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Variable-Pitch Propeller
MAY 2026|PROJECT

Variable-Pitch Propeller

A quest to make more versatile and efficient propellers

MechatronicsAerodynamics

Inspiration for this project


Goal

To develop a reliable variable-pitch mechanism and propeller that is (mostly) 3D printable.

Eventually I might build a complete quadcopter with this mechanism.


Progress

I’ve started to design a basic rigged mechanism in Onshape. The blades are symmetrical, since I want the propeller to have the same amount of thrust up or down. I’m currently trying to figure out logistics regarding optimum part structure and the drive system.

Here are two prop blades printed with PETG:

3D printed blades


MVP

A quick rough build of a mostly 3D printed variable-pitch prop. Version two will have significant improvements.

CAD model of variable-pitch prop Prop img 1 Prop img 2 Variable prop pitch GIF