Introduction
If you’re an RC pilot or maker looking to personalise your plane, designing and 3D printing your own motor mounts is a fantastic project. Not only can you customise the fit for your motor and airframe, but you also get to improve durability and reduce weight. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips for designing printed motor mounts suitable for RC planes.
Why Design Your Own Motor Mount?
Commercial motor mounts are often generic and might not fit perfectly with your chosen motor or plane model. By creating your own, you can:
- Ensure a perfect fit for your motor and airframe
- Reduce unnecessary weight by optimising the design
- Use durable materials suited to your flying style
- Experiment with different designs to improve airflow and cooling
Key Considerations Before You Start
Before jumping into CAD software, keep these points in mind:
Motor Compatibility
Check the motor’s mounting hole pattern (often measured in millimetres). Common sizes include 16x19mm or 19x19mm for brushless motors. Your mount needs to match these precisely to ensure a secure fit.
Material Choice
PLA is easy to print but may soften in heat, especially near the motor. PETG or ABS are better choices for durability and heat resistance. Nylon is also excellent but requires more advanced printing setups.
Strength and Weight
The mount must be strong enough to handle motor vibrations and thrust without adding too much weight. Use ribs or gussets in your design to reinforce stress points without bulk.
Step-by-Step Design Process
1. Measure Accurately
Use calipers to measure your motor’s mounting holes and shaft diameter. Also, note the thickness of the airframe where the mount will attach.
2. Choose Your CAD Software
Free tools like Fusion 360 (free for personal use) or Tinkercad are great starting points for beginners.
3. Create the Base Plate
Start by sketching the base plate with holes matching the motor’s mounting pattern. Add clearance holes if needed for screws.
4. Design the Motor Mount Arms
Extend arms from the base plate to fit snugly around the motor body. Add slots or cutouts to reduce weight and allow airflow.
5. Add Attachment Points for the Airframe
Design holes or brackets to fix the mount securely to your plane’s fuselage or firewall. Consider using vibration damping washers or mounting pads.
6. Reinforce Critical Areas
Include ribs or fillets around joins and corners to prevent cracking under stress.
Printing Tips
- Print with at least 3-4 perimeter walls (shells) for added strength.
- Use 50% or higher infill for durability.
- Consider printing the mount in the orientation that maximises strength along the stress lines.
- Post-process with light sanding or acetone smoothing (for ABS) to improve fit and finish.
Final Thoughts
Designing and 3D printing your own motor mounts is a rewarding way to enhance your RC plane’s performance and customisation. With careful measurement, smart material choice, and a bit of CAD practice, you’ll have a mount that fits perfectly and lasts through many flights. Happy flying and happy making!
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