Fun New 3D Printable Rockets
One of our customers, Cal Leggett, has had fun designing and 3D printing all kinds of cool rockets and accessories.
I especially like the "Booster Rockets" that carries other toys skyward.
The 3D printable arms to hold the ARG wings before launch are more elegant that the bent wire version we have used over the years.
The glow stick rockets are especially fun at dusk.
You can find these cool designs here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5166183
Be sure to like and follow Cal on thingiverse to check out his other slick designs.
Launch Angle Gauge
This is a fully 3D printable protractor attachment for the Compressed Air Rocket Launcher v2.2. There are only three parts to print, and no tools or fasteners are needed for assembly.
Thingiverse files here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2639573
Youmagine files available here: https://www.youmagine.com/designs/protractor-angle-gauge-for-air-rocket-works-compressed-air-rocket-launcher-car-v2-2
We would like to thank James Montagna, one of our customers who is a STEM Teacher in Farmington, CT. James had sent us pictures and files of a laser cut protractor he had built and assembled to a CAR v2.2 launcher. It inspired us to complete this design we had started months eariler. It’s perfect for setting a launching angle and learning about ballistic trajectories.
It's easily added to our v2.2 launcher as shown in the assembly video on the left.
If you don't have access to a 3D printer, we are also selling these attachments in our shop tab here.
Lego MiniFig Rocket Adapter
We’re starting out simple with our 3D printable rocket adapters. This 1 piece model is easy to 3D print vertically without support. The bottom of it is super glued into the top of a plastic body tube. A standard foam nose is friction fit (no glue needed) into the top of the adapter. Apply a set of sticker fins, or a set of your own custom fins. Next, find a lego minifig you want to launch!
Note, the bottom of the foam nose is intended to just touch the top of the head of the figure – helps keep it in place on "reentry". The minifig may still pop out on landing, so you may not want to use your favorite minifig in this rocket…
Thingiverse files available here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2687459
Youmagine files available here: https://www.youmagine.com/designs/lego-spaceman-rocket-adapter
Light Up Rocket Adapter
Here’s the next 3D printable rocket adapter, perfect for the time of year when it gets dark early, at least around here… This adapter and LED bending guide is easy to 3D print without any supports, and installs between the end of the rocket body tube and the foam nose. Simply print one of each part in PLA or ABS material, follow the instructions at the links below, and you can go launching at dusk and even after dark.
Thingiverse files available here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2763816
Files and instructions on Youmagine: https://www.youmagine.com/designs/led-air-rocket-adapter
If some of you don’t have access to a 3D printer, let me know and we may offer these in our online store as kits.
Feel free to e-mail us any questions, or even better, some pictures if you make them.
Big Red Button (BRB) Adapter
I’ve just added our next 3D printable accessory – a Big Red Button! (a.k.a BRB). If you don’t have a 3D printer, don't worry, these are available in our shop.
This adapter fits around our blue slide valve (included in the CAR v2.2 launcher kit) to turn it into a BRB. Who doesn't like to hit a BRB to launch a rocket? Simply lift up to reset and prepare for the next launch. Base now has 3 holes for standard drywall screws if you want to secure the BRB down to a table or other surface.
Thingiverse files available here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2982226
Youmagine files available here: https://www.youmagine.com/designs/big-red-button-brb-air-rocket-works
Order the elbow fitting from McMaster – Part Number 50785K43 (https://www.mcmaster.com/#50785k43/=1dhju63), Download and 3D print the parts. Note there are two files, one for 3mm filament and one for 1.75mm filament, depending on your printer. It is designed to use lengths of cut filament as pins to hold the parts together.
Gather up your parts, assembly instructions below:
Step 1: Remove the Schrader valve adapter from the end of the slide valve. Clean and re-wrap the threads with teflon tape. Thread into elbow fitting and tighten.
2. Wrap the threads of the elbow fitting with teflon tape. Assemble into BRB body and dry fit washer in orientation shown. Apply superglue, and apply pressure.
3. Thread the elbow fitting into the end of the slide valve and tighten. Install the slide valve into the base. Slide in the retainer and align the holes. Insert length of filament and trim flush.
4. Cut two short lengths of filament to act as alignment pins. Insert into holes in BRB body, and dry fit cap. Apply superglue, and apply pressure.
5. Use a sharpie to highlight the text if desired. Attach a bike pump, and you are Ready To Launch!
3D Printable Fin Guide
You can find our free to download and 3D print paper rocket fin guide, along with instructions here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2653901
Also here:
3D Printable Lezyne Pump Wrench
You can find our free to download and 3D print Lezyne pump wrench, along with instructions here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2656712
Also here:
Estes Air Rocket Adapter
You can find our free to download and 3D print Estes Rocket Adapter, along with instructions here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2735962
Also here:
https://www.youmagine.com/designs/air-rocket-works-launcher-to-estes-air-rocket-adapter