Customisable Modular Model Rocket

This is a simple, cheap and flexible modular model rocket design in OpenSCAD.

Using Customizer you can:

  • Select a rocket size (e.g. mini, standard, C)
  • Choose how many fins and what size
  • Vary the height of the various sections (finCan, body, nose cone, etc)
  • Alter the type of nose cone
  • Add an optional, payload section
  • Set your guide rod size
  • Tweak the tolerances for your printer

Make sure to customize and export the various parts, then get printing.

The rockets are fairly durable, even without a recovery system, but the heat from the rocket engines mean the finCan will only last a few flights (if using PLA). Nonetheless, this is a very fast/cheap way to play with different model rocket designs and great fun with kids - especially as they can design their own rockets.

I'd recommend tweaking the Perimeter value to generate 2 perimeters in your slicer (probably around 1mm) - one perimeter just melts too quickly.

Here's a video of some of these flying - we were running late to the field, so didn't have time to add drogues/parachutes, but they are highly recommended:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j5vvKFOFlI&feature=youtu.be

The OpenSCAD should be a good starting point if you want to design your own sections for the rocket, or add different nose cones, fin types, etc.

Updates

  • Support for swept back fins and automatic print support for rocket body
  • Improved coupling joints (lighter, sprung fit)
  • Fins can now be twisted to rotate the rocket in flight (for stability)
  • Option of a shockcord fixing at the base of the payload coupling
  • Added Haack nose cone type (constant be varied for LV, LD or anything in between)
  • Fins tips can now be offset vertically
  • Added support for guide rails (rail buttons) as well as guide rods
  • Added payload bulkhead option
  • Fixed STL generation bug for nose cone
  • Added additional fin and nose cone shapes
  • Added option to generate complete rocket as single STL (without internal couplers, etc)