3D Printed Micro H-Quad

This is my latest quadcopter build.  I wanted to make a simple design that was easy to work with and very durable.  After seeing all the recent H-quad builds, I wanted to make something similar but improve on some of the weak points in the conventional H-quad design.  I have also written a full build log as well as a comprehensive parts list for this quadcopter on my website: RC Tutor

I worked on designing a frame in Autodesk Inventor and this was what I eventually ended up with:

It looks close to a normal H-quad except for the fact that the arms are angled outwards about 25 degrees and the joints are all reinforced with extra material.  I chose this design because in my previous experience with H-quads, the main point where the frame would break would be at the arm joints.  By angling the arms, any sort of tumbling crash that might happen will transmit load more axially into the arms rather than perpendicularly.

I also took the opportunity to run a stress test in Autodesk Inventor by applying a load of 10 lbs to each of the arms. The results of the stress test looked like this:

As you can see, the main concetration of principle stress occurs at the joints where I have added more supporting material.  This is a good sign as it shows that the frame will be transfering crash loads to all the right places.  

I had the frame printed for me by a friend using an AO-100 3D printer and it was made using ABS plastic.  All the parts I ordered came from HobbyKing with the exception of a few accessories.  Once I had the frame and all the parts, everything came together really easily.

Motor mounts screwed into place:

ESC's secured with zip ties:

KK2 controller board screwed into place:

Micro FrSky receiver connected to the KK2 board:

The final product:

If you have any questions or comments feel free to send me a message or leave a comment.  Hope you enjoyed!