PETG as an Alternative Material for the Production of Drone Spare Parts

Abstract

Material selection is the main challenge in the drone industry. In this study, hardness, abrasive wear, impact resistance, tensile strength, and durability (frost resistance and accelerated ageing) were identified as important characteristics of drone materials. The additive manufacturing technology was used to produce the drone leg specimens and prototype. The suitability of PETG as a primary filament material in the design of the drone leg was investigated. Nine series were printed with different raster lines (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mm) and infill densities (30, 60 and 90%). Printed specimens were annealed in salt and alabaster, as well as immersed in liquid nitrogen. Series with raster line-infill densities of 0.1-30, 0.3-30, 0.1-90 and 0.3-90 were identified as the most interesting ones. Thermally treated specimens had better mechanical and durability properties, and infill density was found to be the most important printing parameter. Specimen annealed in salt with a raster line of 0.1 mm and infill density of 90% had the best results. Since ABS is the most common material used for drone leg production, its properties were compared with the PETG specimen, which showed the best properties. The potential of PETG as an alternative material was proven, while the flexibility, productivity and suitability of the leg drone design were additionally confirmed.