Design and 3D Print Custom Parts for Your Robots and Drones
Measure, model, print and iterate mounts, cases and brackets that fit your builds perfectly.
A 3D printer is a maker's superpower. Learn a simple CAD workflow and you will never again settle for parts that almost fit.
Video tutorial
Video by Crafted With Machines, embedded from YouTube. The written steps below are our own and match the parts list.
Mission steps
Measure precisely
Use digital calipers and note mounting-hole spacing — a Raspberry Pi 4/5 uses a 58 × 49 mm M2.5 hole pattern.
Model it
Start with a free CAD tool like Tinkercad (browser), then move to Fusion or FreeCAD for parametric designs.
Design for printing
Add 0.2–0.3 mm clearance for fits, avoid big overhangs and orient parts so layers carry the load.
Slice and print
Export STL or 3MF, slice with PLA for indoor parts or PETG/ASA for heat and sun.
Iterate
Print small test sections first. Version your files so you can go back.
Questions
Which material for drone parts?
TPU for camera mounts and bumpers (it flexes instead of breaking); PETG or nylon for stiffer brackets.