First - the purpose of the structure
Record size class, payload, layout, operating mode, repair requirements, and weight limitations. These inputs determine which areas of the frame require attention and where someone else's solution cannot be transferred without checking.
Route for the first own frame
They start not with choosing the thickness of the sheet, but with the layout: they place the engines, flight controller, battery, camera, antennas and fasteners, leaving access for assembly and maintenance. Then the contour of the central part and beams, impact contact zones, possible replacement of elements and weight restrictions are determined.
The next step is a clear sketch or CAD model with holes, studs and basic dimensions. At this stage, you can see where narrow bridges appear, close to the edge of the hole, or conflicting components. Only after this, material and thickness options are generated and the verification method is specified.
A finished frame from an open project can be a guide for layout, but its thickness is not a universal recommendation. Changing the motors, battery, beam length, fasteners or operating mode creates a different design challenge.
Items and Questions
| Item | What to clarify | Related form |
|---|---|---|
| Center plates | Contour, holes, posts, clamping areas | Carbon sheet |
| Rays | Geometry, length, motor unit, replaceability | Sheet or other approved form |
| Tubular elements | Diameters, wall, length, clamp/glue | Carbon tube |
| Fasteners and stands | Contact pads and local loads | Assembly |
| Component protection | Dimensions, access, repairs | Complete structure |
Sheet and thickness
Plate thickness depends on contour, spans, openings, post location and load. The frame diagonal size alone does not provide a sufficient basis. First, the power circuit is checked, then the material and prototype are selected.
Prototype and series
For new geometries, it is wise to separate the control set from the series. The prototype tests assembly, component access, edges, fasteners, vibration behavior and maintainability in a real-life scenario.
What to check on the test kit
| Check | Practice Question | What is recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Are all components installed without forced fitting? | Hole, standoff, and hardware compatibility |
| Edge | Is there any unacceptable damage or interference to the cables? | Processing and inspection criteria |
| Access | Can a beam or component be replaced without complete disassembly? | Maintenance Sequence |
| Behavior | Does the frame fulfill the specified test scenario | Methodology, conditions and results |
| Repeatability | Is it possible to receive the next batch in the same way | Control sizes and file versions |
The test must be appropriate to the actual risk of the project and conducted safely. The Technical Center does not prescribe a universal impact or load test: the criterion is determined by the design developer.
Selection errors
- copy thickness without copying geometry and load;
- ignore holes and narrow bridges;
- estimate only the mass without stiffness and repair;
- transfer DXF without scale, material and quantity;
- run the series before checking component assembly.
What to attach to an FPV frame or UAV
- device purpose and layout
- mass and location of main components
- center dimensions, motors, propellers and fasteners
- parts outline, holes, cutouts and antenna areas
- load, shock and planned repair scenario
- number of kits and assembly criteria
- DXF/model/drawing with units and revision
The guided selector and the article do not specify the thickness of the frame: it is checked along with the geometry, layout, nodes and test scenario.
Frequently asked questions
Which sheet to choose for FPV frame?
Requires frame geometry, components, holes, assemblies, load and test criteria. The sheet category is selected after this data.
Is it possible to determine the thickness based on the frame size?
No. Size - only one input. The contour, spans, cutouts, fasteners, component weights and load scenario are important.
What should I include with my application?
DXF/STEP or drawing, parts list, material/thickness if already selected, quantity, purpose and critical dimensions.
Do you need a prototype?
For a new frame or modified layout, a prototype allows assembly and behavior to be verified prior to production.
Is it possible to order only cutting?
The work format is confirmed by files, material, quantity and processing requirements.
How are sheets and tubes connected in a UAV?
They solve different geometric problems and are connected through specific nodes. They should be selected as parts of the same power circuit.