Parametric propeller for RC airplane

thingiverse

Parametric model of fully printable propeller blade for RC airplane. Now you can create a propeller of any diameter, pitch, and blades count, special for your airplane or drone (not tested). In fact, I've stopped buying propellers altogether. Now all my airplanes with takeoff weights from 720g to 5kg fly only with printed propellers. I have printed propellers from 6.5 inch to 16 inch in diameter, and this is not a limit. The maximum RPM I've tested is about 16000. I don't have motors with higher RPM, because most of my airplanes have big motors and max RPM around 10000 with the propeller. After extensive research, I figured out how to print propellers vertically. In general cases, after printing blades, no post-processing or balancing is required. This is the next level, much more accurate than printed flat, and has the same strength. In-flight video, P-51D 1.6m wingspan, 2.8kg takeoff weight, 4250-580kv, 6S, regular blade shape 15x13. Takeoff at 60% throttle :). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnysn4RUmJM There are two FreeCAD projects: 1. blade.FCStd - parametric blade 2. hub_58_3BL.FCStd - example of propeller hub Now I have two blade shapes: 1. Master Airscrew S2 like 2. Regular (my own design) The first one produces more power and consumption, the second one has less current and thrust. I recommend using regular shape for any aircraft, and MAS2 for high-performance setup. **Please use PETG plastic for maximum strength, performance, and ease of printing** Also, I recommend using an airbrush nozzle for a 3D printer. This really makes sense for small propellers. You may use ABS plastic for the hub and propellers greater than 10 inch. PLA is not tested for blades; be careful. **!!! WARNING !!! WARNING !!! WARNING !!!** Fast-rotating propeller may cause serious injury in case of blow-up!!! Ensure that nobody stays in front or at the line of rotating propeller! Always stay behind! Before flying, ensure that the propeller has good strength. I can't guarantee that your print will be as strong as mine due to differences in printers and their settings. Adjust your printer settings before testing with a motor; test by hand first!!! If your blades are weak - try increasing the temperature. **Attention please:** If you're familiar with propeller design & CFD software, please help me optimize the blade shape to get better performance. **PS** If you have any questions about 3D printed propellers, feel free to ask me :). **Updated: 05.11.2020** * FreeCAD project updated to be compatible with the current version of Curves WB