Which frame should you choose to build your quadcopter?
The first drones had very simple frames, mostly with four arms connected to a central plate. It was the late 2000s and the experiments on...
· 2 min read
3 important elements for your drone's frame
What are the key elements never to lose sight of when choosing a frame?
Quadcopter frames have evolved hand in hand with drone technology and all of its components.
The growing use of many different materials to meet the many uses and application fields of drones has led to a variety of materials and frame types, depending on specific needs and budgets. However, even within this relatively wide range of choices, there are three important elements to consider when choosing a frame. Let's look at them together:
1 – Materials:
As mentioned earlier, frames, which are increasingly sturdy and harmonious in shape, can be made of aluminium, fibreglass, carbon fibre and perspex, or even aluminium. While aluminium frames, mostly rectangular, are as simple as they are fragile, fibreglass ones (connected to aluminium tubes with a rectangular or cylindrical section) are sturdier as well as easier to handle and cheaper (and much less expensive than those made exclusively of carbon fibre). Let's say, a first evolutionary step forward in drone materials.
Even greater versatility, strength and affordability can be found in carbon fibre and perspex frames; the latter material suits 'beginners' as well as professionals and their needs, since perspex drones are by definition the cheapest, lightest and easiest to replace.
2 – Protection:
A crash, especially in the beginning, is always just around the corner. Fitting a polycarbonate canopy on the frame (the same material used by commercial airplanes and helicopters) can protect the electronic components in the event of an accident.
3 – A matter of shape:
Geometry helps in preserving and protecting our RPAS. Choosing a spherical frame, for example, proves to be a prudent choice because this particular shape helps distribute the force of any impact across the drone's outer elements, resulting in greater, 'geometric' protection of the drone's electronics and… of the user's wallet, since the electronics are certainly the most expensive part of the aircraft.
Moreover, even in windy conditions, a semi-spherical canopy helps the air flow around the obstacle (our drone) instead of creating a "sail effect" (the drone cannot cope with the wind... but we'll talk about that later...)
And you, which frame do you use?
Write to us if you need technical advice or if you'd like to give us new ideas.
