Best plastics for drone frames
Drone frames need the highest specific stiffness the budget allows. Carbon-fibre-filled Nylon (PA-CF), PETG, PC and PC-CF cover most FPV and industrial UAVs. TPU stands in for shock-absorbing motor mounts and antenna guards.
What to look for
- High specific stiffness (modulus / density)
- Impact resistance for crash survivability
- Printable on FDM at reasonable temperature
- UV and moisture stability for outdoor flights
Top materials for best plastics for drone frames
- #1PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.
- #2PA11 FlexiblePolyamide 11 Flexible
Bio-based, excellent flexibility, good impact strength and chemical resistance.
- #3Glass-Filled PA11Polyamide 11, Glass Fiber Reinforced
Good balance of stiffness, toughness, and dimensional stability.
- #4Carbon Fiber PA12Polyamide 12, Carbon Fiber Reinforced
Exceptional stiffness, strength, light weight, and electrical conductivity.
- #5Carbon Fiber PBTPolybutylene Terephthalate, Carbon Fiber Reinforced
High stiffness, strength, and electrical conductivity.
- #6Carbon Fiber PPSPolyphenylene Sulfide, Carbon Fiber Reinforced
Exceptional stiffness, strength, thermal performance, and conductivity.
- #7Carbon Fiber PPAPolyphthalamide, Carbon Fiber Reinforced
Extremely high stiffness, strength, and thermal resistance.
- #8PVC Rigid PipeRigid Polyvinyl Chloride for Pipe Applications
Durable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective for water and drainage pipes.
- #9Cellulose Acetate Film Grade KCellulose Acetate, Film Grade K
A clear, rigid bioplastic derived from cellulose, with good dimensional stability and photographic properties.
- #10Lignin FillerLignin, Filler Grade S
A bio-derived aromatic polymer extracted from wood, used as a filler or building block for biocomposites.
- #11PETG FDM FilamentPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified Filament for FDM
Durable, impact-resistant, and chemically resistant filament suitable for functional parts and prototypes.
- #12CF-PA FilamentCarbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide Filament for FDM
High-stiffness, high-strength composite filament with carbon fiber reinforcement in a polyamide matrix.
- #13CF-PET FilamentCarbon Fiber Reinforced PET Filament for FDM
PETG composite filament reinforced with carbon fibers for increased stiffness and strength.
- #14SLS PA12 PowderPolyamide 12 Powder for Selective Laser Sintering
High-performance powder for SLS, offering excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and detail.
- #15SLS PP PowderPolypropylene Powder for Selective Laser Sintering
Economical and chemically resistant powder for SLS, suitable for a wide range of applications.
- #16MJF PA11 PowderPolyamide 11 Powder for Multi Jet Fusion
Bio-based powder for MJF offering excellent impact resistance, flexibility, and durability.