3D Printed Water Rocket Launcher

This is a water rocket launcher system that is:

• Built from 3D printed parts, PVC pipe, and readily-available off-the-shelf components
• Easy for a novice to assemble and set-up, but is modular and expandable for advanced tinkering
• Portable
• Adaptable to parts found worldwide
• Low cost: Total cost per launcher < $5 USD

This project's goal is to make water rocket projects universally accessible. I welcome your help!

DESIGN CONCEPT

Launching a soda bottle requires water, pressurized air, and a triggering mechanism. 3D-printed parts can interface with cheap off-the-shelf parts to do this reliably and with a minimum of assembly complexity.

The assembly may look daunting at first, but almost all of it simply involves snapping together 3D printed parts. The hard work of holding high pressure is isolated to a Core assembly. Choose a configuration that matches your locally-available parts and design priorities and away you go!

To reduce clutter, additional instructions (to be updated) and design discussions are at https://magicsmokestat.com/water-rocket-launcher/.

SAFETY DISCLAIMER

Pressurized systems are inherently dangerous. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the safety, performance, or suitability of any designs, models, or analyses presented. I am not an expert and hold no formal qualifications in this field. Do not attempt without appropriate experience, protective equipment, and tools. 

Updated to Version 1.21 on 18 May 2022

This project was designed with Fusion 360 by Autodesk using the free hobby license. Autodesk also owns/publishes Instructables ad-free. In our micro-commoditized world, I find these to be amazing investments in the Maker Movement. Thanks Autodesk!

Supplies

THE SIMPLE VERSION

This modular design has many combinations of parts for different regions, bottles, and assembly complexities. If you are looking for the very simplest version, and you live in North America, this is what you need to get started:

• Print: Base 21.4mm, Clamp 17h 33d x6, Collar Universal, Launch Pin Universal, Foot US x3, Peg US x3, Carrier 21.4mm, Core TypeB Universal.
• Obtain:
• Schedule 40 1/2"-nominal PVC pipe, 3 sections of equal length for legs, 6-8" long
• Rubber bands, any, but silicone #33 (3 1/2" x 1/8") are nice
• String to tie to Launch Pin
• TR414 Tire valve stem
• O-ring 15mm ID x 3.5mm thickness x 22mm OD
• Bike pump/car tire hose extension 15-20cm
• Reusable straw, 7.6-8mm OD
• Bike pump with Schrader valve (the wider one, found on mountain bikes)
• A soda or seltzer bottle
• 5 minutes to snap it all together with Steps 1, 2, and 5 below.
• Then go launch!

THE ADVANCED VERSION

If you want more options, see below to choose your Pipe Size, Cores, and Clamps.

A) PIPE SIZE

PVC pipe is used as Legs for the base (required) and for launch tubes that interface with the bottle (optional).

This launcher is currently compatible with these pipe sizes:

• North America: ASTM Schedule 40 1/2" nominal PVC pipe (OD 21.4mm, ID 15.6mm). Compatible with 3D models marked “US” or “21.4mm”, Cores Type A and C
• UK: 21.5mm overflow pipe (OD 21.5mm, ID 18.7-18.9mm). Compatible with "UK" and “21.4mm”
• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 1477 DN15 PN18 PVC-U pipe (OD 21.1-21.5mm, ID 17.8mm). Compatible with "AUS-NZ" and “21.4mm”

B) CORE SELECTION

The launcher Base accepts different “Cores”, which are the central interface to the bottle. Type A and B are mature designs; other designs are in beta testing (see Step 7).

Core Type A: Strongest with the longest test record. Launch tube configuration, with stainless-steel bolt reinforcement; currently requires ASTM Schedule 40 1/2"-nominal PVC pipe and PVC cement. Takes a while to build.

Core Type B: Easiest to assemble and universally compatible as it needs no PVC pipe. Uses a “bottle stopper" configuration. No adhesives required. 

C) CLAMP SELECTION

Clamps are available for different common bottle dimensions. Measure in millimeters the height from the opening of the bottle to the far-side of the flange (this is “height”, or “h”) and the flange diameter ("d"). Select your clamp accordingly.

• 15h 29to33d: For GME30.37 bottles common in UK/Europe
• 17h 33d: For PCO-1881 bottles common in the US
• 21h 33d: For PCO-1810 bottles common in many parts of the world including Australia/New Zealand

PRINTED PARTS LIST

Based on your configuration chosen above, make your Printed Part List. 3D models and print settings are available for free at Printables.com (https://www.printables.com/model/86434-water-rocket-launcher).

All launchers will need:

• Base 21.4mm
• Clamp x6: Choose based on your bottle. Holds bottle onto the Base.
• Collar (universal): Holds Clamps together until launch.
• Launch Pin (universal): Holds the Collar in place until launch.
• Foot x3: Foot for end of PVC pipe Legs that have a retaining ring for Pegs and a bevel to lock into the Base for transport. US, UK, and AUS/NZ versions available.
• Peg x3: Ground pegs to anchor the Launcher into grass. US, UK, and AUS/NZ versions available.
• Carrier 21.4mm

Print parts for your chosen Core:

• Type A: Core TypeA Center (note 100% infill with supports touching buildplate for only this part), Core TypeA Valve Retainer, Core TypeA Valve Backstop
• Type B: Core TypeB Universal

NON-PRINTED PARTS LIST

All launchers will need:

• PVC pipe sections, 15-20cm long, 3x, for Legs (see notes above on sizing)
• Rubber bands, any, but silicone #33 (3 1/2" x 1/8") are nice
• String to tie to Launch Pin; braided polyethylene 36″-long suggested
• Air pressure source with pressure gauge and Schrader valve (e.g. bike pump)
• Long extension hose with pressure release valve, 4-6 ft (suggested)

For Core Type A, you will need:

• TR414 Tire valve stem
• O-ring 15mm ID x 3.5mm thickness x 22mm OD
• ASTM Schedule 40 PVC pipe, 7.0cm (lower) and 15-20cm (upper)
• 1/4"-20 stainless steel hex-head bolt, 2.5" long
• 1/4"-20 stainless-steel nylon-inlay locknut
• Car tire hose extension 15-20cm, heavy duty (recommended). Recommend REMOVING the internal spring valve from the extension hose (allows for safer depressurizations on launch abort)

For Core Type B, you will need:

• TR414 Tire valve stem
• O-ring 15mm ID x 3.5mm thickness x 22mm OD
• Reusable straw, 7.6-8mm OD
• Car tire hose extension 15-20cm, heavy duty (required). Recommend REMOVING the internal spring valve from the extension hose.

TOOLS

If building Core Type A, you will need:

• Disposable gloves
• Permanent marker
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• 100-120-grit sandpaper
• PVC primer/cement
• Paper towels
• PVC pipe cutter that makes straight edge cuts (two options shown above)
• Ruler
• Utility knife
• Slip-joint pliers (optional, but occasionally useful)

If building Core Type B, you will need:

• PVC pipe cutter (to make the Legs)
• Utility knife (to cut the TR414 valve for Core Type C)
• Kitchen shears (to trim reusable straw)

GETTING STARTED

Whew! Let's get started. Some of the Steps below will not apply to your build, depending on which configuration you chose. Note that pictured parts may differ from yours due to updates.

Step 1: Assemble Base

The Base holds the Core in position and uses Clamps to keep the bottle on the launcher until the Launch Pin is pulled.

• Put Clamps in place; hold temporarily with a rubber band.
• Slide the Collar over the Clamps partially, lining up the "PIN" notations on the Collar and Base, remove the rubber band, then press the Collar all the way down
• Loop rubber bands around each leg support and over the hooks on the Collar (3x)

Step 2: Assemble Legs and Stow Parts With Carrier

ASSEMBLE EACH LEG x3

• Collect your Leg pipe sections. They should all be the same length, but the exact length does not matter. 15-20cm (6-8") works well. If prioritizing portability, use 15cm. If prioritizing stability and planning to use larger bottles, use 20cm. Be cautious with pipes longer than 20cm; the longer the pipe, the greater the torque force on the Base. Ground anchors provide important stability; Pegs or sandbags will give you more stability than longer Legs.
• Insert the Foot into one end of the PVC pipe. Insert a Peg in the other end.

STOW PARTS IN THE CARRIER

• You will assemble a Core in upcoming steps. Take a note from the pictures of where this will go.
• Hold the Legs vertically, sliding each Foot behind a cross-brace and fitting into the groove in the Collar
• Put the Carrier over the end of the Pegs, lining up the "PIN" notation with the Base
• Slide the Carrier downward into place
• Stow the Launch Pin and wrap the cord around the cleats
• Stow an optional Hose Extension
• Add an optional clip

Step 3: Assemble Your Core

Each Core has different build instructions. Find the applicable Steps below for your Core.

Core Type A: Step 4

Core Type B: Step 5

Step 4: Core Type_A Assembly

Core Type A is the strongest Core with the longest test record. It uses a launch tube (tube that goes in the neck of the bottle) which preserves reaction mass (i.e. water) in the initial phases of launch. Core Type A uses a stainless-steel bolt as reinforcement to overcome the weakness to shear of 3D-printed parts. It requires ASTM Schedule 40 1/2"-nominal PVC pipe commonly found in North America.

It also requires use of PVC cement, so intermediate tinkering experience is suggested.

PREPARE PARTS FOR ASSEMBLY

• Prepare PVC pipe. You need two sections. Ensure ends are cut square and deburred.
• Lower pipe: 7.0cm (aim for +/- 2mm)
• Upper pipe: 15-20cm. Exact length not critical. Use the longest that will fit in your bottles to maximize benefit of launch tube.
• Assemble the Core Center by inserting the bolt and attaching the nut as shown with the 3D printed hex wrenches. Carefully note that the nut goes on the "bottom" side which has the bevel in the center.
• Cut the TR414 tire valve as shown to remove the rounded "mushroom" side.

CEMENT PARTS TOGETHER

Gather the pictured materials in preparation for the bonding steps. I recommend reviewing the detailed instructions.

• Bond #1: Lower PVC pipe to bottom (beveled side) of Core Center
• Bond #2: Upper PVC pipe to top (flat side) of Core Center
• Apply extra cement to the Core Center to allow wicking action to fill gaps in the print
• Wipe away excess cement
• Insert the Valve Backstop in the Lower PVC pipe
• Partially insert the tire valve
• Apply primer using a cotton swab
• Bond #3: Valve Retainer to the PVC pipe to hold in the tire valve
• Compress the entire assembly for 1 minute
• Allow 45 minutes to cure
• Install the O-ring in the groove

Whew! Consider making several Type A Cores at once to make the most of your setup/cleanup time. Assemble any other Core types you want, then proceed to Step 6.

Step 5: Core Type B Assembly

Core Type B is the easiest to assemble and universally compatible as it needs no PVC pipe. It uses a “bottle stopper" configuration, which is inherently lower-performing than a launch tube configuration but still pretty great. No PVC pipe or adhesives required. 

A reusable straw acts as a snorkel to prevent water backflow into the pump. It also enables a cleaner launch abort - it will drain the air while leaving water in place. It's preferred to use an air hose extension WITHOUT a valve so that the bottle will depressurize if the pump is detached. Tools are available to remove the valves.

You will need:

• 3D printed Core Type B
• O-ring
• Air hose extension, preferably WITHOUT a valve
• Reusable drinking straw, approximately 7.6mm (0.30") outer diameter, cut so it extends above the bottle water level

CORE TYPE B ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

• STEP 5A: Put O-ring on TR414 tire valve
• STEP 5B: Insert tire valve into Core Type B printed part
• STEP 5C: Securely attach the air hose extension
• STEP 5D: Seat the tire valve in the 3D printed part with a combination of pushing and gentle tug on the extension collet (spinny part). Don't pull too hard on the extension hose - it may pull apart depending on the strength of the crimp.
• STEP 5E: Insert the reusable straw

Detailed instructions are available here. Assemble any other Core types you want, then proceed to Step 6.

Step 6: Set Up Launch Site and Launch!

Find an open and flat grassy space away from trees and traffic.

Set up the Launcher

• Insert the Legs into the Base
• Position the Base on a level surface
• Stabilize with Pegs (in grass) or heavy objects (on hard surfaces)

Load the Rocket

• Insert a Core into a bottle. You can either detach the Core from the pump hose and put it in a right-side-up bottle (upside-down rocket), or use the slack in the hose extension to pull the Core up and turn it sideways to load the bottle.
• Load the bottle + Core onto the Base
• Lock the bottle in place by raising the Collar and inserting the Launch Pin

Prepare for Launch

• Ensure the launch site is clear and that no one is near the launcher
• Pump up the Rocket. Some slow leak is possible (and safer!) and not a problem.

Launch!

• Pull the cord to the Launch Pin. Blast off!

NOTES ON LAUNCH ABORT

Note: if a launch abort is needed, the best thing is to depressurize the system with a pressure release valve. Some pumps have these. You can also purchase hose extensions that have release valves. You can use a thin object (the Carrier's cord cleats work well) to press the Schrader valve's center pin to release the pressure. If you use a hose extension without a valve, you can disconnect the pump to open a path for depressurization.

Step 7: More Ideas

The above is a brief overview of assembly and use of the Launcher. Several modifications and additions are in beta testing, with files available at the parts repository on Printables.com.

These include:

• Core Type C (glueless launch tube-style Core designed with US, UK, AUS/NZ versions)
• Fin tests (snap-on fins)
• Payload/parachute tests

Further instructions and discussions can be found at https://magicsmokestat.com/water-rocket-launcher/.

Watch videos of launches.

Feel free to ask questions below and I will do my best to answer. Let me know if you need a model adapted to your local parts. And please share your makes!

Comments

[markandrewguy]

looks like an excellent design.
I do have a suggestion to improve range.
As soon as the rocket separates, it loses reaction mass. But by having the bottle sat over a pipe (Inside the bottle) The air pressure can start the vertical acceleration before loss of reaction mass.
In practice, it makes a real difference to range and direction.
Hope the idea helps.
Merry Christmas

[markandrewguy]

Sorry, forgot. the launch tube can NOT be 22mm (Pop bottles won't fit BUT OVERFLOW pipe is 21.5mm, just small Enough to fit inside a 2L pop bottle. .

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

Thanks for your interest and suggestions! You're right - the Tubeless Core loses reaction mass from the get-go, and that's a disadvantage of that design.

My initial design of the bottle interface (the one described in Step 2 as of this writing - "Launch Tube Core") uses such a launch tube (US 1/2-inch nominal PVC - 21.4mm) and gets that extra boost. It's harder to build, however, as it requires PVC cement. It's also US specific since it's sized to the 1/2" nominal ASTM spec - so the 3D printed part doesn't fit 21.5mm overflow pipe because of different internal diameters.

The newer interface (the "Tubeless Core") is simpler (no cement) and universal (no pipe required) but loses reaction mass early, as you point out.

I'd love to add a design for a Launch Tube Core for 21.5mm overflow pipe to the project. Please let me know by DM if that's something you'd be up to helping with. Or if you feel like shipping some overflow pipe to the States for me to tinker with. :)

[markandrewguy]

Hi, just looked on screwfix site.
Mine used a T joint like this one.
the 15mm horizontally. Unscrew the 15 mm collar and remove the grip bits. A tyre valve will drip in and screw down.
launch pipe in upper and stop end in lower. Mine had plywood hole with rubber seal and tywrap/ collar launch grip.

[markandrewguy]

By the way, the plumbing pipe etc. is normally good to about 6 bar. (The packaging usually has max pressure on it)
I remember doing research about bottles. If i remember correctly,
1) "Coke" has 17L of CO2 gas PER LITRE when pressurised.
2) Coke PET Pressure bottles are supposed to be tested to 170psi.

(I used an electric Foot Ball pump to about 60 psi)

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

Brilliant design for interfacing to the valve! Can you tell me more about the rubber seal that holds pressure in the bottle? Is there an O-ring in there? That seal was tricky to figure out in my designs.

Regarding bottle pressures, usual CSD ("carbonated soft drink") bottles are specified for around a standard CO2 load of 8.4g/liter beverage. (e.g. https://www.cetie.org/en/finish-data-sheets-gme_12... GME 30.37). My stoichiometry is rusty, but 8.4g CO2 => 0.19 mols CO2 => 4.2L at STP, which pressurized in a 1L bottle gives you around 4 bar/60psi(absolute). Which sounds about right.

There is of course much safety margin, so 170psi sounds like an appropriate bottle design target. Here's a good place to remind readers that one shouldn't exceed 60psi.

Thanks for all the info and pictures.

[markandrewguy]

My unit was primitive. The T was in a Plywood shape each branch in a hole. Launch pipe passed into a Plywood hole / block sealed by Silicone bathroom sealer. Between silicone and bottle lip was a rubber washer. Used various washers over time because bottles tended to damage seal & leak.
I tried using a washer made from a bottle lid.
I have not reflected on this for a long while, because being a science teacher i had an item i used a few times a year. And moved on to a air rocket design.

If T slipped into a 3d printed block. The launch tube hole could be an interference fit (Greased) with a recessed hole large enough to insert a suitable O seal or simular .

[markandrewguy]

The image rocket was a paper sleave over two linked 2L bottles.
tyre valve (valve removed) in base of lower bottle screwed through lid of upper.
The upper bottle sustaining thrust.

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

Very interesting. Getting a good seal that released reliably was a challenge. The Tubeless Core design has the advantage of being simple and reliable, though you lose reaction mass immediately. Launch Tube Core is finicky to build, requires US-sized pipe, but is moderately reliable. On my to-do list is a revision of the current Version 1.0 Launch Tube Core to better size the O-ring as well as make a version for the 21.5mm UK overflow pipe (to your original comment). It'll be a while until I get to those projects.

Does 21.5mm overflow pipe have standard internal diameters? My online searches are finding vague statements of "standard" and "thicker" walls. Any local info you can provide would be helpful. Thanks!

[markandrewguy]

As far as i can establish. internal diameter of overflow pipe (not pressure rated) is18mm
in UK nearest plastic domestic water pressure pipe is 22mm OD. 18mm ID

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

Thanks for the info!

[Jayatilaka]

Yeah!

[your wai leee]

wow intresting

[Arnov Sharma]

this reminded me of that old show Backyard science!

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

Thanks!

For anyone else who needed to look up the reference:

24:25: "I wonder if there's a prize for the first plastic bottle into orbit?"
Ball's in your court, Instructables!

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

I'm working on a new Launch Tube design that eliminates PVC cement, bolts, and pipes. It should be much easier to make.

Since building the Launch Tube is the hardest part of making the launcher, I'm hopeful that a new design will make this project more accessible. Please let me know if that's the case and I'll prioritize finishing the new design.

An update can be found here: https://magicsmokestat.com/toward-a-cementless-des...
Assembly instructions are here: https://magicsmokestat.com/water-rocket-launcher/t...
STL file has been added to Thingiverse with the other project files.

Thank you all for your feedback, questions, and encouragement.

[JamesD125]

I love this - thank you very much. I’ve been making water rockets for many years (for local Cub and Scout money raising activities) using zip ties and a plastic ring as a launch release mechanism but your design packs away much smaller and will be great. My old ones were also getting tired.
I’m printing 4 - slightly modified the core and feet to match suitable UK pipe sizes and bottle necks.

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

So glad you're finding this helpful! I'd be very interested in the design works for you
as well as your modifications for making it in the UK. My pipe (ha!) dream is to make and publish localized designs that can be made easily no matter where in the world you are. Please reach out by direct message if you have time to share. And please share your builds on Instructables when you're done!

[MagicSmokeSTAT]

Just an update for those reading: JamesD125 has been helping me adapt the design for UK parts. If you live outside the US and UK and are interested in helping adapt the design to your area, please send me a direct message.

[mrpesas]

What is the purpose of the Bolt and Nut in the Tube Core? I'm assuming it is just to add strength to the 3D printed part, but I wanted to check. Thanks