Students from the Inholland University of Applied Sciences have built a fully 3D printed rocket as a part of their aviation technology course.

Students studying aviation technology at the Inholland University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands have built a fully 3D printed rocket. And they’ve shared the blueprints so that anyone with access to a 3D printer can join in the fun.

Previously, the students used their school’s collection of Ultimaker 3D printers to develop and launch two eight-foot rockets. These projectiles are made with select 3D printed parts and composite carbon fiber parts.

But for this project the entire rocket is fully 3D printed, which requires a totally new design approach. The challenge is to take the mechanical properties and weight of different parts into account.

The model rocket is comprised of six 3D printed components, which together take approximately two entire days to print. All the parts are assembled with modeling glue (except for the Nosecone which needs to separate during flight).

The only components which are not 3D printed are the D12-3 USA model rocket engine; a parachute with a diameter of about 70 centimeters, a launch platform, and the Electron Beam Launch Controller ignition system.

Learn to Build the Fully 3D Printed Rocket Model

The entire lesson plan for the fully 3D printed rocket project is freely available via Ultimaker. The 3D printable STL files are available to download from YouMagine.

To foster a spirit of competition, the lesson plan also includes a set of regulations and tests. Participating students and teams must complete this checklist with their 3D printed rocket.

According to Martin Kampinga, the aviation technology professor at Inholland, every university should integrate 3D printing into their educational curriculum.

“Students that are graduating 4 years from now will see that technologies have changed in the course of their studies. Educational institutions should provide students with the latest knowledge and developments and show them that alternative production methods like 3D printing exist.”

3D printing is just the focal point of this advanced aviation course; the technology itself is widely recognized as an powerful production tool for rockets. For instance, NASA tested an almost fully 3D printed rocket last year, while the company Rocket Crafters has been granted a patent for 3D printed rocket fuel.

As 3D printing becomes more a viable tool for prototyping purposes and end-use applications, particularly in the aerospace industry, it’s vital this expansive technology is recognized and supported within the educational sector. With their 3D printed rocket plans, the students at Inholland University are helping to blaze the trail.