Although there is certainly plenty to keep people busy and firmly tethered to the ground, historically the temptation and curiosity have always been too great. Humans have gone to wild extremes trying to simulate flight throughout time, from donning home-made wings to eventually constructing an ongoing evolution of kites, hot-air balloons, gliders, and eventually\u2014an entire industry centered around aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drone technology: The benefits have barely been touched on yet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDrones continue to grow in popularity on the corporate and hobbyist level, presenting a unique trend. While human beings are responsible for controlling drones, they are not actually flying in them\u2014thus the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) moniker. This doesn\u2019t mean there aren\u2019t safety concerns though, especially as traffic in the skies increases and drones\u2014although now allowed to fly in daylight hours while in the sight of the operator\u2014are fairly unregulated and can do plenty of damage if they hit a plane or interrupt airport operations.
The vast benefits in using these smaller aircraft are impossible to deny though. While there are numerous, topical pluses like being able to send retail deliveries to thrilled customers within minutes, drones also offer enormous advantages in times of disaster since they can fly into places that may be difficult to get to or would be potentially unsafe for humans. Drones are also programmed to be adept at collecting aerial data, performing surveys and inspections related to infrastructure, real estate\u2014and flying into sites well-known for hazards, like oil fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drones can be vulnerable <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs any pilot will tell you, it\u2019s not the flight that\u2019s dangerous, it\u2019s the crashing<\/em>. In relation to drones, luckily this means human lives aren\u2019t at stake (assuming UAVs aren\u2019t interfering with other flights), but no one likes to see their technology smashed up either. Advanced technology requires advanced materials and in the case of a drone, prototyping is critical to avoid as many \u201ccrash and burn\u201d scenarios as possible while navigating through the elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile there are obvious parts that can\u2019t be 3D printed\u2014such\nas complex electronics\u2014housing accessories can be fabricated\u2014along with making\neverything from propellers to landing gear, and a long list of other parts and\ncases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shapeways offers a variety of materials and finishes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"3D](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/3dprintingservice-hero-desktop.jpg\")
3D printed drone parts in various materials.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\u00a0
Here are some of the materials Shapeways commonly offers for 3D printing drones: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Nylon 12<\/a> [Versatile Plastic] – It\u2019s hard to imagine a material more aptly named, as Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] is also used in applications like architecture, mechanical devices, and even designer jewelry. Larger drone parts can also be printed with Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic], and are popular due to both the strength and lightweight nature of the material as well as affordability (a huge benefit during the prototyping process too). This material is available in a wide range of colors for dyeing parts, as well as a premium finish.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- PA11<\/a> \u2013 Another extremely versatile material, PA11 is popular for high-impact applications like aerospace and drone technology. Offered in a natural white finish, PA11 is strong, offers high ductility (the ability to stretch without breaking) and like Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic], is highly suited for interlocking parts.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Multi Jet Fusion PA12<\/a> – this nylon plastic is also preferable for drones due to its strong and lightweight nature, featuring superior mechanical properties, and good support for intricate structures. MJF Plastic PA12 is available in black or gray, with the option of a smooth and glossy finish.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Aluminum<\/a> – while metal 3D printing continues to trend upward for industrial 3D printing, materials like aluminum are suitable for high-performance parts required for aircrafts like drones due to incredible strength and durability. Even better, aluminum is lightweight enough to allow for maximum flying speed in UAVs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the type of drone, technology like stereolithography<\/a> (SLA), selective laser sintering<\/a> (SLS), multi jet fusion<\/a> (MJF), or binder jetting<\/a> may be used. For obvious reasons, the technology must be superior and the materials must be tough, able to handle the elements, and survive the inevitable collision too.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKespry\n3D prints drones for surveying and mapping <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"kespry](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Li-LeadGen-Kespry-1200x628-1120x586.jpg\")
Kespry provides drone-based aerial intelligence for industrial use; drone parts 3D printed with Shapeways.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCustomers like drone manufacturer Kespry<\/a> (Menlo Park, CA) have worked with Shapeways to 3D print prototypes, as well as lightweight, functional drone parts using industrial technology. Kespry has also been embracing the parts-on-demand system, allowing their company to retain capital while manufacturing customized drones as needed. Due to 3D printing, speed and delivery have improved and their business has been growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKnown as \u201cThe Best Drone Company You\u2019ve Never Heard Of<\/a>,\u201d Kespry has worked with Shapeways since they began on their journey to create their Aerial Intelligence Platform for surveying and mapping with drones. They have also been the subject of a Shapeways case study<\/a> thoroughly outlining why 3D printing works so well for their applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen we started with Shapeways, it was\nbefore we even had our first customer, and now we have hundreds of drones going\nout every quarter. And it\u2019s been a smooth transition to get to that point.\nThat\u2019s definitely not true of all of our vendors. Shapeways is one of the few\nthat\u2019s held out throughout that scaling process,\u201d said Jordan\nCroom, Kespry\u2019s lead mechanical engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quantum Systems 3D prints drones for\neVTOL technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Quantum-System's](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/F90___R6___20200124.PCLock-1120x736.jpg\")
Quantum-System’s Trinity F90+ drone – Main Body. Parts 3D printed with Shapeways.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAnother Shapeways case study<\/a> features Quantum Systems<\/a>, a Munich-based company using drones for advanced eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) technology. Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems began using 3D printing right away for prototyping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cOnly because of the fact that we have\nintegrated this manufacturing method into our manufacturing and development\nprocess, have we been able to significantly reduce development time,\u201d said\nFlorian Seibel, CEO. \u201cFor injection molded parts we save around ten weeks by\nusing 3D printed samples to release the CAD data.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn general, we order Versatile Plastic<\/a> and HP (Multi Jet Fusion PA12<\/a>),\nsometimes colorized. The material properties are perfect for building light and\nstrong drone parts. We prefer HP at the moment, but for some parts, especially\nbig ones, we order Versatile Plastic due to the price.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nQuantum\u2019s Trinity F90 has successfully delivered medical samples, again making it clear that drones have the potential to be very helpful in making deliveries to remote areas or in dropping supplies during disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vast benefits in using these smaller aircraft are impossible to deny though. While there are numerous, topical pluses like being able to send retail deliveries to thrilled customers within minutes, drones also offer enormous advantages in times of disaster since they can fly into places that may be difficult to get to or would be potentially unsafe for humans. Drones are also programmed to be adept at collecting aerial data, performing surveys and inspections related to infrastructure, real estate\u2014and flying into sites well-known for hazards, like oil fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As any pilot will tell you, it\u2019s not the flight that\u2019s dangerous, it\u2019s the crashing<\/em>. In relation to drones, luckily this means human lives aren\u2019t at stake (assuming UAVs aren\u2019t interfering with other flights), but no one likes to see their technology smashed up either. Advanced technology requires advanced materials and in the case of a drone, prototyping is critical to avoid as many \u201ccrash and burn\u201d scenarios as possible while navigating through the elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are obvious parts that can\u2019t be 3D printed\u2014such\nas complex electronics\u2014housing accessories can be fabricated\u2014along with making\neverything from propellers to landing gear, and a long list of other parts and\ncases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the type of drone, technology like stereolithography<\/a> (SLA), selective laser sintering<\/a> (SLS), multi jet fusion<\/a> (MJF), or binder jetting<\/a> may be used. For obvious reasons, the technology must be superior and the materials must be tough, able to handle the elements, and survive the inevitable collision too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customers like drone manufacturer Kespry<\/a> (Menlo Park, CA) have worked with Shapeways to 3D print prototypes, as well as lightweight, functional drone parts using industrial technology. Kespry has also been embracing the parts-on-demand system, allowing their company to retain capital while manufacturing customized drones as needed. Due to 3D printing, speed and delivery have improved and their business has been growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Known as \u201cThe Best Drone Company You\u2019ve Never Heard Of<\/a>,\u201d Kespry has worked with Shapeways since they began on their journey to create their Aerial Intelligence Platform for surveying and mapping with drones. They have also been the subject of a Shapeways case study<\/a> thoroughly outlining why 3D printing works so well for their applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen we started with Shapeways, it was\nbefore we even had our first customer, and now we have hundreds of drones going\nout every quarter. And it\u2019s been a smooth transition to get to that point.\nThat\u2019s definitely not true of all of our vendors. Shapeways is one of the few\nthat\u2019s held out throughout that scaling process,\u201d said Jordan\nCroom, Kespry\u2019s lead mechanical engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another Shapeways case study<\/a> features Quantum Systems<\/a>, a Munich-based company using drones for advanced eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) technology. Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems began using 3D printing right away for prototyping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOnly because of the fact that we have\nintegrated this manufacturing method into our manufacturing and development\nprocess, have we been able to significantly reduce development time,\u201d said\nFlorian Seibel, CEO. \u201cFor injection molded parts we save around ten weeks by\nusing 3D printed samples to release the CAD data.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn general, we order Versatile Plastic<\/a> and HP (Multi Jet Fusion PA12<\/a>),\nsometimes colorized. The material properties are perfect for building light and\nstrong drone parts. We prefer HP at the moment, but for some parts, especially\nbig ones, we order Versatile Plastic due to the price.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quantum\u2019s Trinity F90 has successfully delivered medical samples, again making it clear that drones have the potential to be very helpful in making deliveries to remote areas or in dropping supplies during disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShapeways offers a variety of materials and finishes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the materials Shapeways commonly offers for 3D printing drones: <\/p>\n\n\n\nKespry\n3D prints drones for surveying and mapping <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quantum Systems 3D prints drones for\neVTOL technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"learn](\"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/learn-more_.png\")
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