Because our goal is to print the rubber band gun and all of its moving parts in one print we will need to use melt dissolving supports. Our second print we will bring the moving parts inside the gun to check if they run smoothly when printed as one part. If it is possible, it may be advantageous to print the gun sitting flat on the table so the print direction is perpendicular to the force of the rubber band.įor our first iteration we will print the wheel to analyze the force it can withstand and if it is strong enough to support the rubber bands. These tabs are responsible for holding the rubber band, so they will have a force acting on them – leading to a high likelihood of failure in shear. Small clearances may allow for a smoother operation up to a point, but may cause parts to print together if too small.Īnother point that must be considered is the print direction and geometry of the tabs surrounding the wheel of the gun.

When manufacturing the rubber band gun, the first consideration that will have to be made is the ability for parts to free move while fitting together well. All parts will be designed so they can be supported with dissolving structures. The trigger will be responsible for allowing a rubber band to release after it is pulled, while the wheel holds all rubber bands in tension from the muzzle.The frame will hold both of these components in an ergonomic package. Our preliminary design is a three component assembly consisting of a trigger, wheel, and frame. To show the iteration of the construction of a multi-component assembly using additive manufacturing technologies, a rubber band gun will be optimized and created with just one print. Optimization of print direction to deal with the stresses seen by the assembly is more of a compromise than a combination of ideal directions. The printing of these assemblies can be more difficult than just creating a single component because the print direction – or layering – of one component has to correspond with that of another. Additive manufacturing processes have the benefit of creating assemblies with moving components that require no post-manufacturing assembly.

3d print stl file rubber band gun free