Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are continually being upgraded with new technologies and equipment that make them useful for a variety of applications. Some of these advanced features include:
- Monitoring and recording with high-quality cameras
- Remote programming for flying and landing
- Lifting heavier loads
- Machine/AI learning capabilities for data-driven operation
- Sensors and data processors for autonomous flight
- Targeted delivery or search-and-rescue systems
Verdugo Tool and Engineering is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ITAR registered, and offers high-quality custom metal stamping for lightweight, precision drone engine and structural assemblies. We can measure down to .0005 in. and specialize in metal stamping for aerospace, commercial, industrial, and military-grade drones, as well as consumable military UAV components.
Learn more about the types of drones our stamping supports, common stamped components and materials used for drone applications, and the benefits of stamping for making these parts.
Types of Drones & UAVs: Commercial, Industrial, Military-Grade, Consumable
Drones and UAVs can be classified into different categories based on the intended market and end-use. Other factors that can be used to classify drones include payload capacity, dimensions, and wing type. At Verdugo, we produce durable components for the following classes of drones:
Commercial-Use Drones
Commercial drones can be outfitted with professional-grade cameras and sensors to photograph or record objects, facilities, and other large spaces to monitor activity, create maps, verify placement of structures, or do surveillance work.
Industrial-Grade Drones
Drones for industrial use can be used for inspections, mapping, and ongoing monitoring in industrial agricultural, construction, and infrastructure settings. Because they are small and maneuverable, drones can often reach areas that are difficult for people to access, such as tunnels or the tops of tall structures.
Military-Grade Drones
Defense and military organizations use UAVs of many sizes, flight ranges, endurance levels, and functional capabilities. They are commonly used for logistics and delivering supplies, in combat operations, for surveillance, and in targeting or assessing structures or strike locations.
Consumable Drones
Consumable drones are designed to be expendable and are considered single-use equipment or ammunition. The Pentagon has reclassified Group 1 and Group 2 drones as consumable commodities used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical strikes, which can expedite procurement and deployment.
Drone and UAV Components Manufactured With Metal Stamping
Verdugo is a trusted manufacturer of precision metal components that are used in drones and UAVs across multiple class types. Some of the many examples include:
- Structural components: Fuselage sections, wing skins, etc.
- Engine components: Brackets, engine housings, etc.
- Landing gear: Skids, legs, brackets.
- Electronic components & enclosures: These components protect onboard electronics and payloads.
- Other parts: Connectors, mounting brackets, metal hardware.
Recommended Materials for Metal Stamping UAV and Drone Components
Different metals offer strategic advantages in different UAV and drone components and assemblies. We work with the following alloys:
- Aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, strong, and durable for landing gear components, motor casings, and drone bodies and frames.
- Steels. Stainless steel is used for corrosion-resistant components that can withstand harsh environments. Carbon steel is excellent for components that need extra strength and durability. Galvanized steel is also available with a zinc coating for additional corrosion resistance.
- Titanium. Titanium is a corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant metal with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is used for critical components that can withstand stress without adding excess weight.
- Copper. Copper’s electrical conductivity is ideal for power systems, signal transmission components, contacts, and connectors.
We also produce specialty components with magnesium alloys and carbon composite materials.
Benefits of Metal Stamping for UAVs and Drones
Precision metal stamping is efficient and offers high levels of repeatability from part to part. It is an excellent option for higher-volume production of components that require consistent quality, dimensions, and tolerances.
Cost-Effective Production for High-Volume Needs
Metal stamping can produce millions of components at very low per-unit costs. Stamping presses operate rapidly and perform operations including punching, blanking, coining, piercing, deep drawing, and embossing. Our stamping capabilities reduce manufacturing time and minimize material waste by using metal blanks and sheets efficiently. Defense procurement teams trust our cost-effective services to stay within tight deadlines and meet project requirements.
Strength, Durability, and Lightweight Performance
Stamped metal parts are strong, durable, and capable of resisting stress. Using materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio can minimize weight and be designed to reduce bulk to achieve longer range and conserve battery power.
High-Precision Components for Critical Operations
We can achieve and hold tolerances of 0.001 in. throughout production. All tooling and dies are designed in-house, and we assess designs for their manufacturability to reduce the risks of part failure and material waste. Our team is committed to on-time delivery without compromising on quality.
Compliance With Military Standards
We can manufacture stampings that comply with these and other industry standards:
- ANSI
- ASME
- ASTM
- DFARS
- MIL-SPEC
Customers can also request AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) for added transparency.
Superior Quality Stamped Metal Parts for UAVs and Drones From Verdugo Tool & Engineering
Modern UAVs and drones are being used for more and more complex applications including advanced monitoring, delivery, military and surveillance operations. As designs evolve to increase payload and range, the need for light yet durable parts and assemblies also increases.
At Verdugo, we help you maximize the capabilities of your drones and UAVs with high-precision metal stamping. We are ISO 9001 and ITAR certified for quality, we produce every order to your compliance requirements, and every component is manufactured in the USA at our California facility. We also offer:
- Specialization in high-volume production of micro- to medium-sized components
- Tight tolerances (down to .0005 in.)
- On-time delivery
- In-house die design for cost and timeline control
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM) assistance
Contact us today to start your order with our fast response times and simple order process.