Ball Launcher

In this Instructable, I will be teaching you how to build your very own ping pong ball launcher! Using the tension released from pulled rubber bands, this launcher is able to shoot a ping pong ball out several feet. This launcher is easy to build and very fun to use. With the exception of a 3D printed tube, it can be make using items found in most households.

2 rubber bands

3D printer

Embroidery floss

1 circular bead

1 ping pong ball

A ruler

Scissors

Pictures of the supplies I used

The first step in making this ball launcher is to design its base on Tinkercad. The launcher base is a hollow circular tube with an open top and bottom. There would also four equally sized and spaced notches in the top lip of the tube. The tube needs to be 5 inches tall, with a radius of 1.25 inches, and notches that are .1 inches wide going .25 inches deep into the cup.

Send the CAD to a 3-D printer and print out the design. It took me around 3 hours to print, but all of this will depend on which type of printer you are using.

1. Put one rubber band through two notches that are on opposite sides of each other so that the band makes a line line through the middle of the tube.
2. Put the second rubber band through the two remaining notches. Now the two rubber bands should form an x shape through the middle of the tube.

The release of the tension from these rubber bands will be what shoots the ping pong ball.

1. Cut 10 inches of string.
2. Tie the end of the string around the intersection of the two rubber bands and pull the string through the bottom of the tube.

You will pull on the string to create tension in the rubber bands and then let go of it to release the tension and launch the ball.

1. Take a bead and tie the long end of the string around it.

You will use the bead to get a better grip on the string to pull it and release it.

To use the ball launcher, you first place the ping pong ball on top the rubber bands.

Pull the string towards you and tilt the launcher sideways.

Aim the ball, then release the string to launch.

Enjoy!