www.3ders.org

Aug 26, 2015 | By Simon

As a 20+ year product development veteran with designs that have been granted multiple patents and won international & eco design awards, industrial designer Adrian van Wijk is no stranger when it comes to bringing product ideas into reality.   

“The products I design are tools that help unlock experiences so people can enjoy and engage with their environments,” he explains.  “I’m here to design with the focus on better, not more.”  More recently, the talented designer and father of two boys turned his attention to redesigning what is arguable one of the best toy designs of all time - the rubber band gun. “It all started when I saw a vintage rubber band gun made using 19th century tools,” he explains.   “I wondered, how the same idea would look in today’s world of 21st century technology?”

Of course, it’s hard to think about 21st century technologies without thinking about 3D printing - and thus, the Loom Launcher 3D printed, mechanical, multi-shot, self-priming, rubber-band launcher was born.  Perhaps what’s most impressive however, is that the Loom Launcher can be created in a single print without the need for assembling multiple parts - the result of over two-dozen prototypes and many keyboard strokes.  

“What makes this design unique is all the parts are printed in one go with a laser powered 3D printer, and the energy needed to make the mechanism work comes from the elastic bands you load into the launcher,” says van Wijk.   

“I think it’s amazing! I’ve worked with many mechanisms (even patented a few) and have never seen anything like this before, so I want to share it with everyone.”

The unique launcher design is capable of loading and shooting up to 12 rubber bands at a time with a semi-automatic, self-priming trigger.  Although users are able to 3D print their own, van Wijk’s own designs were 3D printed out of high quality SLS nylon.  Because the Loom Launcher is printed as one part, there are no replacement parts.

According to van Wijk, all of the designs have been extensively tested using SLS Nylon and although some tinkering may be required when printed on other 3D printers, the DIY-3D (Filament Model) has been extensively tested and should print on any filament printer with a 100mm² build plate.

Currently, van Wijk is seeking funding on Kickstarter to help get the word out with six rewards designed and ready to go including a range extender, a laser sight, internal storage and a display stand.  According to van Wijk, the first 5000 backers will receive their rewards before Christmas - meaning that this just might be the perfect stocking stuffer for you or your loved one.    

“I’m an experienced Industrial Designer who is passionate about designing and making things awesome. I’ve tested over two dozen Loom Launcher prototypes and then carried on testing to destruction, before arriving at a solution I’m happy to launch on Kickstarter.”

Those interested can obtain the STL file for creating your own Loom Launcher for just $4 USD while an SLS nylon model starts at just $20.  Find out more by heading over to the Loom Launcher Kickstarter page.  

 

Posted in 3D Printing Applications

 

 

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