A lightweight and fully hackable quadcopter offering better flight control, lesser noise, and lots of integrations.

Open-Source 3D Printed Quadcopter

<h2>The Open-Source Design Isolates Vibration</h2><p>The 3D-printed quadcopter project offers .stl files, which can be downloaded and printed by anyone. For example, users can go for a lightweight design by opting for carbon fiber tubings for the quadcopter’s arms.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Vibration Isolation</strong></h3><p>This quadcopter model features carbon fiber tubes without breaking them in the middle, adding more rigidity to the model. With this technique, the load of the central unit is borne by the tubes. The carbon fiber doesn’t come in contact with the plastic, ensuring maximum vibration isolation.&nbsp;</p><p>The same principle is followed to create the plastic flight controller mount, as the contact between surfaces has been avoided by using O-rings.&nbsp;</p><p>There are rubber slots in the FC mounting platform to avoid contact between the FC circuit board and other materials, especially metal. This ensures optimal signal transmission, smooth operations, and noise reduction during flights.</p><h3><strong>Flight Controller Holder</strong></h3><p>The flight controller (FC) holder is key to ensuring maximum vibration isolation. The holder has a circular space with rubber insert tubings and three vibration insulator mounts.&nbsp;</p><p>The flight controller assembly, along with the rubber cushioning, is supported by three molded silicone isolators that keep it afloat on the flight controller mount. This setting enables the flight controller mount to absorb maximum vibration and noise before they reach the FC circuit, hence creating a more stable and controlled operation.&nbsp;</p><h2>Electronic Components of the 3D-Printed Quadcopter</h2><p>Since it is an open-source design, users can create models of spending on the electronics they plan to use. However, to ensure maximum vibration isolation and more efficiency, users can install components as suggested by the makers.</p><p>Among flight controllers, KK 2.1.5 is more powerful and can support tricopters, quadcopters, and even octocopters. The flight control unit is open-sourced and can be 3-D printed. Users can also choose a Pixhawk flight controller with a modified FC holder.</p><p>The 1200KW outrunner shaftless motors need a prop kit with four 8045 props. Not only does the central shaft but also the outside case of the motors spin with the props, hence the name. Given the configuration, these shaftless motors are more efficient than conventional builds, saving battery life.&nbsp;</p><p>The motors are powered by four electronic speed controllers (ESC) and a battery elimination circuit (UBEC). The use of Q-Brain ESC saves extra wiring and keeps the weight at the center of the quadcopter.&nbsp;</p><p>Users have a lot of options in terms of radio transmitters. The Turnigy 9X transmitter is not only affordable, but it also features a board to reprogram the transmitter. This is an upgradable transmitter and can be enhanced to receive telemetry. The 3-cell LiPo battery offers a better power-weight ratio and efficiently supports Q-Brain ECS.</p>

3D Printing a Carbon Fiber Drone – Part 2

3D Printed & Carbon Fiber QuadCopter

3D Printable Material

Flight Controller

Motors

Electronic Speed Controller

Radio Transmitter

Props

Battery

Vibration Isolators

3d Printed Parts

Overview
The 3D-printed quadcopter project is designed by developers with a particular interest in RC helicopters. The project involves 3D printing of all the structural components, except for the electronics. The design of the quadcopter is lightweight and features Silicone vibration isolators, ensuring smooth and noiseless flights. The use of carbon fiber not only adds to the lightweightness but also brings more rigidity to the model. In addition, the plastic components can be created using ABS or PLA material. The quadcopter supports different types of flight controllers, props, speed controllers, batteries, and motors, allowing lots of customization to the users. 


3D Printable Material	Carbon fiber, ABS/PLA plastic
Flight Controller	KK 2.1.5 FC
Motors	1200KV shaftless Outrunner motors
Electronic Speed Controller	Q-Brain ESC x 4 with UBEC
Radio Transmitter	Upgradable Turnigy 9X transmitter with solderless programmer
Props	8045 props x 4 (2 spinning right, 2 spinning left)