3D Printed and Topology Optimized Drone!

With today's incredibly easy access to technology, inspiring new concepts are possible! We combine the latest simulation technology, known as 'topology optimization,' with powder bed 3D printing and freely available drone hardware and software.

The resulting tricopter is inspired by the 'Orca' VTOL design from the 1995 computer game 'Command and Conquer' and features a unique, bionic design, acting as a proof of concept. A VDI webinar was also held to show the more technical details of the development process (German speaking). You will find the link here when available.

The interesting aspect is that the technology is versatile and can be adapted not only to the development of drones but also to heavy machinery, customer-tailored bike parts or even art, depending on one's needs.

The future is going to be exciting!

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
00:12 Project Inspiration – Command and Conquer
00:54 Topology Optimization
01:25 Thanks for these Simulation Tools
01:43 Drone Design Development
03:16 Interlude
03:43 Design Rendering
04:42 3D print
05:38 Flight
07:05 Outlook
07:18 End Credits

Software used:
Altair Inspire (Preperation, Topology Optimization, CAD creation, static loads)
Altair Inspire Studio (Rendering)
Altair Hyperworks (Result evaluation)

Licenses: Check "https://web.altair.com/altair-student...".
Link assumed by me, for details contact Altair.

BetaFlight ( FC)
DaVinci Resolve (Video Editing)

Parts:
GEMFAN D76
GEMFAN Hurricane 2023
BETAFPV 2004 3000K
BETAFPV 1204 5000KV
Mamba F405 MK2
BetaFPV 4S75C 850mAh
FRSKY ~R6
Servo: MEX 65MG
850mAh, 4S LiPo

Bearing: 25/20/4mm, 21,15,4mm
FPV equip. prepared but not activated.

I really feel honoured by your interest in the STL files and the frame kit! I haven't shared them yet because the current design is in the prototype stage. While it works great, it requires a lot of initial tuning and will likely cause some educational crashes in the process. When I share the STL files or sell a kit in the future, the quality will be high enough to ensure you have a great experience with it! I'll keep you updated as the plans crystallize!