Dronetag is an innovative Czech company focused on ensuring safe and regulated drone operations in airspace. It offers modern solutions for drone identification using advanced IoT devices and applications that comply with the latest regulations in the USA and the EU. These new regulations require existing drones to be equipped with remote ID, which broadcasts identification data during flight. This enhances airspace safety and ensures compliance with local regulations governing drone use.
Given the placement of these remote IDs directly on the drone, it was crucial that the boxes be made from technologically advanced materials that withstand outdoor conditions and temperature fluctuations, while also having a detailed surface. Dronetag chose additive manufacturing, allowing flexible design adjustments and optimization of the remote identification model. To address this challenge, the company turned to cotu, which specializes in stereolithography 3D printing, among other technologies like DLP.
How cotu decided to tackle this challenge
Technology used: Asiga PRO 4K
Material used: Ultracur3D® ST 45 B
After thoroughly examining the project's needs, cotu identified BASF Ultracur3D® ST 45 as the ideal material due to its low cost and excellent mechanical properties, including high impact strength and modulus of elasticity. This tough, reactive urethane photopolymer offers long-term UV stability and high sharpness, ensuring the durability and detailed finish of the printed components. Besides the resin, cotu also decided to use BASF Cleaner, which improves mechanical resistance and provides a matte surface finish, perfectly complementing the advantages of BASF Ultracur3D® ST 45.
The parts were printed using the Asiga PRO 4K printer, known for its precision and ability to produce parts with exceptional detail. This high-resolution DLP printer ensures consistent results in any production environment. With an intuitive user interface and advanced features like SPS technology, which enables worry-free printing without lines, the Asiga PRO 4K achieves an accuracy of 10 microns and produces detailed and durable parts.
Thanks to the use of additive manufacturing, it is possible to flexibly adjust designs, customize them for individual customers, and optimize the identification tag model. Using 3D printing and the Ultracur3D® ST 45 B material, it was possible to create components with an excellent combination of high strength, long-term durability, and impact resistance. This technology allows the production of 30 pieces in 3 hours (100 pieces per day), enabling the customer to manufacture thousands of units. Compared to alternative methods like injection molding, which are time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to adapt to design changes, this innovative solution not only meets all safety and air traffic regulations but also allows easy customization and mass production of identification tags for different types of drones.
During testing on various 3D printers, we encountered several problems. Cheaper LCD printers had issues with image quality, often leaving streaks on the surface, and defects occurred at the focal point junctions. These printers also have lower performance and speed, which can lead to random lines during printing. Additionally, cheap LCD and DLP printers often produce inaccurate prints, meaning each box has different dimensions. Before mass production, print jobs need to be finely tuned to ensure the boxes fit together correctly without extensive sanding. If the front and back parts are not from the same pair, the differences are noticeable. These problems are eliminated with the Asiga 3D printer. The boxes are identical, dimensions fit precisely, ensuring repeatability and consistent results over time.
The collaboration between Dronetag and cotu led to the successful development and production of the Dronetag Mini, the smallest, lightest, and most efficient drone identification device on the market. Cotu, with its expertise in stereolithography 3D printing, helped Dronetag evaluate all stages of product development and transition from conventional manufacturing technologies to more innovative solutions. This collaboration and cotu's know-how allowed Dronetag to develop new workflows and better understand material tuning and the development process necessary for successful custom part production.
“We chose 3D printing to manufacture our products because this flexible technology allows us to produce miniature devices without the use of screws. Our products could not be realized using injection moulding, due to constant research and development, customization, logos, modifications during development and small dimensions. Thanks to the high flexibility of tailor-made solutions, we are able to produce the lightest and smallest devices in the world. Cooperation with cotu has been very beneficial for us, and we are already looking forward to further joint projects."
- Lukáš Brchl, CEO of Dronetag
Do you want to bring your idea to life? Contact us for professional advice in SLA 3D printing. We will design the most suitable material, handle the complete production of your product, or deliver and help integrate the manufacturing process, including the technology.
Learn more about our 3D printing services, explore the consultancy offered, or schedule a meeting directly.
