Design and Fabrication of Mount Plate for Integration of Multiple Cameras in UAV Using 3D Printing and Traditional Manufacturing Method

Abstract

In this project, custom mount plates were designed and fabricated to secure cameras to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for data collection. An engineering design approach was followed to design the mount plates. Two types of mount plate were fabricated using different methods. One mount plate was cut from G10 fiberglass sheets following a traditional subtractive manufacturing process while the other one was made from 3D printing with polylactic acid (PLA). The two manufacture methods were compared in terms of manufacturing cost, time, and simplicity. Performance of these two plates including compatibility, weight, and strength were also discussed. Results of this project will facilitate researcher’s decision making for choosing the appropriate approach to make such apparatus.