Week 8 – 3D Printed Drone Frame

Yuvan S -

Hello everyone! Last week I discussed the technical specifications of the drone. This week, I will talk about how the drones connect to each other mid-flight physically.

In order to make drones that can connect together and create structures, I want the drones to have a cube frame that allows them to just connect to each other like Legos. I first went to Aliexpress and ordered a small carbon fiber frame in the shape of an X. The frame will mount the motors and the flight controller, and I will design my own frame around this one.

I took the frame I bought and took a picture of it alongside a coin, and I imported that image into my 3D modelling software. Since we know the size of the coin (a standard quarter diameter of 0.95 inches), I can scale the image to match that. With this reference picutre, I desinged a 3D model around that can be screwed into the frame and creates a cube like structure around it. Then, I added areas where magnets can be press-fitted into the frame. The magnets will allow the drones to physically interlock with each other.

Now with the general frame designed, I split it into 2 different pieces that I sent to my 3D printer. It took around 13 hours to print each part, so it took 26 hours. I then printed another set for the second drone. With these, I had the physical frame done for the drone. Next week, I will talk about software on the drone side.

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    swagat_d
    Hi Yuvan! With the frame you bought and magnets you have, what types of shapes and objects do you intend to recreate with your drones interlocking mid-flight?
    April 22, 2025 at 10:17 am - Reply
    heet_d
    Cool project Yuvan! My only question would be how do you ensure the magnets align properly and do you anticipate the connection being strong enough?
    April 22, 2025 at 6:19 pm - Reply
    yuvan_s
    Hi Swagat, the frame is designed by me, and its a cube structure. So any shapes that can be made with cubes will work.
    May 8, 2025 at 10:26 pm - Reply
    yuvan_s
    Hi Heet, magnets are opposite polarity and are extremely strong, so alignment should be possible within around 3 cm. I hope that the magnets will be strong in the final product.
    May 8, 2025 at 10:27 pm - Reply

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