Micro Catapult
Arrives damaged? Free reprint, just film the box being opened. Returns policy
About this print
A small, print-in-place catapult that launches lightweight projectiles across a desk without any assembly or additional hardware. The mechanism stores and releases energy through the natural flex of the printed material itself, with no external springs or fittings required. It is used as a desk toy and an educational model demonstrating simple mechanical principles. PETG is a good choice, as its combination of flexibility and toughness suits the repeated flexing the mechanism demands.
From the original design page
Original maker's notes
By LukeTansell on Thingiverse · CC-BY-SA
Inspired by a Stratasys sample print, I decided to re-draw and improve the desktop, micro catapult. It can throw a small bit of paper, chunks of raft, and pretty much anything you can fit inside. Selected ammunition can be thrown around 2 metres, plenty to hit unaware victims at another desk!
It's a Print-In-Place model, without the need for any support material. It also takes advantage of the material properties, meaning that there are no external parts or hardware, it's just the material that allows it to flex and store energy. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ABS/PC I printed it in doesn't break or retain a memory from being fired over 100 times.
https://youtu.be/hgZHc_a9KLI
UPDATE 7-01-2017: I've now uploaded 'Micro_Catapult_INC._TOL..stl' which is a file with looser tolerances, for anyone having trouble with the original.
Formatting may have been simplified. These are the independent maker's instructions and fitment claims; Hark Tech has not independently verified them.
Printing Micro Catapult
For Micro Catapult we would normally reach for PETG — it is tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA, ideal for parts that take load or live somewhere warm. We set the layer height, wall count, infill and supports to suit the model and how you will use it, and those choices are already priced into your instant quote. Want a specific colour or material? Tell us and we will match it where we can.
Model details
| Downloads at source | 239,094 |
|---|---|
| Likes at source | 36,853 |
| Original model | View on Thingiverse |
| Designer | LukeTansell |
| Licence | CC-BY-SA |
More popular Thingiverse models
Got your own design?
You do not have to pick from the catalogue. Upload your own file and the price comes back in seconds, no quote form and no waiting on an email. Found a model on MakerWorld? Download the 3MF there and upload it here.
- STL, STEP and 3MF
- Priced from £6.90
- Free Tracked 48 over £40
- Printed in-house in Hampshire
Designing it yourself? We print from your CAD export too. Printing from CAD · Business and trade accounts