Femboy_11.4 7'' Generative FPV Drone Frame

Motivation

If you're curious about the motivation behind 3D-printed FPV drone frames, check out the [BETA] ManaFly 3" Generative FPV Drone Frame project:
https://makerworld.com/en/models/2000546-beta-manafly-3-generative-fpv-drone-frame?from=search#profileId-2154440

That page goes into much more detail on the motivation, use cases, crash resistance, frame-swapping, and the overall advantages of a 3D-printed frame over a traditional carbon fiber one.

This project follows the same idea and versatility, scaled up to fit most common components used on 7-inch drones.

Compatibility

Flight Controller

- 20 x 20 mm FPV stack
- 30.5 x 30.5 mm FPV stack

VTX

- 20x20 mm (M2) — small VTX mounts, fits most modern analog and compact digital systems
- 25.5x25.5 mm (M2) — standard mount for DJI digital VTX units (Air Unit / O3 / O4)
- 30x30 mm (M3) — larger mounts for older or high-power VTX units with better heat handling

Camera

- Analog Mini / Micro / Nano
- A custom mount can be made for any camera smaller than 21 mm

Prop Size

- 7-inch props (standard)

Filament

I used ABS for its stiffness, but the frame can also be printed in PETG or PA6-CF. A detailed breakdown of each filament option, along with a comparison against a carbon fiber frame, is available on the [BETA] ManaFly 3" Generative FPV Drone Frame project page linked above.

IMPORTANT — Print Settings, Please Read

Filament: ABS, PETG
Infill: 50% Gyroid (50-70% range recommended)
Wall loops: 8
Filament use: ~170 g
Print orientation: Flat / horizontal, for maximum strength
Support type: Automatic tree supports

Infill — 50% Gyroid: Going higher 70%+ has only a low effect on strength.

Wall loops — 8: this setting has a major effect on final mass while greatly increasing rigidity. For reference, with the same 50% gyroid infill, 2 wall loops give a mass of ~121 g, while 8 wall loops give ~157 g.

Bed adhesion matters. Apply a bed adhesive before printing, and set the bed temperature to 110°C (the recommended setting for ABS) — otherwise the frame risks delaminating from the bed mid-print.

Printer configuration — required for this frame's size:

Because of this frame's large footprint (251 x 251 mm), some default printer settings need to be changed before slicing, or the print head can physically collide with the part and damage the printer:

1. Remove the bed exclusion zone from your printer configuration, so the part fits within the build area.
2. On a Bambu Lab P1S, increase the printable height from 250 mm to 256 mm.
3. Bend the Filament Cutter Lever Actuator out of the way. Once the exclusion zone is removed, the print head can collide with this component during printing. It's spring-mounted, so it can safely be bent aside — for example, secured with a cable tie.

FEA Validation

Before printing, the frame geometry was validated using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) simulation to check the safety factor across the structure and identify weak points before committing to a print.

Assembling

Top Plate — Important

For ease of assembly, the top of the frame is left open, and the top plate is a separate part. However, this plate is not optional — it carries and transfers the load from the arms holding the motors. Before every flight, make sure the top plate is fitted in place and securely fastened with its bolt and nut.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this project, please leave a comment below or email me 

femboydroneproject@gmail.com