Perancangan dan Analisis Kekuatan Mekanik Rangka Quadcopter Menggunakan Material Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Abstract

The advancement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, particularly drones, has driven the adoption of 3D printing as a manufacturing solution for lightweight components with good structural strength. This study presents the design, simulation, and experimental analysis of a quadcopter frame fabricated using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer with PLA material. Various infill densities (5%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% for simulation and 5%, 50%, and 100% for experimental testing) were tested to evaluate their impact on mechanical performance, weight efficiency, and production cost. The methodology includes CAD-based frame modeling, static load simulations using SolidWorks, lift force simulation and measurement, slicing parameter estimation, 3D printing, and sprint testing. The results show that the 50% infill variant offers the most balanced performance, with adequate rigidity, low displacement, a safe factor of safety (FOS), and efficient use of time and materials. Sprint tests confirmed that lighter frames achieve faster acceleration but are less stable, while denser infill improves durability at the cost of reduced speed. Overall, the 50% infill configuration is recommended for drone applications requiring a balance between structural strength and operational efficiency.