so it’s a more environmentally friendly option than ABS plastic. PLA is basically plant-based, it is a vegan option as well (just kidding). PLA plastic is also softer and more flexible than ABS plastic. It is great when you need to add more flexibility to the mix. However, PLA plastic is not as strong or durable as ABS plastic, so it’s not the best choice for parts that need to withstand some harsher conditions.
Nylon 12 is also great because it is not expensive and it is highly adaptable. With this material, you can also play with different colors, designs and textures.
Metallic materials like aluminium or stainless steel are also options for 3D-printed drone parts. These materials are very strong and durable, making them ideal for parts that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, they are also very rigid, so they’re not the best choice for parts that need to flex or bend. In addition, metallic materials are more expensive than plastics.
Drone Parts that can be 3D Printed
Assuming you would like a list of parts that can be 3D printed for drones:
- Propellers
- Frame and motor mounts
- Landing gear
Propellers: 3D-printed propellers are often more lightweight and efficient than traditional metal propellers. This helps to reduce the overall weight of the drone, which can improve flight time and performance. In addition, 3D-printed propellers can be customized for specific flight conditions and applications.
Frame and motor mounts: 3D printing motor mounts allow for more accurate placement of motors within the drone frame. This results in a more balanced and stable drone that is less likely to experience vibrations during flight. In addition, 3D-printed motor mounts can be designed to dissipate heat more effectively, which helps to protect the electronics from overheating.
Landing Gear: Landing gear is one of the most important safety features of a drone. It is responsible for absorbing the impact of the drone during landings and preventing damage to the body or propellers. 3D-printed landing gear can be designed
