VasePlane V2 - Vase Mode Glider with Rubber Band Launch System

This model is the V2 version of the original VasePlane which can be found here. 

This glider is inspired by the stereotypical single seat fighter jet appearance and has a hook just under the nose so that a rubber band can be used to launch it. The design of the glider follows several key aircraft design and 3D printing principles, more details about this are given in the Aircraft and Model Design Principles section on the original VasePlane post linked above (for a full write up of the design choices and aerodynamics please refer to the original version). 

Printing the model is almost the same as the first one, except now the hook and rubber band holder also need to be printed. I have included them with the nose cone print in the .3mf file with per model settings so they have different infills. The rubber band can be a thick one or a thinner one and the holder provides a hole mount if you want to loop the band through or a slide mount if you would rather slide the band under the clasp. 

This model consists of a main body section printed in vase mode and a nose cone printed using regular settings. The main body prints nose down with the vase mode spiral printing from cockpit to tail. The nose cone is printed separately so its weight can be adjusted using infill percentage, allowing for balancing the aircraft. I have detailed my settings and filament below, you may have to print the nose cone with different settings (print a few) and test out which works best for you depending on the density of your filament. I have also included an STL of the whole plane so you can cut it yourself if you require a different length of nose cone.

Launching the glider

Hold the rubber band handle in one hand and the glider in the other, pinching it by its tail. Pull the glider back so the rubber band is taught. Careful not to pull too hard as vase mode prints can be pulled apart. Aim the plane slightly upwards to achieve best gliding characteristics. The plane flies best with some speed so the aero surfaces can do their job. However, aim at something soft like grass or a bed as the wings can break if you hit a wall!

Bit windy but flies very well!

Print settings

The settings used are contained in the .3mf files attached, here is a summary of the most important ones. Printed using the standard 0.4mm nozzle.

Main body:

Filament: Polyterra PLA - white, 205 degrees nozzle, 65 degrees bed

Layer height: 0.2mm

Supports: No

Vase mode: Yes, 3 solid bottom layers, accept PrusaSlicer vase mode suggestions

Nose cone, rubber band holder, hook:

Filament: Polyterra PLA - white, 205 degrees nozzle, 65 degrees bed

Layer height: 0.2mm

Supports: No

Vase mode: No

Infill: Nose cone → 60%, grid; Rubber band holder and hook → 25%, grid

Assembly

The nose cone needs to be glued on to the main body, I find regular super glue works well. There is a small notch on both the nose cone and main body that you need to align when glueing to get the nose cone on the right way up. Try to use a small enough amount of glue so that it doesn't squeeze over the edges as you need to align the edges by hand for a smooth nose cone to body transition. Once the nose cone is glued on, then put a bit of glue in the gap for the hook and slide the hook in. Putting the hook in second works best as the nose cone helps secure it.

If you are testing different nose cones, use barely enough glue to hold it on as that way you may be able to snap it off and test another one. Or use small pieces of tape to hold it on and glue the version that works best. I found that just less than 3g weight for the nose cone works well for me.

Reinforcement

The model can break when involved in a big crash as vase mode only allows for a single layer, so the main body isn't super strong. Try to land softly! However, a thin layer of glue/nail polish/tape in some key areas may help durability. These areas are on the body near the start/end of the wings/tail plane, and along the leading edge of the wings.

As stated above, more discussion of the aerodynamics and 3D printing choices can be found here: https://www.printables.com/model/436496-vaseplane-vase-mode-glider