An inventor and DIY tinkerer has constructed a partly 3D-printed railgun that is capable of firing aluminum and graphite projectiles at speeds of over 250 meters per second, or 560 miles per hour. If you've ever played Quake, you'll know that the railgun can wreak major havoc at least in the video game world, but this one can also cause some serious damage in the real world.
This weapon houses six capacitors that weigh 20 pounds and is capable of delivering well over 1,800 joules of energy per shot. It works just like a full-sized railgun and uses parallel electrodes to fire a bullet. Creator David Wirth also included an Arduino Uno R3 that enables you to monitor charging levels, temperature and other variables.
This railgun has a complex design and works magnificently, making it a true marvel of DIY engineering.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- 3d-printed Weaponry
- Incorporate 3D-printing technology to develop diverse high-powered weaponry without the need for a large manufacturing facility
- DIY Engineering
- Encourage and provide resources for DIY tinkerers to develop and innovate beyond traditional means of construction
- Electrode-based Firing Technology
- Further research and development in parallel electrode-firing technology could lead to advancements in multiple industries beyond weaponry
Industries Being Reshaped
- Defense and Military
- The defense and military industry could benefit from 3D-printing technology, allowing more streamlined and efficient production of weapons and equipment
- DIY and Maker Community
- Provide tools and resources to empower the DIY and maker community to create and innovate beyond what traditional manufacturing has to offer
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Advancements in parallel electrode-firing technology could provide new pathways for industrial manufacturing, allowing for more efficient and precise assembly of products
