Here's something I've been working for a few months, a fully 3D printed airframe, to test and practice the technology and to make a prototype of a design I've been wanting to build at a larger scale.
The airplane has a wingspan of almost one meter and the total weight of the airframe is around 400 grams, almost half of it from the wings, so later on I'll make foam wings with fiberglass skinning to save weight.
Here are some photos of the airframe and some parts:
This is how the wings are made, the printer moves in one single path from the bottom to the top, in a spiral motion creating the external shape and the internal supports all in one go.
The center fuselage section, the nose and tail sections are joined by four nylon screws.
The complete airframe, except for the EVA rubber nose tip.
I'm currently working on some small details, mostly on the interior figuring out the best layout for the R/C gear and making mountings and brackets for it.
First I'll test fly it with just the R/C gear, and if things go well I'll add an Ardupilot and/or FPV gear.
If anyone has a 3D printer the complete files to print one at home can be found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:272478
Replies
Very nice looking project.
What C.A.D. software did you use to create it?
I dont think the weight is too bad, but couldn't you save in the wing some by making the part behind the spar open and using an iron covering maybe?
Anyway a fascinating project and I'll be interested to see how it goes
Andy
I used 3Ds Max, it's not a CAD program but it's what I use at work so I'm good at modelling with it.
I wouldn't use iron-on covering on the wings, as a matter of principle this being a 3D printed plane :D Also because the PLA I used softens at 60 degrees Celsius so it would ruin the wing.
I'm currently in the process of redesigning the wings to save about 20% weight, also thinking of getting some HIPS (polystyrene) filament that is again 20% lighter than PLA.
I already flew the plane last weekend.... very briefly, but enough to see what changes I need to make before a next flight.