Flying Saucer Launcher

Launch little flying saucers surprisingly far.
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updated February 29, 2024

Description

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This simple disc launcher prints quickly and easily in a fun kit card format. Just snap a disc into place and the launch it by pushing it forward through the gap in the fork. It flies surprisingly far! I've also included a plate with the separate parts if you want to print them separately, or for when you (inevitably) lose the discs.

Printing
Printed in PLA with 0.2mm layers. The fork needs to print solid with perimeters to 6, although there is no harm in printing everything with 6 perimeters.

Assembly
The launcher consists of just 3 parts: the springy launching fork, the two-fingered grip, and the thumb pusher. To assemble, first put the pusher piece over the grip as shown in the 2nd photo. Then tilt the fork into the rear notch as shown in the 3rd photo. Finally, just snap the fork flat, locked into place by the front hook as shown in the 4th photo.

To load the disc, pull the plunger all the way back with your thumb, and then tilt the leading edge of the disc into the front inside edge of the fork as shown in the 5th photo. Then push it flat against the backstop on the plunger as shown in the last photo. Now you're ready to launch!

Credit: There are a bunch of similar disc launchers, but the earliest design I could find of this type was from davedelay on Thingiverse. Let me know if you know of an earlier version.


 

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The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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