Paper Rockets

thingiverse

Welcome to my paper rocket project. Check out my video of the launch. This is a weekend project to create a pneumatic rocket launcher. This will launch paper or 3D printer rockets hundreds of feet into the air over and over again. It is a great party entertainer, and everyone can design and make their own rocket with basic skills. The parts for the launcher cost about $40 US, and can be obtained from most hardware stores. It is operated by a bicycle pump, or air compressor. I have launched at pressures up to 110psi. Higher than 100psi sometimes bursts the rocket depending on how heavy paper and how much tape was used. The launcher is made of PVC and uses a sprinkler valve for controlling the launch. Make sure to get one that has the manual bleed screw on the top. The valve is opened when the pressure is bled off the top side of the diaphragm. I have provided pictures, but may provide more detail on its construction in the future. The two elbows at the base of the launch tube allow it to be aimed in most directions. The rockets can be made entirely of paper, but 3D printing the nose cone and fins makes them more durable, and they fly straighter. Take the attached models and place them on a 1/2" PVC pipe. There are two steps in the outer diameter. The deepest is for wrapping a piece of heavy weight paper around (or two sheets of normal paper). The second step is for tape to hold the paper tube to the ends. Tape the full length of the seam, and wrapping the full length if higher pressures are going to be used. If you like my designs and want to support the creation of more projects, leave me a tip. Any amount is appreciated.