Aussie’s manufacturing UAV’s via 3D printing
The CyberQuad is an Australian designed unmanned, electric vertical take-off and landing system (Quadrotor) designed by Cyber technology in WA. It’s a great example of the power of 3D printing, for the production of end-use-parts and assemblies made directly from 3D CAD data – without tooling.
A true direct manufacturing application, the CyberQuad, is produced in a 3D Systems next generation SLS Production 3D Printers. Using a unique material called DuraForm, parts are capable of withstanding harsh conditions and used for direct low-volume manufacturing, providing the flexibility to modify, optimise and evolve designs on-the-fly.
Prior to using SLS additive manufacture technology, the company relied on traditional fibre type materials for production, which was time consuming and costly.
The 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry has been gathering pace for a number of years. 3D Systems has developed a range of 3D printing systems to support broad consumer adoption, by being affordable and easy to use. For OEM’s who can’t justify bringing the technology in-house, 3D service bureaus provide allow designers and engineers, like CyberQuad, to have the freedom to create and design for function.
This is vital step for the aerospace industry. Some of the best ideas in history have involved designs that push the boundaries of manufacture. The Airbus A380, for example, contains hydraulic valve housing in the wings which are a nightmare to produce, requiring complex machining. With 3D printing the part was designed on achieving the best strength and performance, and not restricted to design-for-manufacture principles.
For the CyberQuad, this was a perfect match to create a low noise, agile quadrotor, with a safe, compactand efficient design containing only a camera, batteries and four moving parts that is easily transportable and rapidly deployable. With such a compact footprint, low BVI noise and no exposed rotors, CyberQuad is ideal for stealth applications and can safely operate near people and throughout urban environments.
