Grid Fin - SpaceX Falcon 9

Update May-2022: now included a new 245mm tall max version specifically for Ender 3 & Prusa printers! Also added two support towers for much improved print outcomes!

Replica design of the transsonic Grid Fin from the SpaceX Falcon 9 first stage booster!

Mini passion project of mine– I was just so impressed by the complex geometry and design on this enormous part I had to design it from scratch. The full size one is the largest cast titanium parton earth and is rumored to cost overa million dollars each! Print yours, paint it, and put it on your wall to help steer your imagination at supersonic speed

Having trouble with your print? Want some tips or to talk shop? Need a variation? Help or advice? Message me on discord/telegram!

Designed it in OnShape so anyone can fork, extend, configure, and download any version of it they want just in the browser. Used some of my favorite advanced CAD techniques like sweeps along 3D projected curves, extrusions to complex lofted surfaces, and large boolean subtractions. Should be configurable to any size while independently specifying the wall thickness allowing perfect 3D prints.

Print one? Post a 'Make'!

I'd really love to see how yours comes out!

Make one for your wall, one for your friend, one for your model rocket.. then post the photos!

Printing

Print it as the STL is oriented, standing up on end. Prints without supports. Small ones can be printed in less than an hour, mymax version took me 23h to print on my Ender 5 in HTPLA+ from Fusion Filaments with 1 perimeter and 18% infill.

Wall mount

You can also mount it on your wall with the optional pivot-arm and keep space history as art!

Recommended hardware:

• 14x ‘#6-32’ x 0.25in stainless steel bolts for the decorative ring on the pivot arm. It's got recesses for countersunk flat-head bolts but I liked the look of socket button head bolts. [example on bolts depot]
• 2x ‘#6-32’ x 1.0in black countersunk bolts to attach the tilt axle ends. Anything 0.75in to 1.5in will fit. [example on bolts depot]

Why barbarian-unit bolts? They're coarse thread by default so work great in printed parts, plus I could find them at the local hardware store. Metric all-the-things otherwise!

I think M3 hardware should fit as a substitute. Message me if if you'd like me to test it!

CAD Design

I designed this to be shared! I'm happy to provide the full original CAD.. just send me a message (on discord/telegram), send updates and photos! And provide attribution (like the CC license requires!)

Somebody reported and took down this design from Thingiverse and it took a while to get it restored.. So I'm a little squeamish about posting the link directly anymore. So reach out and say hi! Love to hear from you.

Post your makes!

Please post 'em! Really! Take a cameraphone photo of your SpaceX hardware in all its glory and show it off! Plus it really helps get this design out there to the world.

Message me on discord/telegram for

• customizations
• different engravings
• different variation ideas
• any issues: printing, design, fit, etc
• to show off / geek out about your result
• say howdy

Designing stuff is fun but interacting with cool people and hearing about their adventures is better. I can generate any variation / engraving easily, message me on discord/telegram and/or leave a comment and let's make your perfect version. I only ask that you post a make!

If you'd like the CAD or STEP file too, no problem. I've already helped a bunch of great folks! Send me a ping