In this Instructable, I will be teaching you how to build your very own ping pong ball launcher! Using the tension released from pulled rubber bands, this launcher is able to shoot a ping pong ball out several feet. This launcher is easy to build and very fun to use. With the exception of a 3D printed tube, it can be make using items found in most households.

Supplies

2 rubber bands

3D printer

Embroidery floss

1 circular bead

1 ping pong ball

A ruler

Scissors

Pictures of the supplies I used

Step 1: Build on Tinkercad

The first step in making this ball launcher is to design its base on Tinkercad. The launcher base is a hollow circular tube with an open top and bottom. There would also four equally sized and spaced notches in the top lip of the tube. The tube needs to be 5 inches tall, with a radius of 1.25 inches, and notches that are .1 inches wide going .25 inches deep into the cup.

Step 2: 3-D Print

Send the CAD to a 3-D printer and print out the design. It took me around 3 hours to print, but all of this will depend on which type of printer you are using.

Step 3: Rubber Band Assembly

Put one rubber band through two notches that are on opposite sides of each other so that the band makes a line line through the middle of the tube.
Put the second rubber band through the two remaining notches. Now the two rubber bands should form an x shape through the middle of the tube.

The release of the tension from these rubber bands will be what shoots the ping pong ball.