Designing Printed Motor Mounts for RC Planes: A Practical Guide

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Introduction

Building or upgrading your RC plane often means customizing parts for better performance and fit. One essential component is the motor mount, which holds your motor securely in place. Designing and 3D printing your own motor mount can save money, allow for custom fits, and add a personal touch to your aircraft. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics of designing printed motor mounts tailored for RC planes.

Why Print Your Own Motor Mount?

Commercial motor mounts are widely available, but they may not always fit your specific motor or airframe perfectly. Printing your own offers several benefits:

  • Customization: Tailor the mount to your motor dimensions and plane design.
  • Cost-effective: Avoid buying multiple mounts or adapters.
  • Quick iteration: Easily modify your design for improvements.
  • Material choice: Select filament suitable for strength and heat resistance.

Key Design Considerations

1. Motor Compatibility

Start by measuring your motor’s faceplate dimensions and bolt hole pattern. Most brushless motors follow standard mounting hole sizes, but always check to avoid mismatches. The mount should fit snugly around the motor and align bolt holes precisely.

2. Strength and Rigidity

The motor mount needs to withstand vibrations and torque during flight. Use a solid design with sufficient thickness (typically 3–5 mm) and consider reinforcing with ribs or gussets if necessary. Avoid overly thin sections that could crack under stress.

3. Heat Resistance

Motors generate heat, especially under load. Choose filaments like PETG, ABS, or Nylon over PLA for better heat resistance and durability. Additionally, design the mount to allow airflow around the motor to aid cooling.

4. Weight and Balance

Keep the mount as lightweight as possible without sacrificing strength. A heavy mount can shift your plane’s centre of gravity, affecting flight performance. Hollow sections or lattice infill can reduce weight.

5. Mounting to the Airframe

Consider how the motor mount will attach to your plane. Add holes or slots compatible with your airframe structure and hardware. Countersunk holes can help bolts sit flush, reducing drag.

Design Process Tips

  • Use CAD software: Tools like Fusion 360 or Tinkercad are popular for custom designs.
  • Start with a template: Many online communities share motor mount files that you can adapt.
  • Test fit: Print a small section or a simplified version to check dimensions before the full print.
  • Print orientation: Position the mount to maximise strength along stress lines, usually printing flat on the build plate.
  • Infill settings: Use 50–100% infill for critical load-bearing parts.

Final Assembly and Testing

Once printed, clean any support material and check bolt holes for fit. Attach your motor carefully, ensuring screws are tight but not over-torqued. Mount the assembly on your plane and perform a ground test to check for vibrations or undue flexing. Adjust your design if necessary before flying.

Conclusion

Designing and printing your own motor mounts is a rewarding project that combines creativity with practical engineering. With careful measurement, material choice, and design attention, you can create durable, lightweight mounts tailored perfectly to your RC plane. Happy flying and happy making!

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