Water Bottle Rocket

pinshape

Why else would you have a 3D printer than to launch things high into the sky!? This project is perfect for school projects or just for fun! It will challenge your printer's bridging capabilities, ability to use supports, and if desired, the ability to print with different materials. Instructions: This Water bottle rocket is designed around a 1 liter bottle but can be modified for a 2 liter. The launch assembly includes: Locking mechanism to prevent early launch Trigger mechanism to ensure a successful launch Launch pad - self-explanatory Items needed for assembly: Components listed above 1 Liter Bottle 8" x 8" X 1" Wood - cut legs to desired height Drill 1" to 1 1/2" Hole cutter #8 3/4" wood screws Hot glue gun Launch Platform: I used a spare piece of 1in thick pine to mount the launch plate. After drilling out a 1" hole, center the launch pad and screw into place. Rocket: First, dry fit the nozzle into your bottle. The nozzle has two channels set into the end that goes into the bottle. Use these channels to apply a bead of hot glue. Then, place the nozzle into the mouth of your bottle, and plumb it before the glue sets. Measure the circumference of the bottle near the tapered end at the mouth of the bottle, divide by 3, and mark the bottle accordingly. Test fit the fins to the bottle and adjust as necessary (not universal, so sand as needed). Lay a bead of hot glue on the curved edge of the fins and set them in place, plumb, and hold until set. Dry fit the nose cone and glue it in place. As mentioned, this is modeled after a 1 liter bottle but you can scale the fins and nose cone to fit a 2 liter.