3D Printed Quadcopter

by jdude6098

1.5K1210

Intro: 3D Printed Quadcopter

This is how to make a 3D printed quadcopter. It can be printed without support material and is secured using zip ties. The download for the pieces are here. More info about printing and other stuff is here. I will make it as soon as I get my 3D printer and add many more steps. Credit to Brendan22 on Thingiverse. (I am sorry about the lack of steps, but really please just go to the Thingiverse page for now. I am busy with school right now, thanks for understanding)

STEP 1: Print the Pieces

The creator said that he used PLA, .25mm layers, and 40% infill, but you can do what you want. The total printing time is about 5.25 hours at 4500 mm/min without the optional posts and post plate. (If you do not know what these are then read the Thingiverse page again)

STEP 2: Assemble the Pieces

Now it's time for assembly. This might take awhile but if you want this then it will not be so bad. First watch the videos on the Thingiverse page and then assemble the quad. I'm not sure what to total cost of the electronic parts are but it won't be too bad, probably about $80 US at the most.

STEP 3: Fly Away

Once you have put in all of the needed electronics, you can go fly with it.

Thanks for reading, and please vote for me!

10 Comments

kenkaku107 8 years ago

Okay, this is not a negative comment, but you are grossly underestimating a lot when it comes to constructing a quad. First, the cost: You will spend $50 on the motors alone. After factoring in a radio system (Rx/Tx), a flight controller, motors, props, batteries, ESC's and optional bits (power distribution boards, etc.) it will be over 3-5 times your estimated cost of $50. Secondly: You don't seem to get the amount of work that goes into building a quad, this Instructable comes across as simply throwing electronics into a frame. It takes planning. Positioning the FC, Rx, Ant., and the battery are crucial to performance and longevity of the craft. While things have become pretty "plug-and-play", it still requires skills such as soldering and basic programming. There are also things like prop selection, to make sure you don't blow your ESC's from over-loading, over-run your motors, or even fail to get it off the ground. To end with, 3D printing does not lend itself to making a good quad frame. I know it's the hot thing to do now, but the plastics used in 3D printing are too fragile. There's a reason why the frames on the market are made of ABS, fiberglass, and carbon. When you build, say, a 250mm mini quad, you want to "fly it like you stole it". Also, these 3D printed designs tend to be... over-designed to the point of impracticality. This design you're linking to is not terrible. Since it seems to have replaceable arms, when you have a crash (and you will, everyone does), you don't have to print and re-assemble an entirely new frame. Just some points when you expand on this Instructable.

jdude6098 8 years ago

I know this. I plan to cover all of these bases as much as my limited abilities can. I do know how much work that this will take and I am willing to do all of it. My printer came in today, so once I work out all of the kinks, I will print this and construct it. I know that it will take a long time, but that is okay with me. Thanks for the comment.

maker5741 8 years ago

I think it's cool. I also voted for you for some of the contests.

sdiwan 8 years ago

We completely understand bro!!

jdude6098 8 years ago

Wow I thought that I would get more harsh comments but thanks a lot for understanding. My printer should arrive within the next 2 weeks.

DogmatiX 9 years ago

COOL instructable,I will sure enough check this out again once you've added more steps!

DogmatiX 9 years ago

:) ;) :D ;D ;-) :-) :-D ;-D