UPDATE: The initial testing of this frame has been completed; I am pleased to announce this has been a huge success! After several severe crashes, the original frame design suffered cracked arms and even a split upper plate. Since these tests, I have completely redesigned these most vulnerable parts and have had no further critical damage. The arms are also thicker, and the upper plate now features a mounting bracket for the GoPro Session along with a second layer of bracing throughout.
These plans are free for anyone interested in testing and sharing their results, please do so through my website âcontactâ form. I appreciate your feedback, and only ask you to please share this âthingâ on all your social media / forums to help me gain interest for the further development of this design.
Flight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGcsfYci72s
For a little history on this project, check out my blog at:
https://hxlmes.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/hxlmesflight-racing-quadcopter-v1-prototype/
Design brief: To design and build a prototype remote-controlled flying quadcopter using 3D printed plastics. The design must be strong enough to cope with the forces imposed upon it during flight, and resilient enough to endure the (inevitable) crashes it sustains. The 3D printed parts must all fit on a smaller printing bed size of 150mm x 150mm to encompass a wider range of compatible printer models, and be printable from either PLA or ABS plastic. The assembly must be relatively straightforward, and the number of individual parts kept to a minimum. All of the hardware used during assembly must also be easy to source, and the design cannot require specialty parts of any kind.
The design must be aesthetically pleasing and built to a regulation size for racing.
Non-Commercial:
You do not have permission to print and sell this frame, either as a whole or as individual components. You do have permission to print and test this frame for your own use. If you do so, please share your thoughts and results with me here: http://hxlmes.co.nz/contact
If you would like to share your tests or flight videos on social media such as Instagram, please use the hashtag #HXLMESFlight in your posts.
Please pay attention and respect the creative commons license these files are released under. This means the files are available for personal use only. For those without a printer, all the parts will soon be available for purchase at: www.hxlmes.co.nz
Key features:
- 8 components
- 14 screws
- 6 standoffs
- 4 nuts
- Only 1 tool needed
- Modular design
- Extremely strong/lightweight
- Print with your preferred material
- Quick to print
- M3 x 16/19mm slots for motors
- 30.5mm hole spacing for FC/PDB
- 250mm standard size frame for racing
- Fits 5â propellers
- Battery vents double as hanging point for easy storage
- Built-in motor guards double as torsion reduction
- Print on 150mm x 150mm bed
- No support material needed during printing
- ASSEMBLY IN LESS THAN 3 MINUTES!*
*Check out the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl3VL2uEo4Y
Instructions:
Full build instructions coming soon. Refer to images if you are testing this frame, and feel free to contact me with any questions: http://hxlmes.co.nz/contact
Print one of each of the components (8 total). Use your choice of ABS or PLA plastic. Iâm using PLA.
Required hardware:
- 14x M3 x 10mm machine screws
- 6x M3 x 35mm standoffs
- 4x M3 nylon nuts
Print settings:
- Layer Height: 0.25mm
- Walls: 2
- Top/Bottom Layers: 2
- Infill: 60%*
*I use a triangular infill, you may need to increase the density if using a different infill pattern.
Donât forget to share this âThingâ on all your social media / forums. To stay up to date with the continual developments, including new part releases and upgrades, and to follow the build progress and initial test flight, follow me using the links below:
Blog: https://hxlmes.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hxlmes_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp75XCqajoICjo-H5a-W-lQ