DRONE PARTS · 3D EXPLODED VIEW
Inside a 5-inch FPV drone: which parts can you cut yourself?
A 5-inch FPV frame contains 7 plate parts you can make on a Carbon-CNC. Click a part on the 3D model to see its material, thickness, machining notes and which model can make it.
5-inch FPV parts table
This table matches the 3D model and lists the typical material, thickness and machining notes for each part. Thicknesses are typical values for 5-inch frames; actual designs vary.
| Part | Material | Typical thickness | Machining notes | Recommended model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom plate | 3K carbon fiber sheet | 2.5–3 mm | Profile cutting, 30.5 mm stack holes, counterbores, lightening cutouts | Lite / Pro / EX |
| Arms ×4 | 3K carbon fiber sheet | 5–6 mm | 16×16 mm motor holes, shaft clearance hole, lightening slot; cut in multiple passes | Lite / Pro / EX |
| Arm brace | 3K carbon fiber sheet | 2 mm | Bolt holes registered to the bottom plate; hole positions must match | Lite / Pro / EX |
| Top plate | 3K carbon fiber sheet | 2–2.5 mm | Battery strap slots and standoff holes; thin sheet needs good workholding | Lite / Pro / EX |
| Camera side plates ×2 | 3K carbon fiber sheet | 2 mm | Curved tilt slot and M2 holes; small parts need tabs | Lite / Pro / EX |
| Antenna mount | FR4 / G10 | 1.6 mm | SMA hole and zip-tie slots; RF-transparent | Lite / Pro / EX |
| Battery plate | 3K carbon fiber sheet | 1.5 mm | Strap slots; can be nested into sheet offcuts | Lite / Pro / EX |
| Motors, props, standoffs, FC, camera, battery | Standard parts bought from suppliers, not CNC sheet parts | |||
Why is the Lite enough for 5-inch frames?
The largest single parts in a 5-inch frame are the bottom plate and arm brace, about 110×76 mm, far smaller than the 360×300 mm travel of the Carbon Lite. Note that parts of different thicknesses are nested separately: the four 5 mm arms go on one 5 mm sheet, and the bottom, brace and top plates on 2–3 mm sheet. For nesting details, see Nesting small drone parts to save material.
FAQ
Can a 5 mm arm be cut through in one pass?
We do not recommend it. Cut carbon fiber sheet of 5 mm or more in 2–3 passes with a compression end mill to reduce delamination and burrs on both faces. See how thick carbon fiber sheet can be cut.
Why is the antenna mount FR4 and not carbon fiber?
Carbon fiber is conductive and shields GPS and video antenna signals. FR4/G10 is a non-conductive fiberglass material that works well near antennas. See 3K carbon fiber vs. GFRP vs. FR4.
Are the motor holes accurate enough?
All three Carbon-CNC models have ±0.05 mm machining accuracy, which is sufficient for the common design of M3 screws in 3.2 mm holes. For cumulative hole error across stacked plates, see what ±0.05 mm means for a drone frame.