Unusual Machines adopts 3D printing for drone manufacturing
Leveraging HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology to produce components for FPV drones
Unusual Machines, an American drone manufacturer has adopted HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology for the production of drone components, particularly for FPV (First-Person View) drones, known for their demanding performance and durability requirements.
Unusual Machines partnered with HP 3D Printing to determine the best components for the introduction of their MJF production process. The first commercial product using this technology at scale is the SkyLite, one of Rotor Riot’s top-selling platforms. Notably, Unusual Machines’ adoption of HP’s MJF technology will support domestic manufacturing efforts, with all MJF parts being produced by Forecast3D domestically in the United States.
“In order for our products to remain competitively priced while moving production to the US, we have to use innovative production processes,” said Allan Evans, CEO of Unusual Machines. “The implementation of HP’s advanced 3D printing technology is not only helping us control costs, but allows us to create higher quality products capable of meeting the performance demands of FPV drones.”
HP’s MJF technology offers significant advantages in producing intricate designs with robust strength and durability, which are ideal for the exacting requirements of FPV drone operations. In an environment where agility and rapid response to design changes are crucial, MJF excels by enabling the simultaneous manufacturing of multiple parts with superior finishes. Extensive testing confirmed that TPU materials – available via HP’s 3D printing technology – are the optimal choice for drone production due to their exceptional resilience, which ensures that these remain virtually indestructible even in the event of a crash.
“At HP, we believe 3D printing is a catalyst for innovation, which is why we are excited to partner with Unusual Machines and bring Multi Jet Fusion technology to shape the future of drone manufacturing,” said Brian Ingold, Head of Go-to-Market Solutions, at HP Personalization and 3D Printing. “Together, we are setting a new standard in drone production, performance, and quality assurance, which we are eager to see evolve and grow.”
Parts manufactured using HP’s MJF technology for the SkyLite drone are now available for purchase, and all future SkyLite drones will be produced using these 3D printed components.
