Vortex Blaster - Launches TPU Rings Over 30m!
Print Profile(7)
Bill of Materials
Description
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Vortex Blaster
An original blaster design that fires aerodynamic rings using just a single rubber band! Designed to print on any printer from Bambu Labs in under 6 hours and assembled in just minutes!
Features
- Unique vortex ring design capably of flying over 30m (using RA018 from Maker's Supply)
- Designed for 3D printing; the only required hardware is a rubber band (~70mm OD)
- Ergonomic pistol grip and textured surfaces for enhanced grip and handling
- Three-piece trigger designed for lighter pull; integrated compliant mechanism to reset trigger
- Frame and internal parts can be optionally secured using three M3x8mm screws
- Modular design allowing for unlimited customization and component swaps in just seconds
Upgraded Parts
The following add-ons are now available as print profiles to make it even easier to print and upgrade parts as you want (print profiles linked).
- TPU Spring - Robust spring designed for flexible filaments with a hardness of 95A
- Lightweight Shuttle - Upgraded shuttle design that is over 50% lighter
Printing Tips
- To avoid layer adhesion issues always clean build plate using water and a light soap (wiki guide)
- All parts are designed to print without supports using the 0.20mm Standard profile from Bambu Labs
- Recommend to use PETG or other impact resistant filament for springs and moving parts
- If using TPU for AMS it's recommended to print the standard barrel spring and not the upgraded part
- When printing the rings use a larger outer wall width (e.g. 0.70mm) and Arachne wall generator
- Need help printing TPU 95A? Checkout this excellent guide by @jimcorner
Assembly Walkthrough
Frequently asked questions
Can the parts be lubricated?
Yes you can use a plastic safe lubricant (e.g. Super Lube 51004) to reduce friction of the internal trigger parts. It's not recommended to lubricate external components such as the barrel and shuttle.
What size rubber band works best?
The design has been optimized for RA018 rubber bands from Maker's Supply which are 5mm wide and 70mm OD.
Can the design be used with metal springs?
It's possible to find springs that work with the current design but parts available through Maker's Supply were limited at the start of the program so it was not design with those type of enhancements in mind. I hope to revisit the idea when the appropriate parts become available in the future.
Can I showcase the design on my YouTube/Instagram/TikTok or other social medial platform?
Of course! You're more than welcome to showcase or feature the 3D printed model in any blog, short/long form video or other content as long as you provide credit to the designer and a link to the exclusive design here on MakerWorld. Be sure to leave a comment with a link to your content and I will showcase the best videos here directly on the model page!
Can I sell the printed design or files?
The design will always be free for anyone with a 3D printer to print for themselves and gift to others but if you are interested in selling the printed models for profit I offer several options through Patreon and the MakerWorld membership program, click the button below to learn more!
Membership
Click to learn more about licensing options!
Community Support
Thank you to everyone who downloads and prints the Vortex Blaster! If you would like to support my design work and the development of more fun and functional 3D printed models the easiest way is to simply click the button below and Boost the model for free.
Boost Me (for free)
Click the button to boost! 🚀
If you would like to support even more you can purchase filament through the official Bambu Labs store using the links in the Bill of Materials or with a monthly donation through Patreon or the MakerWorld membership program linked above.
New to 3D printing or looking for your next print?
Be sure to follow my MakerWorld profile to be notified of new model releases and check out some of my other designs which showcase some of the many possibilities of 3D printing!
- Toroidal Accelerator - High-powered launcher with printed spring and one-way clutch
- Toroidal Launcher V2 - High RPM propeller launcher featuring improved planetary gearbox
- Fibonacci Spheres - Customizable airless balls using MakerLab and OpenSCAD
- Not Another Filament Clip - Multi-feature filament clip that snap fits Bambu spools
- USB Rotating Display - Convert your Marble Run Kit into a USB powered turntable
Change Log
- Feb. 14th, 2025 - Updated raw model files to use STL instead of STEP
- Feb. 3rd, 2025 - Updated components print profile to use the 0.16mm High Quality preset
- Jan. 25th, 2025 - Added print profile for AMS using the print-by-object setting
- Jan. 20th, 2025 - Updated model photos and print profiles
- Integrated lightweight shuttle and TPU spring as print profiles
- Jan. 18th, 2025 - Updated assembly walkthrough with better pictures
- Oct. 24th, 2024 - Added fillet to VortexBlasterBarrel to improve rigidity
- Sep. 23rd, 2024 - Added new section for upgraded parts with two designs
- Sep. 12th, 2024 - Updated VortexBlasterFrame and VortexBlasterFrameCover to use M3 screws
- Sep. 12th, 2024 - Added small integrated spring to VortexBlasterCatch to help reset trigger mechanism
- Sep. 10th, 2024 - Updated VortexBlasterSpring with a more robust design
- Sep. 9th, 2024 - Updated VortexBlasterFrame and VortexBlasterFrameCover with better clearance for moving parts
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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