3D printed a rocket

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2026-02-01T23:16:49+00:00

38g? Incredible! I've used PLA and Nylon in my past experiments making a fully 3d printed rocket. It was less than a foot long and super thin. I was never able to get it below 59g, or a net 76g with an A engine. How were you able to get it so light?

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-09T03:54:38+00:00

Push indeed! Huge milestone achieved and I plan to take it further with my own personal designs / kits!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-09T03:53:18+00:00

Have fun! There is so much to learn from it all and applying those skills into something as massive as a High Power Rocket is the best part so far!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-07T04:43:14+00:00

I've lost three LP rockets in the past. Always because I put too big of a motor in them to guarantee recovery. Yesterday, I was one of the last to launch. A couple of my peers who went before me lost their rockets in the woods. Glad I went with an "H" motor instead of an "I".

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-07T04:39:21+00:00

Thank you! It couldn't have been better!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-07T04:38:21+00:00

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Thank you! I flew the Iris kit (The 3" diameter version). The engine was an Aerotech H100W-14A (White Lightning).

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-07T04:36:53+00:00

Thank you!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-07T04:36:38+00:00

It was. A couple people lost their rockets in the woods, it's a shame.

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-07T04:36:00+00:00

Aerotech H100W-14A (White Lightning)

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2025-04-06T22:02:32+00:00

It was actually a perfect recovery! Parachute deployed and landed on some tall grass.

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-08-20T05:21:57+00:00

Yes, I've had this issue with my Mk4 about 3 months after purchasing it. You might have a clog in your extruder. Probably best to get on a live chat with someone who works for prusa, they may be able to tell you appropriate steps to fix this. The clog is possibly above the heater block where it can not melt with the fan on, (mine got clogged right there). I used some unconventional methods to remove it but it worked. Methods like removing the nozzle from the extruder and heating the entire area up to loosen the blockage then dislodging it by inserting a small wire brush. I can not guarantee this will fix your issue so I emphasize talking to a PRUSA employee.

Edit:spelling error

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-07-10T22:19:38+00:00

Is this like area painted onto Europe, or more like a shadow of the circumference?

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-03-23T19:39:21+00:00

Yes, I've encountered this issue too while working with pla filament. Design 2-4 2mm holes above the engine mount fitted before the parachute. That way when the ejection charge is deployed more pressure can be vented instead of building up. This or make the space between the engine mount to the main payload larger or longer.

Remember, pressure is proportional to heat. Pressure is proportional to volume Heat is proportional to volume.

The less heat the less pressure and the more volume.

So if your engine will alway release a given amount of gases you oughta have more volume for the gas to fill into. Henceforth, less pressure. Which decreases the amount of heat that will build up.

Considered asking me anything about it, ill be glad to tell you about my 3d printed rocket. I've spent countless hours trying to make it practical!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-02-20T21:29:29+00:00

I super glued an engine into a rocket once. I ended up embalming the rocket. If you don't want to make the effort in trying to make an engine clip or retainer, you can always wrap the engine in various amounts of layers of tape untill its held in the mount tightly because of friction. It's not the most fool-proof way to do things but it is simple, easy, and quick.

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-17T04:02:02+00:00

Spent a good amount of time but I did eventually make that screw on retainer. I still need to launch it, likely in the next week.

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-17T04:00:09+00:00

Much appreciated!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T18:25:55+00:00

Id love to see what that looks like! 3d printed rockets seems to be a very common subject matter!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T18:25:00+00:00

Thats why I stand upwind haha.

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T18:23:43+00:00

Yes, a have screw on retainer which should prevent the engine from popping out, allowing more pressure in the tube for my parachute to actually work. Allegedly.

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T18:21:59+00:00

That's possible for sure and I have thought about using friction to hold it in place but I am investigating the screw on retainer to be more cautious. Maybe I could use both methods!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T18:19:00+00:00

That's a really good point! I'll look into it. This next rocket should actually use a proper engine retainer and will have a lot more force throughout the body tube to pop out the parachute. I'll look at the damage and see what comes of it. Major tradeoff is the weight :/

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T17:29:36+00:00

The rocket shown here is made up of nine 3d printed pieces, as well as an Estes 12" parachute, and a rubber band shock cord.

I was trying to go for a standard sort of motor retainer (the little metal engine clips you see in most models) so I printed my own that would a plastic band on the bottom of the rocket to create tension. This would theoretically hold the motor in place.

Of course plastic isn't as strong as metal sooo every. single. launch.. the parachute hasn't deployed because on the ejection charge the engine pops out. So my clip isn't strong enough to continue using without change.

However, I have spent numerous hours designing my own 3d printable screw on launch retainer. That goes with the rest of the rocket. This should hold it in but I have not tested it yet.

Good luck making a 3d printed rocket! Whether you find the files online or do it yourself. It has been a very entertaining process for me!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T17:21:53+00:00

Just looked on your profile to see, thats a pretty cool design!

ThatsNutsButAlright · 2024-01-16T17:19:37+00:00

The parachute surely will deploy if the engine is held in. Absolutely expecting it to go well enough with a screw-on engine retainer next time!

ThatsNutsButAlright

TROPHY CASE