Propeller & Spinning Top Launcher

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This launcher is perfect for both propellers and spinning tops, allowing you to fly the propellers and spin the tops with just one launcher. It's a brand new design inspired by Davidcolsson's propeller launcher (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:312971), which I adapted to include pulling a dragger in order to fly the propellers and spin the tops. Now, it's time for you to create your own propellers and spinning tops and print them out! Use my launcher to make them fly or spin. Print Settings Printer Brand: Printrbot Printer: Simple Black Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2mm layer thickness Infill: 100% How I Designed This I started by designing the spinning top launcher in Autodesk Inventor, but then realized that the driving principle behind both propellers and spinning tops is the same. So, I combined them into one launcher! To save materials and printing time, I made it compact and small. Now, students can create their own propellers or spinning tops and drive them using this launcher. I've even uploaded customizable files to help with design. Project: Design Propellers and Spinning Tops Objectives: Learn dynamics of a propeller and a spinning top. Learn basic 3D design skills and how to use at least one 3D modeling software. Audiences: Students in grades 5-10 Preparation: Have students form into working groups. Each group is composed of 4-5 students. Research and study a propeller or a helicopter rotor, and a spinning top (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top). Learn how to use one of Tinkercad, FreeCad, SketchUp, or OpenSCAD, etc. Learn how to use Autodesk Meshmixer(http://www.123dapp.com/meshmixer). Step 1: Print a Launcher Each group prints one launcher, which consists of four parts: launcher_handle.stl launcher_drive_coupling.stl launcher_lid.stl launcher_dragger(3_turns).stl For more power, print launcher_dragger(4_turns).stl (220mm long), but I couldn't print it due to the limitations of my 3D printer. Use different colors to distinguish between each part. When assembling the launcher, glue the lid with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Step 2: Design a Propeller Use one of Tinkercad, FreeCad, SketchUp, or OpenSCAD, etc. Design Considerations: In Autodesk Meshmixer, replace your cylinder hub with "Propeller_Hub.stl". Propeller_Hub.stl is the file that I've already designed and uploaded. Customizable Propeller: In OpenSCAD, I designed a customizable propeller (design_propeller_scad.zip). To make the propeller hub, import_Propeller_Hub.stl file is imported. Step 3: Design a Spinning Top Use one of Tinkercad, FreeCad, SketchUp, or OpenSCAD, etc. Design Considerations: In Autodesk Meshmixer, replace your rod spindle with "Top_Pole.stl". Top_Pole.stl is the file that I've already designed and uploaded. Customizable Spinning Top: In OpenSCAD, I designed a customizable spinning top (design_spinning_top_scad.zip). To make the top spindle, import_Top_Pole.stl file is imported. Step 4: Print Models Use 0.2mm layer thickness and 100% infill. Step 5: Test Models, Iterate, and 3D Print Test flying the propellers and spinning the tops. Students give feedback on their models. If necessary, re-design and re-print models. Results: Each group races in a classroom. Prizes can include Best Design, Best Performance (flying distance or spinning time), or Top Battle Champion, etc. For example: Propeller - Flying at the Target(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyO3txRh6Ps), Spinning Top - Best Spinning Time ( 1 m 23s ) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Qw5tbjWi0) References: My propeller models are: propeller_2blades, _3blades, _4blades, and _5blades.stl files. I uploaded spinning tops: top_Blade_type.stl, top_KAZA-ORBITAL_REMIX.stl (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:542914) And I designed a special top(http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1320207) for my launcher.