Title
3D Printed Drone Frame
Document Type
Creative works or constructive object presentation
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
16-5-2021
End Date
22-5-2021
Keywords
Drone, 3D Printing, PLA+
Abstract
3D printers have dropped in price to the point that an average consumer can purchase one. Accompanying this rise in home 3D printing is a relatively new sport known as drone racing. This sport involves racing drones through a predetermined course at high speed, which inevitably results in a high crash rate. This project is about building a 3D printed drone frame that is strong enough to survive minor crashes but can be easily and cheaply replaced after major crashes. The frame is made of PLA+ filament using an Ender 3 printer. Each arm is individually mounted for easy replacement, while the main frame is bolted together to protect the vital electronics. Filament was printed at 100% infill to improve strength and reduce vibration input from the motors. The device was tested using the official drone racing time trial course and rule book. It was compared to other pre-built drone times with the goal of being within 15% of the average time. Accompanying the speed test was a durability test versus common obstacles at 25% throttle. The 3D printed frame was expected to stand up to triple the crashes that a commercial frame of the same size and weight could withstand before complete frame failure. The printed frame met this condition while remaining under the cost of an average pre-built drone frame worth $25.
Recommended Citation
Flippin, Jed, "3D Printed Drone Frame" (2021). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 37.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2021/CEPS/37
Department/Program
Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction
Additional Mentoring Department
https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/3d-printed-drone-frame-2/
3D Printed Drone Frame
Ellensburg
3D printers have dropped in price to the point that an average consumer can purchase one. Accompanying this rise in home 3D printing is a relatively new sport known as drone racing. This sport involves racing drones through a predetermined course at high speed, which inevitably results in a high crash rate. This project is about building a 3D printed drone frame that is strong enough to survive minor crashes but can be easily and cheaply replaced after major crashes. The frame is made of PLA+ filament using an Ender 3 printer. Each arm is individually mounted for easy replacement, while the main frame is bolted together to protect the vital electronics. Filament was printed at 100% infill to improve strength and reduce vibration input from the motors. The device was tested using the official drone racing time trial course and rule book. It was compared to other pre-built drone times with the goal of being within 15% of the average time. Accompanying the speed test was a durability test versus common obstacles at 25% throttle. The 3D printed frame was expected to stand up to triple the crashes that a commercial frame of the same size and weight could withstand before complete frame failure. The printed frame met this condition while remaining under the cost of an average pre-built drone frame worth $25.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2021/CEPS/37
Faculty Mentor(s)
Charles Pringle