Researchers 3D-Print Operational Drone with Embedded Electronics

December 15, 2016

The fully functional quadcopter 3D-printed in ULTEM™ 9085 aerospace-grade material with embedded electronics was created in a single production step.

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 3D-printed a ready-to-fly drone with embedded electronics using aerospace-grade material. The electronics were incorporated in the drone during the 3D printing process, which used Stratasys ULTEM™ 9085 high-strength, lightweight FDM material certified for use in commercial aircraft.

The electronics survived the high-temperature printing, which reached over 160 degrees Celsius, compared to the usual 80 to 100 degrees. In addition to being extremely rugged, the drone is capable of supporting over 60 kg of weight suspended from its structure.

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