3D printed tricopter - from CAD to reality!

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Hi,

 

I'm Adrian from Hungary/Europe. Let me introduce my tricopter project.

My goal was to make something really good-looking copter that have ally features I need.The design process started 1 years ago. My first idea was to make a composite chasis, from glass/carbon fiber.I designed the copter in a 3D modelling software, and also designed the necessary moulds for making each parts, here is the initial design:

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This is a sample of the mould design:

3689547050?profile=originalI also made some FEM calculations, to check the stress dispersion:

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3689547001?profile=originalUnfortunatelly, this type of production would cost too much for me. I tried to find partners in Hungary, without success. So I almost forgot this project. But some months before I read a lot about 3D printing, and finally I found a great partner in Hungary (many thanks to the Ground Zero Team www.groundzero.hu !!!). So I started to redesign my copter according to the requirements of 3D printing:

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Then I sent the .stl files for FDM printing. Here is the result:

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This is my current configuration:

  • Turnigy SK3-2826-1130 motors
  • 8x4,5 karbon SF props
  • 10A HK ESC (simonK firmware)
  • ArduFlyer 2.5 with ArduCopter 3.0.1 code
  • ULOX NEO6-M GPS
  • 2000mA 3S lipo (2 db 1000mA 3S2P)
  • Flytron 25A ultralight current sensor
  • MKS-DS95 servo
  • RECOM 5V 1A power supply for electronics
  • 3DR 868 MHz telemetry module
  • RCTimer OLED screen
  • Immersion 600mW 5.8 video TX + Coverleaf antenna
  • MinimOSD, with KVTeam code
  • KPC-E700PUB camera
  • FRSKY Futaba FASST-compatible receiver, PPM
  • controlled LED-s and buzzer

All-up weight is 782g, and has 8 minutes of safe flight time with 20-25% of remaining battery.

(Please note that I used Crius AIO Pro at first with MWI code and KV-OSD code. These can be found on the following pictures and in the videos.)

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LED sripes are controlled by APM:

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Here are some videos:

Flight test (with Multiwii)

Onboard video (with Multiwii + KV-OSD)

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For more details please connect me by mail: nhadrian@gmail.com

- UPDATE - 

stl files can be downloaded from here:

http://shpws.me/oGJN
http://shpws.me/oGKc
http://shpws.me/oGKd
http://shpws.me/oGKg
http://shpws.me/oGK7

And these are the additional metal parts for rear arm control:

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I wish you all good luck on reproducing my tri.

Please note that I'll not modify desing according to personal wishes, since my spare time is quite limited and I focus on my personal projects. Thanks for understanding!!!

 

Best Regards

Adrian

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Comments

  • Sorry for confusion !

    I didn't noticed that Adrian shared a quad version also.

    I was so excited about this project that I missed the comments...

  • @Catalin, I did not design this 3D data, so please ask originator.

  • Very nice project !!!

  • My friend printed out Quad copter by "3D Touch 3D printer"

    It needs sanding and filling for better fitting and strength.

    3692844469?profile=original

  • 3692836613?profile=original

    Printed standing up with ABS on a Rostock Max. Strengthened with a thin layer of fiberglass&epoxy. 

  • Any news there?

    I'm waiting for my new 950 KV motors and 10x3.3 V2 T-motor props!

    I hope flight time will be over 10 minutes.

  • :(

    I told you that probably it is impossible to print frame without support material.

    I really recomment printing on a stratasys printer. I saw them working, and the part is really-really accurate since if it is neccessary, it uses support material even for big flat walls. 

    For example, this one: http://www.stratasys.com/3d-printers/idea-series/uprint-se-plus

    Good luck!!!

    BR

    Adrian

  • Think I go a problem...the shelf is not printing very good.

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  • Here is the progress so far...

    3692829909?profile=original

  • Wow...7 hours to print ot part 1 of quad. It's not finished yet but it looks good so far. Thanks for all the help. I like quad's more than tri's.

    Earl

This reply was deleted.