AM Printservice and AM Efficiency have developed a Swedish drone with 3D printing, built for scalable production, a local supply chain, and rapid adaptation to different missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project combines industrial 3D printing in plastic<\/a>, 3D printing in metal<\/a> and advanced engineering. The goal has been to create a technologically independent solution with European supply chains, short lead times and the possibility of on-demand production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The drone has been developed in collaboration with Ankersrum Motors and Simplex Motion. The collaboration makes it possible to integrate high-performance electric drive systems and intelligent control systems into a modular design that can be adapted to the specific application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The drone can be built in sizes from approximately 20 to 70 cm. This allows the same basic platform to be adapted to different requirements for flight characteristics, range, weight, and payload capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The construction is modular and scalable. This means that the drone can be configured for different types of missions without the entire system needing to be redesigned from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The system is a dual-use solution and can be used in both civilian and defence-related applications. Examples of applications include inspection, surveillance, data collection, and technically advanced missions where low weight, high adaptability, and rapid production are crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The drone can also be equipped with various types of sensors and communication systems, for example optical cameras, thermal cameras, LiDAR, antennas and communication modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A central part of the project is the 3D-printed components. They are used as lightweight yet strong structural links between parts made of aluminium, carbon fibre, and other technical materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The components are manufactured mainly in PA12<\/a>, a nylon material with high mechanical strength, good dimensional stability, and low weight. For plastic components with high demands on repeatability and production speed, HP Multi Jet Fusion<\/a> a particularly relevant technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In more demanding applications, components can also be made of metal, for example titan<\/a>. This makes it possible to combine low weight with high strength and good durability in more extreme environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through additive manufacturing, each component can be optimised according to its function. This reduces the overall weight while making the construction stronger, more flexible, and easier to further develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional manufacturing often requires expensive tooling, fixed assembly lines, and long lead times. With Mass production through 3D printing<\/a> Many components can instead be produced in parallel and adjusted digitally between versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This allows new variants of the drone to be developed more quickly. Design changes can be implemented without the need to produce new moulds or tooling, which is particularly valuable when the structure needs to be adapted to new sensors, materials or technical requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The modular construction also allows the drone to be scaled up or down depending on demand. The aim is to enable production in hundreds of units per week in a relatively compact production environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An important principle in the project is to maximise the proportion of components produced in Sweden and Europe. This strengthens security of supply, reduces reliance on long-distance supply chains, and provides better control over quality, lead times, and further development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ankersrum Motors provide locally produced, highly efficient electric motors that ensure stable operation. Simplex Motion supplies compact and energy-efficient servo motors with integrated control systems for precise real-time motion control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together with AM Printservice and AM Efficiency, this creates a Swedish drone platform where construction, production and technical development can be kept close to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\nModular Swedish drone for multiple uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Swedish drone with 3D-printed components<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3D-printing makes the drone lighter to scale<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Local production in Sweden and Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On-demand production for rapid further development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n