Jesse Kovarovics, MatterHackers’ August Hacker of the Month, creates the world’s first 3D printed foam dart blaster: the FDL-1.
In the case of foam dart weapons, you could possibly say that we right here at MatterHackers are massive followers. Critically, not one vacation celebration has passed by the place an all-out battle of flying foam darts ensues. So, for sure, we have been very excited to characteristic Jesse Kovarovics, creator of the FDL-1, for our August Hacker of the Month.
To print your personal FDL-1, go to the MatterHackers Digital Design Retailer, recordsdata are free!
The FDL-1
Kovarovics, a software program developer based mostly in Atlanta, first began 3D printing in 2014 when his spouse gave him what would quickly develop into his passionate obsession. “My spouse obtained me a Printrbot Easy Metallic equipment,” gushed Kovarovics, “as quickly as I obtained all of it put collectively, I haven’t stopped printing since.”
FDL-1 Full Package in Crimson
A pair years later and printing on two Printrbot Easy Metals with upgraded hotends, Kovarovics continues to be amazed on the potentialities of 3D printing: “I print issues as a result of I’m fairly positive 3D printing is the one coolest factor on the planet,” he declared (and we undoubtedly agreed).
“I might discuss for hours about why, nevertheless it actually comes all the way down to with the ability to design one thing in a totally digital setting similar to CAD, urgent a button, and it showing on my printer,” he added, “that blows my thoughts each print.” Along with his infectious surprise and enthusiasm, it’s no shock that Kovarovics started to begin printing for his different interest: foam dart launchers.
Precision printing at its best
The FDL-1 is the world’s first 3D printed foam dart launcher. Kovarovics mixed his tinkering thoughts together with his information of robotics to create the FDL-1, or, as he favored to name it, “the final geek kitbash.”
“For probably the most half the FDL-1 is a machine in and of itself and an entire enchancment of the frequent Nerf gun,” beamed Kovarovics. An enchancment is an understatement – this factor rocks.
Video options Drac, the Nerf Vampire. Try his YouTube channel
right here.
The FDL-1 incorporates a Particle Photon Microcontroller, which is the mind of the launcher, permitting the person to sync settings from their good cellphone, pill, or pc whereas the gun is in turret mode. Clearly the FDL-1 is much extra superior than any Nerf we have seen.
Darts feed into the flywheels with using stepper motors identical to those utilized in most desktop 3D printers. The motors can spin each methods simply, so if the FDL-1 turns into conscious of a jam, it will possibly intervene and attempt to repair itself.
Stepper Motors on the FDL-1 Desk Statue
Brushless Outrunner Motors run the flywheels on the FDL-1. They will spin actually quick, giving the gun its energy and stability. These motors are generally discovered on drones and RC vehicles.
Entrance flywheels
An Advance Paddle change permits the FDL-1 to mechanically advance the revolver to the subsequent chamber, which grants simpler and sooner reloading. With the paddle and handy rear loading system, you possibly can transfer to the subsequent chamber with out shedding using your second hand – that is enormous in Nerf battle technique.
Advance Paddle
In the event you aren’t blown away by how superior this juiced up dart blaster is but, right here you go: the FDL-1 has “Dart in Chamber” Detection. That is proper – it’s so superior that it will possibly shortly shift to the subsequent loaded chamber, each earlier than the primary shot and each after it. Fairly darn cool.
“Dart in Chamber” Detection
Kovarovics gives the FDL-1 on the market on his website right here. You may get it totally assembled, as a equipment to construct by yourself, or simply the electronics so you possibly can print your personal components. You could find the recordsdata without spending a dime in our digital design retailer right here. Undoubtedly take a look at his YouTube channel as properly.
As for the way forward for this epic foam dart launchers, Kovarovics is already tinkering round with upgrades and new fashions: “I’d wish to design a minimum of a pair different Nerf blasters or modularize the FDL-1 in order that components of it may be swapped out for different mechanics. There are different dimension Nerf darts and missiles that will be attention-grabbing to work with, in addition to different digital parts to discover. Whether or not it’s a completely new design or a tweak of the FDL-1 design, I’ll be creating foam dart goodness for some time.”
Please make it occur quickly – we won’t wait to take a look at what you create.
Do you suppose you’ve got what it takes to be our subsequent Hacker of the Month? Electronic mail [email protected], or message us on Fb or Twitter. Inform us about your 3D printed creation, and you could possibly be featured in our subsequent publication. Hacker of the Month wins 3 free spools of PRO Collection PLA or ABS filament to additional their pursuit of 3D printing greatness.
