Retrievable Model Rocket for 18mm engines

UPDATE: I added extra optional designs to fit some tastes and just because the other design was very basic.

• Added the design "Hard to print" main body with Aerodynamic Fins
• Added a steeper Nosecone (comes down to preference)
• Added an additional middle extension piece to just glue in

So I built a little model rocket myself out of a PVC tube and was wondering if It would be able to print and fly well too. I have yet to start it since the engines I ordered haven't arrived. I will update this after I tried it.

EDIT: I tried it, it flew flawlessly, way higher than my main rocket (still not a professional cardboard tube one) just because its lighter, the only problem is its stuck in a very high tree and I haven't gotten it out yet to look at possible warping or internal damage

2nd EDIT: I got it back, no damage whatsoever!

Feel free to leave some comments.

Thanks in advance for trying my model!

DISCLAIMER: If you print this rocket with the extension, its weight is gonna come close to the Limit of a D9 Motor, which is the biggest commercially available motor in Germany. I know my model is way oversize of an actual model rocket and weighs pretty much double of what a professional rocket should weigh. Keep that in mind while using my design. It is not gonna fly as good as a cardboard tube design just because it is 3D printed.

First flight: https://youtu.be/GsbAnUBg_DI

Print Settings

Rafts:

Doesn't Matter

Supports:

Yes

Resolution:

0.2mm

Infill:

Doesn't Matter - 15%

Filament: Janbex PLA Purple

Notes:

Supports:

* Use everywhere (low density, maybe 10%) on the Rocket as it will fill out between the engine mount rings * Use Touching Buildplate on the Nosecone to fill out under the cone.

Build Plate Adhesion:

You might want to enable a small Brim for the Main Body as the wings are quite thin and seem to not stick very well

Extension Piece:

I oddly enough only manage to print it with the thin side on the bad, so maybe try that if you have a difficult time transitioning from wide to thin

Post-Printing

Assembly

What you will need:

• A 18mm Rocket Engine (preferrably with an ejection charge so you actually deploy the chute)
• A 18mm Rocket Engine Case
• An elastic band
• Some additional glue
• A Parachute

Extras I use:

• Glass Fibre wool to put between the engine and paracute to protect it from getting seared.
• Paper Sheets to firmly secure the elastic band
• A small washer

Main Body:

If you have a 18mm wide 60mm high engine, like the D9-5 I mentioned, an aluminum motor case should fit snuggly into the bottom hole of the main body. Make sure your aluminum case has a small hole in the top so the ejection fuse can eject your Nose.

Also use plenty of glue while securing the engine case.

Next, take a long strip of paper (about 10cm x 3cm), glue a piece of the band along the middle in the long direction on the paper, then fold the paper 2 times while applying glue every time to make sure the band is glued well. Then glue the paper somewhere into the main rocket body. I would actually design something to attatch the band onto inside the rocket but I personally feel like that this paper-glue technique gives the best result considering how flat it is so that your parachute has a free way of ejecting

Nose Cone:

Feed a loop from some of the Band from the Main Body through the Nosering.

Attach the band behind the Nosering however you like and then glue the Nosering into the bottom of the Nosecone.

I personally like taking a washer, then feeding the band through the nosering once, around the washer and out again, so its secure. Some glue holds it from slipping

Finally, attach the end of your cord to your parachute.

Setup: Look up a model rocket parachute folding technique online so it actually opens when you try it, then put some Glass Fibre wool (if you have some) into the rocket followed by your parachute, then put the remaining band on top of the chute and put the nosecone on.

Enjoy!

Category: Sport & Outdoors