Ping Pong Ball Launcher (STL files to be sliced then 3D printed)
This is a project that I've worked on on and off for a little over 3 years. It was the first thing I wanted to make when I got a 3D printer and I learned a lot over the course of making it. At first I used machine screws from a local hardware store but when I learned about making bolts in blender I went back and remodeled everything so that every bolt could be printed. The "C clip" that's used to secure the spring is also a new addition. The spring itself is the only piece that I couldn't 3d print (I tried and nothing worked as well as the metal spring). The one I used is a #115 Compression Spring (from the Hillman company) that's about 5" long and 0.625" in diameter- I used side cutters to cut off the bottom 0.86" or (22 millimeters) to use the shorter one as a recoil spring and the longer one for compression. I printed everything in PLA+ and used Cura to slice them at 5% infill density (in the default cubic pattern) for most of the models and 10% for the plungers halves. The only parts that I think absolutely need to be printed in PLA+ are the two halves of the plunger and C clip (but I'd be interested to do a stress test using PETG or other materials). I've decided to sell the models for the shells that connect to this separately (the front shell connects to the threads on the exit tube of the main body and the back shell connects to the front with glue or magnets). In terms of the contents of this purchase, you get the STL files for the original version (the "ArcLauncher") that could only fire while pointing level or upwards (the ball will just fall out of the exit tube's hole when the entire thing is tilted downward and the plunger is drawn back) and the second version (the "BounceLauncher") that can only fire pointing level or downwards (using it to shoot upwards runs the risk of the plunger digging under the ball sending it upwards into the ball chamber; also, this version requires a soft elastic hair band (I used the Goody brand "Total Texture super stretch elastic") to catch the ball as it tilts forward but then move out of the way when the ball is struck by the plunger (rubber bands will not work in their place) ). These two versions have their own plungers and launcher (the main model everything connects to) models (as well as models to be included as support structures). I had to add an extra bit to the top of the end of the plunger to make sure that residual filament didn't cover the indentation meant for the C_Clip but it can easily be removed with the clippers that come with many printers. I also added text to some pieces to clarify the left and right legs (marked with an 'L' and an 'R') and the top and bottom halves of the handle (The words "Top" and "Bottom" align on the left hand side facing the socket). I'm finalizing the models for the shell that connects to these models but this can still be played with independent of them, albeit less flashy and with the user needed to manually load each ping pong ball. The parts included and their assembly are detailed as follows:
STL files for this toy that shoots ping pong balls 15 feet