Testing the limits of a MakerBot 3D-PLA-Print,
at 500MPH, on a high-power 🚀
I designed a 6″x9″ bowtie fin-can assembly, lathered it in high-temp epoxy, and launched it on an Aerotech J450 Skidmark at October Skies. Here is a video compilation: https://youtu.be/DckLPHraEfg
This was an experiment at the physical limits of what a MakerBot Replicator can print, a 6×9″ bowtie fin can on a 4″-diameter airframe, lathered in high-temp epoxy. She had her maiden flight on an Aerotech J450 Skidmark, and the fin can survived the ascent wonderfully (from on-rocket camera). There was a bit of pitch-yaw-roll coupling at speed perhaps from the asymmetry and strap-on video cam. Unfortunately, I did not have enough BP to deploy the parachute, and she came back to Earth horizontally, without any spin, perhaps a bonus for the bowtie design. While the fins shattered on landing, I can make a replacement print easily overnight.
The Rocket POV video camera attached to the rocket with a sturdy zip-tie, thanks to a 3D-printed camera sled by Jamie Claye. Worked great all weekend… even on my second flight, where I overcompensated by adding too much BP, and instead of popping the chute delicately at apogee, it exploded outward and ripped the airframe in half…. great video to come!
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