Switchblade 180 Quadcopter

thingiverse

A small, 180-class quadcopter frame crafted from electrical-grade fiberglass weighs less than any other model I've flown and handles exceptionally well, outperforming all others. Most importantly, it can withstand crashes remarkably well, even surpassing carbon fiber's capabilities. The frame folds for travel by removing two or more center bolts on the base plates. Designed for 5-inch propellers and 16-19mm motor bolt spacing, optional spacers are included to be printed and placed under two motors to ensure propeller clearance. All parts were cut using a 4'x8' Shopbot with a 1/8" carbide bit at a feedrate of one inch per second over three passes. Three-dimensional-printed standoffs and motor spacers were produced on a Flashforge Creator Pro using ABS plastic. The frame weighed only 77 grams on its own. Motors used are Multistar Elite 2204-2300kV, the ESC is Afro 12A, the control board is Naze32 Acro, and the PDB is Hovership Micro (to be replaced soon). The battery used is a Zippy 1800mAh 25c, normally a Lumenier 1500mAh 45c. The fiberglass was 1/8" thick purchased from McMaster-Carr and served as an affordable alternative to carbon fiber. Links are provided below: for fiberglass https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-fiberglass-sheets/=14so9lf and for carbon fiber https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-carbon-fiber-sheets/=14soc4f. Required parts include fiberglass or carbon fiber, four arms, two base plates, one top plate, M3 bolts for motors, four 12mm M3 bolts (for inner base plate bolts), four 8mm M3 bolts (for top plate mount), four 25+mm M3 bolts (for stacking CB and PDB), four printed standoffs (or your choice of standoffs), and an assortment of provided M3 spacers.