Nomad Prototypes Unveils Resin-Based 3D Printed Drone

In aviation, the use of 3D printed drones has already revolutionized our perception of aerial possibilities. These devices, the result of a fusion between 3D printing and modern aviation, offer unprecedented flexibility and adaptability. We’ve already seen a number of examples, such as drones designed to extinguish fires, assist in construction and repair, or even carry out military missions.

Nomad Prototypes, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, has introduced a resin-based 3D printed drone as an alternative to thermoplastic models. This drone, powered by a high-performance battery, has a flight time of 37 minutes without a payload. Nomad Prototypes is focused on researching new 3D printing methods with the goal of producing the world’s largest 3D printed drone.

Nomad Prototypes highlights a challenge encountered in 3D drone printing using FDM technology – the inherent issue of part strength variance due to directional printing. Simply put, this results in weaker points between layers. While suitable for smaller drones, scalability becomes an issue, as increased structural thickness amplifies weight without proportionate strength gains compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Over the past decade, the company has extensively explored various 3D printing techniques such as FDM, SLA, SLS, and Multi Jet Fusion. In their endeavor to construct the world’s largest 3D-printed plastic drone, Nomad Prototypes strategically opts for a combination of SLA and pellet extrusion methods, leveraging their distinct advantages for optimal results.