Introduction: Paper Airplane Launcher (laser Cut)

Hello makers!

Launcher of paper airplanes built using laser cutting.

This project is easy to implement and low cost and can be built with children.

Step 1: Supplies

  • Laser Cut machine
  • 3mm MDF sheet
  • DC motor 3v - 6v ≅2400 rpm
  • Craft Foam (EVA) ≅3mm
  • Miscellaneous wires and welding equipment
  • Super glue and stick glue
Optional
  • Color printing A4
  • Paint spray for finishing

Step 2: The Cut

All the structure of the design and based on laser cutting of the mdf sheet.
you can find here the files in pdf, dxf and ai for the edition and execution of the cut in your machine or in a fablab.

If it is to send to a Fab Lab in general they use the .dxf files
Each piece features a number that assists in assembly but is not required for construction.


Check that the area of the outer rectangle is equal to 350 x 320 mm

You are ready to cut.

If you want to apply a layer of paint to the surface of the wood for finishing the best time is after cutting the pieces

Step 3: Construction of Motor Unit  

For the construction of the engine assembly we will glue two circular pieces to the motor shaft and glue an eva foam strip to increase the friction of the discs to the surface of the paper airplane.

Note that any imbalance of the disc will cause undesirable vibrations in the structure, so make sure that the assembly is as firm and aligned as possible.
I recommend using hot glue to fill the space between the shaft and the disc.

Step 4: Finishing the Launch Pad (optional)

If you wish to finish the runway just print the attached pdf file and paste it on the runway surface by looking at the correct glue position (note the images above)

Step 5: Assembly

Now with the two sets of engines ready and the track already with the glued impression we can assemble the whole structure.

  1. by the engagement of the motors to the bottom plate.
  2. welding of the wires to the motor poles, verifying that the direction of rotation is the same as that of the image.
  3. pasting the 10 side plates.
  4. gluing the top plates (tracks).
  5. gluing the two front pieces.
be careful that the discs do not touch or scratch any part of the frame thus

Step 6: Paper Airplane

Congratulations your launcher is ready !!! <3

Now it's time to test your aircraft launch by building your planes be creative and mark me on the instagram @labdetest I want to see your projects. ^_^

Remember if the plane is too thin the wheels will not have friction with the surface which would result in a slow speed in the airplane one way to solve this is to glue one or two tapes of eva the surface of the airplane that came in contact with the wheels.