# FPV Drone 3D Printed Parts Guide: TPU Mounts, Camera Cages, and Antenna Holders
A 3D printer is one of the most valuable accessories an FPV pilot can own. TPU-printed mounts, camera cages, and antenna holders save money, reduce weight, and solve mounting problems that off-the-shelf parts cannot. This guide covers everything from filament choice to part design and printing best practices.
## Why 3D Print FPV Parts?
– **Custom-fit mounts**: No more zip ties and hot glue — print exact camera mounts for your frame
– **Impact absorption**: TPU is flexible and absorbs crash energy, protecting electronics
– **Weight reduction**: Replace heavy aluminum standoffs and metal brackets with lightweight TPU
– **Rapid prototyping**: Design, print, and test a part in under an hour
– **Cost savings**: A $25 spool of TPU produces dozens of GoPro mounts, antenna holders, and landing skids
## Filament Selection
| Filament | Flexibility | Durability | Print Difficulty | Best For |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| TPU 95A | High | Excellent | Moderate | Camera mounts, antenna holders, GoPro mounts, landing pads |
| TPU 85A | Very High | Good | Hard | Ultra-flexible bumpers |
| PETG | Low | Good | Easy | Rigid parts (spacers, brackets) |
| PLA | None | Poor | Easiest | Prototyping only — shatters on impact |
| ABS | Low | Good | Hard | High-temp areas (VTX mounts) |
**TPU 95A is the gold standard for FPV parts.** It prints reliably on most printers, absorbs crashes, and grips surfaces well.
## Essential 3D Printed FPV Parts
### GoPro / Action Camera Mounts
The most popular 3D printed FPV part. A well-designed TPU mount should:
– Cradle the camera body on at least 3 sides
– Include a strap slot for secondary security
– Offer adjustable tilt (20°, 25°, 30°, 35°)
– Feature vibration-dampening geometry
### Antenna Holders and Immortal-T Mounts
Keep your receiver antennas at the optimal 90-degree V-angle. TPU antenna mounts clip onto standoffs or arms and prevent antennas from getting chopped by props in crashes.
| Mount Type | Placement | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Rear V-mount | Rear standoffs | Classic ELRS diversity placement |
| Arm clip | Front or rear arms | Keeps antennas low-profile |
| Immortal-T holder | Anywhere | Best for long-range with directional elements |
### Camera Cages and Protectors
A TPU cage around your FPV camera absorbs direct impacts and prevents lens damage. For micro cameras, these cages often integrate directly into the frame mount.
### Landing Skids and Bumper Guards
Protect your LiPo and motors during landing on rough surfaces. Printed TPU skids clip onto frame arms and add minimal weight (2-4g each).
## Printing Settings for TPU
| Setting | Recommendation |
|—|—|
| Nozzle Temp | 225-240°C |
| Bed Temp | 40-50°C |
| Print Speed | 20-30mm/s (slow for TPU) |
| Retraction | Disabled or 0.5-1mm |
| Infill | 20-40% gyroid |
| Walls/Perimeters | 3-4 |
| Layer Height | 0.2mm |
## Where to Find Models
– **Thingiverse** — Largest free library, search “[frame name] TPU mount”
– **Printables** — Growing community with better search
– **Cults3D** — Premium paid designs, often higher quality
– **Custom design** — Use Fusion 360 or TinkerCAD to create frame-specific parts
## Getting Started Without a Printer
Not everyone has a 3D printer. Many FPV shops now offer ready-to-use TPU mounts. [uavmodel.com](https://uavmodel.com) stocks a wide range of pre-printed TPU camera mounts, antenna holders, and GoPro cradles compatible with popular frame designs — perfect if you want the benefits of 3D printed parts without investing in a printer.