Introduction
This blog provides ideas and an example for 3D-printed metal rocket test stands designed to accommodate the popular Estes-sized model rocket engines.
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| Rocket Engine Holders |
Why an Engine Test Stand?
To conduct rocket engine tests and measurements, a model rocket engine test stand was required. The stand was designed to serve as a motor anchor and mount on the horizontal axis. Since pricing from 3D metal printing companies has become more cost-effective, two stand designs were tried. Cost-reducing changes were implemented in the first revision test stands with a focus on reducing the printed weight.
Development and Manufacture
Autodesk’s tool, Fusion 360, was used in the development of the rocket engine holders. JLC3DP performed the 3D printing in stainless steel (BJ-316L).
What Changes?
Since 3D printing can be charged by weight (or volume), and because the thrust axis of the rocket engine is well established, the side walls of the rocket engine stand were partially excluded. The exclusion (cutout) in the stand body, as depicted in the images below, reduced the weight by approximately half. Additional changes could be made to reduce the weight if the focus were on cost-effectiveness, and with that in mind, the CAD files are provided at the end of this post for download.
3D Printed Test Stand
The first test stand was a simple prototype for Estes A-C engines. Some engines did not fit entirely into the 3D-printed metal holder, while others were easily inserted. This was because there are variations in the diameter of rocket engines, and older engines may have expanded with age.
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| Model of Model Rocket D Engine Holder |
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| Model of Model Rocket C Engine Holder |
Some videos below show how the motor was mounted. As a side note, the exhaust temperature was measured at almost 600 C, 100 mm from the engine nozzle.
Downloads
Files are exported from Fusion 360.
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Fusion 360 C Engine Holder Model
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The D engine holder model below has a 0.5 mm larger bore than the model in the above videos.
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Fusion 360 D Engine Holder Model
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