Oct. 28, 2014 | By Alec
3D printing projects don't need to be huge, multi-component, bank-breaking endeavors featuring a truck-load of electronics to be fun and successful. Sometimes, the most enjoyable projects are small, quick and manageable, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. After all, it's your 3D printer!
And in the spirit of keeping things small but fun, Steve Thone has created a cool design for a miniature, but actually workable crossbow. Consisting of a few 3D printable supplies plus some extras out of your girlfriend's bathroom cabinet, this crossbow actually fires and is a fun and safe toy for everyone. A safe crossbow? That's right, and largely true for its ability to fire Q-tips rather than steel-tipped bolts.
There are a number of popular mini-crossbow designs out there (some of them aren't even 3D printed), but unlike many of those Steve's version actually involves a working trigger as well. What's more, you can 3D print it on just about any FDM 3D printer using regular materials, and the designs can be downloaded for free here on Thingiverse.
Now, the crossbow frame will be printed in three pieces with minimal supports and upside down (with the handle pointing up). These are easily assembled and fixed in place with a little bolt.
The crossbow's namesake bow isn't even 3D printed, as quite a lot of pressure is exerted on it while firing. To provide some more durability, Steve incorporated two of those typical hair clips that your sister used to use. Just remove their center portion by bending it back and forth a few times, and it just snaps right off.
Finally, just assemble the few pieces. Glue the bows in place, attach some string, and load a Q-bolt into to place. You're ready to go!
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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AMnerd wrote at 10/29/2014 10:25:30 AM:
Please don't tell me you are 3D Printing weapons?!
mr.burns wrote at 10/28/2014 8:47:58 PM:
Awesome.
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