Esso Rocket

myminifactory

The Reimagined 250 ml Container Project: A Thrilling Space Adventure! The Esso Rocket not only masterfully transforms 250 ml containers into functional spacecraft, but it also propels Esso boldly into the cosmos! This groundbreaking project seamlessly integrates upcycling, rocket science, and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM). The Esso Rocket is an electrifying way to breathe new life into 250 ml containers. The design cleverly utilizes two 250 ml containers as the fuselage of the rocket, ensuring a second use that still allows for recycling. By printing a nose cone, three couplers, a motor mount, and three fins, these cans are transformed into a rocket that soars through the skies! This rocket is both exhilarating and educational, as it embodies the essence of rocket science. The Esso Rocket harnesses the power of a model rocket engine to propel it hundreds of feet into the air. As the rocket reaches its apex, it deploys its parachute for a safe descent back to Earth. To adhere to NASA's regulations regarding fire retardant materials, the components of the Esso Rocket are crafted from Ultem 9085, a fire-resistant plastic commonly utilized in aerospace industries. Reducing weight was a pivotal design consideration for this rocket. Therefore, the nose cone was designed to be slender and hollow while maintaining a geometry that didn't necessitate support during printing. All parts were printed with a sparse infill to balance strength with minimal weight. DFAM is skillfully woven into the design in numerous areas. The fins were deliberately printed separately from the rocket mount for two compelling reasons. Firstly, printing the motor mount and fins as one piece would require an excessive amount of support and a prolonged print time. Secondly, the fins exhibit greater strength when printed in a flat orientation rather than standing upright. The couplers feature a thin gap that the container fits into, designed to facilitate printing without support material. The motor mount connects to its coupler with Acme threads, chosen for their superior performance in 3D printing compared to standard threads. Each component meets the design challenge requirements of upcycling 250 ml containers and utilizing 3D printing, but The Esso Rocket surpasses the competition by being the most engaging method to achieve this feat.