I have been kind of going a bit nuts with the 3D printing of rockets lately.

I am absolutely broke but I have a TON of plastic (literally about 500-600kg) so I can't buy anything but I can print anything I want so I do :-)

I have a knack for a technique I came up with years ago to use "vase mode"

in 3D printing vase mode is printing an entire model in "one single constant extrusion" with no layer breaks or line breaks. you could in theory "unravel" the entire model into one single long string of plastic thread if it were possible to take it apart.

this results in very lightweight parts that are resistant to errors (mostly due to zero retractions and zero travel moves)

My technique allows for complex multi wall multi surface models that still print in vase mode. a single wall rocket is going to be crazy light but also crazy delicate. my reinforced structure design models are anything but delicate :-)

I have been going nuts finding old models I love and converting them to be 3D printable. my favorite so far is the Estes Explorer Aquarius. at 115% scale its only slightly heavier than the OG at 4.8oz (the og is 4.2oz and smaller) so almost right on par mass wise.

Here are some pictures of my latest prints.

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All of my NARAM-60 models were 3D printed in vase mode. I did print in reinforcing ribs, but didn't go to double-wall because I wanted single-wall 'lightness' as they were competition models. They did turn out surprisingly durable and flexible printed in ABS. I did get a 2nd in EL and probably qualified in others if I'd had some more recent flying experience.

I'll be interested in taking a look at your efforts.

__________________
KE7FIZ
Nike Historical Society

Yes that is another way of getting a little bit more reinforcement out of a single role model I'm building higher power models so I need the extra strength of a double wall

But for competition models yes I would go single wall

Please post some pictures I would love to see them and face mode ABS impressive do you use it enclosure or is that open air? 0.4 mm nozzle I assume? I was thinking about making a double wall face mode competition egg laughter using a 0.2 mm nozzle in ABS because I think that would be pretty **** cool if it worked :-) I also have an idea of making the ribs using a shape instead of just a simple slot so that the rivet itself could be the shock absorption for the egg

Wow, love the color fades!

Yeah transitions rolls are fun!!

BTW here is my 3m tall critter 5in airframe

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https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3056609
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3061709

__________________
KE7FIZ
Nike Historical Society