
ABS housing with EMC coating
Drones are used today in a wide range of civilian industries. From agriculture to logistics and construction, all the way to environmental protection and rescue operations. Each application area places specific demands on the plastic parts used. We combine three relevant plastic manufacturing processes for drone systems under one roof: CNC machining, industrial 3D printing, and LFAM. This allows us to select the most cost-effective and technically optimal process for every application and every component, while also ensuring that all parts of a drone are perfectly coordinated. We produce specialized plastic parts for aerial drones (UAVs), ground drones (UGVs), marine drones (USVs), and underwater drones (UUVs).
Our manufacturing methods for drone components
| Criterion | CNC machining | Industrial 3D printing | LFAM (large format) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component size | Small to medium | Small to medium | Medium to meter range |
| Geometric complexity | Limited by tooling | Very high (cavities, channels) | High for large structures |
| Strengths | Tight tolerances, isotropic properties | Complex geometries, fast iteration | Large format, material-efficient |
| Typical drone components | Bearing bushings, gimbals, seal seats | Housings, sensor mounts, prototypes | Fuselage shells, wings, frames |
| Tolerances | up to ±0.05 mm | ±0.1–±0.3 mm | like CNC after CNC finishing |
| Small batch 1–10 | Precise functional components | Very economical | Economical for large parts |
| Series 50+ | Scales well | Constant unit costs | Case-dependent |
Sealing technology for drones
In addition to plastic components, as a sealing technology specialist, we also offer the design and production of seals for drones. This is particularly relevant for USVs and UUVs. Seals protect electronics and propulsion systems from moisture, agricultural chemicals, saltwater, and dust. We handle the design and manufacture of seals and integrate them directly into housings or hull segments. This results in reliable assemblies in which the seal, geometry, and manufacturing process are designed in tandem from the very beginning. With Hänssler as your development partner for drones, you receive premium systems for the toughest applications with maximum service life.

Civil and commercial applications of drones

Agriculture & precision farming
Agricultural drones monitor fields, map biomass, and apply pesticides and fertilizers with precision. UAVs used in agriculture fly several times a day, are exposed to sunlight, moisture, and harsh chemicals, and must carry their payload (fuel tank, camera) with precision. Every gram of component weight saved extends flight time and increases the usable payload.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- Chemical resistance to pesticides, fertilizers, and acids (PP, PE, PVDF)
- Lightweight construction for maximum payload—e.g., PEEK CF30 or PA CF instead of metal
- UV resistance for continuous outdoor use
- IP-rated sealing of electronics and camera housings
- Vibration damping to protect sensitive sensors
Typical Plastic Components
- Spray nozzles and tank components as milled or turned parts made of PP or PVDF
- Motor mounts as milled or 3D-printed parts made of PA GF/CF for maximum rigidity with minimal weight
- Camera housings as milled parts made of PC or PMMA with optically clear covers
- Sensor mounts and antenna brackets as milled parts or 3D-printed parts
- Seals (NBR, EPDM, FKM, TPU, PTFE)

Logistics & Package Delivery
Delivery drones transport packages, medications, and blood products over short- to medium-range distances—even to hard-to-reach regions. The weight of the drone itself directly determines its economic payload capacity. At the same time, landing systems and payload mounts must withstand hundreds of cycles per day. Delivery drones can be designed as UAVs, UGVs, or even USVs.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- Extreme lightweight construction: every gram saved = more payload (PA CF, PEEK CF30)
- Impact resistance of the landing gear during hundreds of cycles per day
- Weather and UV resistance for continuous outdoor operation
- Precise fits in payload coupling mechanisms
- Sealed electronic enclosures for control and navigation
- Vibration damping for UGVs and hydrolysis resistance for USVs
Typical plastic components
- Landing gear as milled or 3D-printed parts made of PA CF or PEEK CF30
- Payload mounting frames and coupling mechanisms (POM, PA)
- Milled motor mounts made of fiber-reinforced plastic
- 3D-printed electronics enclosures (ABS, PC) with IP seals
- Turned or 3D-printed vibration dampers made of TPU between the drive and the frame

Inspection & Infrastructure
Inspection drones inspect wind turbines, high-voltage transmission towers, bridges, pipelines, and buildings. They replace dangerous climbing work and expensive helicopters. They are equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging sensors, which must be vibration-free and precisely positioned—in wind, rain, and temperatures ranging from −20 °C to +50 °C.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- Vibration damping for high-resolution camera and thermal imaging systems
- Dimensional stability of gimbal components for precise image stabilization
- Temperature resistance—from freezing to summer heat—(PA GF30, PEEK)
- IP67/IP68 sealing for operation in rain and dust
- Impact resistance in case of unexpected collisions (PC, ABS)
Typical plastic components
- Gimbal mounts and swivel frames made of PA CF or PEEK CF30
- Milled or 3D-printed camera housings made of PC (impact-resistant, transparent)
- Vibration-damping inserts made of TPU or cross-linked elastomers
- Milled or 3D-printed sensor mounts for thermal imaging, ultrasonic, and LiDAR sensors
- Seals and cable glands for IP protection (FKM, TPU)

Film, Media & Aerial Photography
Film drones provide cinematic aerial footage for feature films, documentaries, sporting events, and real estate marketing. Vibration-free image stabilization is crucial here: a gimbal that does not function mechanically flawlessly renders even the best camera unusable. At the same time, all components must be as lightweight as possible to maximize flight time.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- Highest dimensional accuracy in gimbal bearings for smooth image stabilization
- Minimal weight—PA CF or PEEK CF instead of metal
- Vibration isolation between the drive and the camera mount (TPU)
- Surface quality for precise fits without rework
- Design freedom for complex camera mount geometries (3D printing)
Typical plastic components
- Gimbal frames and bearing elements made of PA CF or PEEK
- Camera mount plates made of CNC-machined high-performance plastic
- TPU vibration dampers between rotors and camera mounts
- Cable channel covers and accessory mounts (ABS, PC)

Disaster Response & Rescue Operations
Rescue drones (UAVs) search for missing persons during wildfires, floods, or avalanches, drop life jackets, or transmit real-time images to emergency responders. There are also advanced UGVs capable of lifting heavier loads. Operating conditions are extreme: high temperatures, smoke, moisture, and rugged operation under time pressure. Reliability is essential.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- High impact resistance and ruggedness for demanding operations (ABS, PC, PA)
- Temperature resistance for high-heat operations (PEEK, PPS, PA GF30)
- Inherently flame-retardant plastics such as PPS
- Sealed enclosures to protect against rain, smoke, and dust (FKM seals)
- Lightweight construction for maximum range when fully equipped
- Maintenance-friendly component geometries for quick replacement in the field
Typical plastic components
- Robust outer housings
- Thermal imaging camera mounts made of temperature-resistant PA GF30
- Electronics protection housings with FKM seals
- Ejection mechanisms for rescue equipment (POM, PA)
- Motor mounts and propeller guard rings made of PA CF

Environment, Nature Conservation, and Scientific Research
Environmental drones count wildlife populations, map coral reefs, monitor forests, or collect atmospheric data. They are often deployed in hard-to-reach terrain, over bodies of water, or in maritime environments—far from any workshop. Reliability and durability are therefore crucial. Among environmental drones, UUVs are a widely used type, but they can come in all shapes and sizes.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- UV and weather resistance for long-term outdoor use
- Saltwater and hydrolysis resistance (PEKK-A, PEEK CF30, PVDF)
- Chemical resistance for atmospheric measurement and sampling systems
- Long-term stability without maintenance intervals
- Lightweight construction for extended endurance during mapping missions
- Robust components to withstand unforeseen collisions
Typical plastic components
- Sensor housings and sampling components made of PVDF or PEKK-A
- Camera housings made of PC with UV protection
- Marine propeller nozzles and shaft seals (FKM)
- Cable glands for moisture sealing (TPU, FKM)
- Buoyancy bodies and float components made of PP or PE

Construction, Surveying & Mapping
Survey drones create highly precise 3D models of terrain, buildings, and construction sites. They provide the basis for construction planning, volume calculations, and progress documentation. Cameras, LiDAR scanners, and GNSS receivers must be absolutely stable in their mounts and protected from external influences in order to deliver measurement results with centimeter-level accuracy.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- Highest dimensional accuracy for precise sensor and camera positioning
- Vibration damping for LiDAR and GNSS systems
- Temperature stability for reproducible measurement results
- Dust protection for use on construction sites (IP54 and higher)
- Lightweight construction for long-duration operations with heavy sensors
Typical plastic components
- LiDAR sensor mounts made of CNC-machined PA GF30 or PEEK
- GNSS antenna brackets with defined lever arm geometries
- Camera calibration plates and lens holders made of dimensionally stable POM
- Dust-tight electronics enclosures with certified seals
- LFAM fuselage components for large-format surveying platforms

Maritime and Waterway Surveillance (USV)
Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are used for waterway surveillance, the inspection of port facilities and underwater infrastructure, and environmental monitoring. Constant exposure to saltwater, UV radiation, and mechanical stress from wave action place extreme demands on all materials used.
Requirements for Plastic Parts
- Corrosion and hydrolysis resistance (PEEK CF30, PEKK-A, PVDF)
- UV and chemical resistance for long-term use
- Impact resistance under dynamic wave loads
- Permanent sealing of housings and interfaces (FKM, NBR)
- Biofouling-resistant surfaces for underwater components
Typical plastic components
- Sensor housings and electronics enclosures made of PVDF or PEKK-A
- Propeller components and nozzles
- Cable glands and screw connections (FKM)
- Shaft seals and O-rings (FKM, NBR, FFKM)
- Valve bodies and bearing sleeves (POM, PEEK)
- Buoyancy bodies made of PP or PE
Common materials for plastic drone components
| Material | Properties | Typical use in drones |
|---|---|---|
| POM | Wear-resistant, dimensionally stable, low moisture absorption | Gears, plain bearings, coupling elements |
| PA / PA-GF / PA-CF | Tough, abrasion-resistant, stiffer with fiber reinforcement | Bushings, structural parts, motor mounts |
| PA6 GF30 | High strength, low wear, dimensionally stable under continuous load | Bearing bushings, sensor mounts, drive components |
| PC | High impact resistance, transparent, UV-resistant as PC-ABS | Camera covers, protective housings |
| ABS | Good impact resistance, good surface quality | Fairings, housings, prototypes |
| PE / PP | Lightweight, chemical-resistant, economical | Floats, buoyancy bodies, tanks |
| PEEK | High temperature and chemical resistance | Heavily loaded special components, high-performance seals |
| PEEK CF30 | Very high strength and stiffness, hydrolysis- and chemical-resistant | Structural components, motor mounts, sensor carriers |
| PEKK-A | Long-term hydrolysis-stable, high temperature resistance | Structural components in marine and thermally loaded USVs |
| PPS / PPS GF / PPS CF | High temperature and chemical resistance, inherently flame-retardant | Structural components with high dimensional stability, gears, bearing bushings |
| PVDF | Chemical- and UV-resistant | Spray nozzles (agriculture), marine sensor housings |
| TPU | Elastic, shock-absorbing | Vibration dampers, flexible connections, seals |
| PTFE | Very low coefficient of friction, chemically inert | Sliding surfaces, high-performance seals |
| FKM | High-temperature and chemical-resistant | Radial shaft seals, O-rings in agricultural and marine environments |
| NBR | Oil- and fuel-resistant, good elasticity | Seals in hydraulic and drive systems |
This is how we create the finished component for your drone
If you need a specific component, please send us your requirements in the form of a drawing, 3D model, or sketch, along with the key specifications. We prefer to get involved as early as the prototype phase as a development partner so that we can coordinate material selection, geometry, and manufacturing processes from the very beginning. However, we can also manufacture plastic parts for your drone as a contract manufacturer.


















