Tri 3D Printed Tilt Motor/Servo Mount - BackyardRC

by BackyardRC | October 8, 2013 | (5) Posted in Projects

 

This past week I finished a new 3D printed motor tilt mount for our tricopter. Based on the build from David on his blog (http://rcexplorer.se/projects/2011/09/the-tricopter-v2-5/) and this flitetest artical (http://www.flitetest.com/articles/tricopter-scratch-build) I took it to the next level and made an all in one motor and servo mount.

I have uploaded a short video of it working on you tube:

 

 

As you can see there is a tiny bit of flex but not nearly as much as in the 1/2 x 1/2 inch dowel. I am super pleased with the outcome. Comment, let me know what you think, and if you have any questions give us a shout.

And if you have a 3D printer checkout the print file on thingiverse!

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:162807

 

Full write up and reivew over at our blog: BackyardRC.wordpress.com

http://backyardrc.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/tricopter-tilt-mount/

 

COMMENTS

eagle4 on October 10, 2013
Fantastic work mate. looks really good :)
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sailorJohn on October 10, 2013
I always wonder about the strength of printed plastic gear ,could you enlighten us on the material used and the durability of these items.
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BackyardRC on October 10, 2013
Hi Sallor John,

The printer I use can print in PLA and ABS plastic. I mainly us PLA. Its rather strong but print grain play a lot into it.

I should write something up about 3D printing. Thanks for the idea. I'll see what I can cook up over the weekend.

Thanks again!
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Chaser on October 10, 2013
I can testify to the strength of 3D printed tricopter pieces. I have my main frame and motor mounts from a 3D printer. I have yet to break any piece and there is something very gratifying about designing your pieces for your project. I am hoping to get my own sometime soon. :)
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onemoreflite (John Michaels) on October 10, 2013
Looks great.Will you sell me one of these?
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BackyardRC on October 10, 2013
I don't know. I've never thought about it... I guess I could for a fellow IT guy and Pennsylvanian. Shoot me an email and we'll figure something out. (markamilesATgmailDOTcom)

And more importantly... what color would you like it in? I can print in black, white, red, neon green, glow in the dark green, and chrome.

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KC5CBB on October 12, 2013
That looks grate but why not print it with the hinge and motor mount integrated instead of using the steering arm mount? You could match the mount to your motor. Looks like it will keep the servo a lot steadier min has a lot of flex to it.
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BackyardRC on February 24, 2014
Hi KC5CBB,

I originally thought I would design with the integrated hinge but in the end decided against it for one kept reason: Strength

The injection molded nose gear if ridiculously strong. Much more so than my print could be. While it would be nice to have it intreated it just didn't seem practical with the quality of my printer.

Thanks
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Tri 3D Printed Tilt Motor/Servo Mount - BackyardRC