Sep 16, 2015 | By Kira
While the debate about 3D printed guns is still going strong, Vancouver-based designer Adrian van Wijk has been busy inventing a completely original, 3D printed, mechanical, multi-shot, self-priming rubber-band launcher — a much more fun and infinitely less dangerous spin on the classic 19th century toy. While some may still be uncomfortable with the idea of 3D printed firearms, even in toy form, the unique and novel design of Wijk’s design is worth checking out.
Some of the 27 initial prototypes
“It all started when I saw a vintage rubber band gun made using 19th century tools,” said Wijk, a self-described sustainability advocate and 20+ year product development veteran. “I wondered, how the same idea would look in today’s world of 21st century technology?” That train of thought led him to experiment with a stick, some carefully handcrafted keyboard strokes, and 27 different prototypes before finally settling on a thoroughly tried and tested model named the Loom Launcher.
The toy has several interesting features, including its ability to load and shoot up to 12 mini rubber bands and a semi-automatic, self-priming trigger. But what makes his design truly notable is that all parts are 3D printed in one go in durable, 100% recycable nylon. In addition, the mechanism draws on energy generated by the elastic bands themselves. In the spirit of sustainability and simplicity, there are no additional or complex parts required whatsoever. Currently, he has six different models designed, including the Classic, the Dirty Harry, and the Spy. As another refreshing twist, not all of the designs are guns. Both the Wizard and Princess models are wands, for those who’d prefer to play fantasy than cops’n’robbers. In addition, he has created several reward-dependent add-ons for project backers, including a range extender, laser sight and display stand.
“The Loom Launcher, whilst hours of fun and bringing a new lease of life to the much-loved elastic band launcher, is more than just the product or even the idea,” said Wijk in a blog post. It’s my homage to a new era of on-demand production and pushing the limits of additive manufacture, it’s an attempt at dipping my toe into the power and potential of crowdfunding.”
Wijk has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the Loom Launcher, which will be a completely on-demand production, and has already surpassed his $3,600 goal by over $5,000 (1% of pledges will go towards an environmental charity). Currently, he has six different models designed, including the Classic, the Dirty Harry, and the Spy. As another refreshing twist, not all of the designs are guns. Both the Wizard and Princess models are wands, for those who’d prefer to play fantasy than cops’n’robbers. In addition, he has created several reward-dependent add-ons for project backers, including a range extender, laser sight and display stand.
As a father of two, Wijk went the extra mile to ensure that his creation was as safe as possible, testing over two dozen Loom Launcher prototypes to destruction with the aid of his ‘quality assurance team’ (aka, his kids and their friends). Nevertheless, he does provide a fair ‘How to use’ leaflet with several security tips and warnings, and a common-sense disclaimer that if used improperly the Loom Launcher can be a safety threat.
For those interested in backing, the Kickstarter rewards start at just $5, which will earn you a copy of the .STL and .STEP files to 3D print a Loom Launcher in your own home. $28 will get you a pre-printed Loom Launcher Classic as well as the rubber bands. In order to produce the first batch, Wijk has partnered up with Anubis 3D, and can already promise that the first 5,000 backers will receive their rewards before Christmas.
While we can certainly appreciate the ingenuity and design skill that went into crafting this classic toy, it’s impossible not to take it out of the controversial 3D printed gun debate. Wijk himself is aware of this difficult question: “I’m sensitive to all those parents out there concerned about toy gun play as contributing to a foundation for violence. We need to address the root causes, as prohibiting guns, 3D printed at least, is not practically viable,” he wrote in another post. “For those who are uncomfortable with even fictional firearms, it doesn't have to be a gun. It can be a wand for kids to cast their spells by spreading the loom love around the house!”
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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