So, you’ve got a drone, and maybe it’s taken a few hits (or maybe more than a few—we’ve all been there). Or maybe you’re just the kind of person who can’t leave anything stock. Either way, you’re probably wondering: can I 3D print my own drone parts? Short answer—hell yes.
3D printing has totally changed the game when it comes to building, fixing, and customizing drones. Whether you’re trying to save money, push performance, or just flex your creativity, printing your own parts is where it’s at.
Let’s break down what you can actually replace, upgrade, or tweak with 3D printing.
🛠️ Replace: Fix What You Broke (No Judgement)
Let’s be real—props get snapped, arms get cracked, and landing gear gets wrecked. Luckily, 3D printing lets you bounce back fast.
Here are the parts that are easy wins
Landing gear: These break all the time. Print extras and thank yourself later.
Camera mounts: Custom mounts for GoPros, FPV cams, or whatever rig you’re flying.
Battery holders: Ditch the Velcro and make something way cleaner.
Prop guards: Especially useful if you fly indoors or near sketchy obstacles.
These replacements are usually made with durable filaments like PETG or ABS (don’t sleep on TPU if you want that flex life).
🔧 Upgrade: Boost Your Build
Want to squeeze more out of your drone without dropping serious cash? 3D printing can help with that too.
Some solid upgrades:
Aero shells / canopies: Give your quad a more aerodynamic profile (or just make it look badass).
Vibration dampeners: Better video quality = smoother footage. Print some soft mounts and see the difference.
Cooling ducts: If your ESCs or VTX are heating up, direct some airflow where it counts.
You can even shave off some weight or print race-optimized parts if you’re flying fast and furious.
🎨 Customize: Make It Yours
Alright, this is the fun part. The personality. The flair.
You can print drone mods that make your rig totally you. Stuff like:
- LED mounts: Light it up like a flying UFO.
- Name tags / pilot IDs: Especially useful for racing events or just flexing.
- Unique frames: Feeling bold? Design and print your own frame from scratch (or remix one on Thingiverse).
Want your drone to look like a mini TIE fighter or a baby Iron Man suit? Go for it. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your filament supply).
🧠 Pro Tips Before You Hit Print
Check your dimensions twice: Drone parts need to be precise—don’t eyeball it.
Use the right filament: TPU for flexy parts, PLA for easy prints, PETG/ABS for durability.
Test for balance: Especially with arms or frames—off-balance prints = shaky flight.
Back it up: Always keep your STL files saved. You’ll want them later
Ready to Start Printing?
There are tons of free drone part files online—Thingiverse, Printables, and Cults3D are all goldmines. Or, if you’re feeling spicy, design your own in Fusion 360 or Blender.
Whether you’re fixing, upgrading, or just making your drone stand out in the crowd, 3D printing is one of the best tools in your kit.
Got a favorite print or a go-to upgrade? Tag us on socials and show off your custom build—we’re always down to see what you’ve made fly.
Stay fly,
– The Lyra’s Drone Network Crew
