While 3D printing technology is being used to make drone parts, industries are also exploring ways to contribute to each other’s development.
Experts say that the use of 3D printing to make drones is not new, but it is limited as of now. However, with the advancement in technology, it now provides better quality and sustainable products, which is changing the ecosystem, he said.
“Hybrid 3D printing machines are in high demand in India’s drone industry. There has been an increased need for polyurethane, a rubber-like material used in making landing gear. Carbon fiber based materials are increasingly being used in small drones,” said Swapnil Sansare, Chief Executive, Divide by Zero, a 3D printing firm, and Vice President, Additive Manufacturing Forum of India.
“Companies are innovating to meet new expectations and demands. 3D printing service providers are now better equipped to understand and deliver,” said Vipul Singh, co-founder and chief executive of drone service provider Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS). are in position what is required.
For example, 3D printing is increasingly being used for prototyping and manufacturing parts to be used in the final product, unlike most areas where the technology is mainly used for prototyping. Furthermore, with 3D printing, one can customize the drone according to the use case – protective equipment such as the frame, landing gear, propeller, camera mount and antenna holder, or prop guards are all standard products that are needed to make drones lightweight. Can be 3D printed for. and customizable.
In addition, special use cases such as smart-farming may require equipment such as sprayers, tanks, or pumps, which can also be 3D printed.
Singh said it is difficult to produce certain sizes and parts on a large scale using conventional manufacturing. “Now that the possibility of developing alloys through 3D printing has increased, it allows for more flexibility with the design,” he said.
Homegrown Imaginarium, which provides 3D printed components to drone companies, plans to inaugurate a metal printing facility in August. It will use powdered metals to print layers of objects to offer stronger products. “It allows for similar design freedom, but you can print in aluminum and titanium, both lighter metals with a higher strength to weight ratio,” said Imaginarium director Priyesh Mehta. In addition, it has other advantages over traditional manufacturing, Mehta said. “Traditional manufacturing depends on the size of the order, and most manufacturers don’t entertain small orders, but drone manufacturers just don’t need large quantities.”
Mehta said barring a few companies, most of the drone companies are in the pre-concept stage and the designs are changing so fast that there is no point in going for mass production. “They are using 3D printing as a bridge because there is no minimum order quantity for 3D printing.”
“While we are yet to ascertain whether the 3D printing industry can become a long-term solution for the drone industry, players in the additive manufacturing (3D printing) sector have a huge opportunity,” Mehta said.
Imaginarium has applied for 120 crore production linked incentive scheme for drone manufacturing. India also banned imported drones in February. While most parts are still imported, the government’s move prompted local firms to turn to 3D printing firms. Mehta said the industry can reverse engineer parts by using 3D scanning and creating computer-aided design (CAD) models, which can be used to manufacture on-demand.
In fact, the ability to design and manufacture on demand is a key factor that has helped create synergies between the drone and 3D printing industries. “Being a small startup in the budding industry, you don’t have regular demand, you build to order. Your batches will be small, say, 50 to 100 drones. Small companies also produce 5-10 drones,” Singh said.