Technological advancements are at large, with something new popping up every now and then. One such technology that has gained momentum and increasing traction is that of the 3D printed drones. The 3D printed drones market was valued at a staggering USD 7.07 billion in 2023 and was estimated to go up and beyond.
Additive manufacturing is taking center stage and has thus increased the demand for customized and efficient drone solutions. The integration of different printing methods like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for durable parts, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) for complex geometries, and Laser Powder Bed Fusion for high-strength metal components has made the production of 3D printed drones efficient and in many cases, durable. Drones are being heavily used in various industries such as agriculture, military, aerospace, cinema or even security.
In this article we will look at some of the most innovative and successful 3D printed drone projects that have caught the attention of many.
Marine Corp and the 3D Printed Drone Project
Drones have already made their way into the military sector, considering how they allow militants to get real-time images of certain areas that might be dangerous. However, one of the biggest concerns with drones is their cost. Once broken, the drones incur significant expenses in repairs. Be it just a small part that’s broken, the budget to fix it is fairly high.
With the association of high costs, as unwilling as they were to use it, the military looked for another solution. With more affordable drones, they were confident in using them. And just as easily, there was a solution – 3D printing. The team found that 3D printed drones were cheaper and faster to assemble. Additive manufacturing made all the difference in terms of durability as well as cost-effectiveness. While an individual Raven drone would have cost $30,000, with 3D printing, it went down to just $615.
The Marine Corp 3D printed drone project is a solid proof that additive manufacturing canbe used in various industries, and it also proves that these drones can be reliable.
Drones to the Rescue: 3D Printed Drones Used in Disaster Relief
unicef.org
Yuki Ogasawara and Ryo Kumeda designed this quadcopter drone. The idea for this project struck to them after the massive earthquake of Japan in 2011. Nearly 16,000 people were killed and about 2500 people went missing after this disaster struck Japan.
The primary goal of this 3D printed drone was for it to fly in dangerous zones and find survivors, after a disaster, like an earthquake. With the help of these drones, emergency services could see images in real time and thus make their services more efficient, primarily by saving time.
3D printing proved to be the best solution, as it enabled them to customize the drone model to adapt to the project requirements. The 3D printed model they deployed had the apt weight and size for such disaster conditions. Additionally, it also had an extended flight time and reinforced frame. These customized 3D printed drones were also capable of lodging thermographic and infrared-imaging equipment, which are particularly useful in locating people who need help.
Racing Drones Using Autonomous Technology by UVify
UVify, the American tech company has long been working on robotics, artificial intelligence systems and racing drones. The company aimed at developing First Person View (FPV) drones for the e-sport world. Integrating the 3D printing technology, they produced Draco, a FPV drone. Many professionals use UVify drones in several racing competitions.
One of the most crucial things for racing drones is their design and speed, where they can achieve maximum efficiency. Looking at the future, UVify seeks to introduce ready-to-fly drones into the drone racing market, made specially for the professional races.
With the help of 3D printing prototypes, the company has been able to modify and improve the quality of their drones with every new design. Using the 3D printing technology both for prototyping and for production, the company has been able to get a faster lead time and produce high-quality final product.
The 3D Printed Drone for Earth Observation by Svarmi
3dsourced.com
The Icelandic company Svarmi specializing in drones as a service, focuses mainly on manufacturing drones for remote sensing or earth observation. Their clientele ranges mainly from architects to researchers, or any people who require aerial images.
Considering that their product development is based on the client expectations, 3D printing gives them an upper hand, as they can be free with the design, and customize it however their customers want.
CargoCopter: Re-inventing the Future of Delivery
With the rise of online delivery platforms, the requests for delivery services has skyrocketed. A few years ago, you might have heard of drones delivering packages to customers. Well, this is now a reality. CargoCopter, the 3D printed drone is now able to transport as much as 5 Kg of material and can reach a speed of 150 Km/h. With 3D printed drones taking over, CargoCopter’s build and design is made to be efficient enough to deliver the goods on a long distance.
3D printing has helped the inventors of CargoCopter in rapid prototyping. And with this speed, they can easily adjust and amend the design of the drones.
Jarriquez’ 3D Printed Drone
blogs.autodesk.com
Jarriquez developed a 3D-printed drone capable of navigating with minimal human intervention and generating high-quality 3D maps, making it ideal for hazardous areas where humans cannot go. They chose 3D printing for its efficiency in turning CAD models into physical objects quickly and cost-effectively. This approach allowed them to create a durable and affordable unmanned aerial vehicle, suited for critical tasks in both military and rescue operations.
In conclusion, 3D printing has revolutionized the drone industry, providing innovative solutions across various fields. From military and disaster relief to racing, delivery, and earth observation, 3D printed drones offer enhanced customization, reduced costs, and faster production times. The ability to tailor drone designs to specific project needs, such as durability, speed, and functionality, has opened up new possibilities for industries that rely on aerial technology.
As companies like the Marine Corps, UVify, and Svarmi continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking applications of drones in the future. This blend of additive manufacturing and drone technology is not just enhancing current capabilities but also paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and versatile drone solutions.
