What materials are used to build the airframes ?
We use high quality carbon 3k twill webbing tubes. These tubes are grinded on 'centerless' grinding machines which results in very low tolerances of the outside diameter. This is essential because our motorholders and inner tube clambs are glued.
The tubes have a laquer finish. Tubes diameter of the Light series is 16mm, for the Extreme series these are 20mm !
The centerplates of the Light series are 1.5mm high quality carbon, for the Extreme series 2mm carbon is used. The Extreme series also have a much larger centerplate diameter (220mm !) then traditional airframes. This results in a very solid airframe capable of lifting several kilograms.
Motorholders, tube clambs, protection cage etc, are made of polyamide (PA). Polyamide offers a balance of critical thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties, such as high service temperatures, exceptional chemical resistance, and great impact strength. Polyamide also is still a bit flexible and therefore has vibration dampening properties. Polyamide also has a long term aging resistance.
Properties
|
Units
|
Norm
|
PA12
|
|
Density |
[g/cm³] |
ASTM D792 |
1.00 |
|
Tensile Strength |
[Mpa] |
ASTM D638 |
43 |
|
Elongation at Break |
% |
ASTM D638 |
14 |
|
Flexural Modulus |
[Mpa] |
ASTM D790 |
1387 |
|
Hardness |
Shore D |
ASTM D2240 |
73 |
|
Heat Deflection Temp.(HDT) at 0.45 Mpa |
°C |
ASTM D648 |
180 |
|
Heat Deflection Temp.(HDT) at 1.82 Mpa |
°C |
ASTM D648 |
95 |
|
Flamability |
|
UL94 |
HB |
For the light series we use the strongest alloy bolts (7057). Bolts and nuts on the Extreme series are A2 RVS for optimal strenght. Titanium bolts would also be a good option, but because we reduced the amount of bolts it would only save about 30 grams of total weight on a hexa frame. High quality titanium bolts are unfortunally very expensive and this would increase price too much. We opted for a better price / quality ratio.
Are Ellipz airframes foldable ?
Not yet, however we are currently working on a foldable option for all EXTREME series frames.
What motors and size of propellors can be used ?
The Extreme series are build to fit high quality motors like Plettenberg, Kontronic and AXI's or any other motors with 25mm or 19/16mm diagonal screw hole distances. Every configuration of the Extreme series can be fitted with propellors up to 14".
The Light series are build to fit high quality motors ROXY, MK and smaller AXI's or any other motors with 19/16mm diagonal screw hole distances. Every configuration of the Light series can be fitted with propellors up to 12".
Why are parts glued ?
A glued joint is very strong and most important it is light, it saves on using bolts and nuts. Our booms are NOT drilled, drilling booms damages the structure. Our booms, universal motorholders and inner tube clamb are perfectly aligned and factory glued. This also allows you to assembly your frame fast but perfect.
What is the weight of your airframes ?
Allthough we use larger tubes and a larger centerplate on the Extreme series they only weigh about the same compared to standard airframes on the market. f.e. the hexa Extreme version weighs about 770 grams including landing gear (large enough to fit a AV200 gimbal), gear rail and protection cage included !
What anti-vibration measures have been taken on the frames ?
The carbon booms are glued within the polyamide parts and have therefore no direct contact with the motors or the centerplates of the airframe. The dampening properties of polyamide add to reducing vibrations from motor to the center of the frame. The gear rails are freely mounted in special silicone gel bushings. We experimented with several types, hardness and positions for these bushings. Using these bushings in current position gives the best anti-vibration results.
What other special features do your airframes have compared to traditional multirotor frames ?
We have a special designed battery holder. Lipo's are attached to a carbon battery plate. This plate together with the lipo can be very quickly replaced without using velcro or rubber bands ! A single battery plate can also hold 2 lipo's at the same time so you can switch 2 lipo's in a single move.
The protection cage is fitted in rubber grummets on the top centerplate and very easy to remove using R-clips. The dome on top of the cage can be removed with a single screw.
What electronics can be fitted in the airframes ?
The centerplates are designed to fit Mikrkopter electronics (FC + power distributors), Hoverfly Pro and Sports boards and Openpilot boards. On request we also deliver adapter plates for other electronics.
What gimbals or remoteheads can be fitted to the frames ?
The Extreme and Light series can be fitted with current or future developed Ellipz gimbals or remoteheads. For the Light series we currently have a NEX5 (or similar size) 2 axis cameraa gimbal. A new GoPro gimbal for the Light series and a large DSLR camera gimbal for the Extreme series is currently under development.
Other gimbals like Photoship One and Photohigher gimbals can also be fitted.
f.e. AV200 and AV130 for the Extreme series.
Is the landing gear strong enough on the extreme series, it looks fragile ?
The landing gear is lightweight but a lot stronger than it looks. Because the round CFK tubes are all connected together this results in a very rugged but lightweight and flexible structure. Our landing gear is also much more stable regarding horizontal forces compared to carbon plated landing gears, should you perform a bad landing.
