Print It! Build It! Roll It!
Welcome Marble Coaster Builders!
Want to use your 3D printer to make something huge? Want to design your own roller coaster? Want to make a marble very happy? Ok that last question was strange, but imagine YOU are the marble and you're zipping along a uniquely designed coaster - not knowing if you'll fly off the track in the middle of the ride or make it all the way to the finish. Time to GO FOR IT! Send that marble down the track and find out what happens!
If that sounds like fun, you NEED to become a Marble Coaster Builder! Here's how:
PRINT IT
To become a Marble Coaster Builder you need to use a 3D printer to print multiple copies of the following four pieces: cube, square, gripper bar, and gripper. If you want to give your marble a good ride (30 seconds or so) you'll need to print about 300 squares, 50 cubes, 50 gripper bars, and 50 grippers. This takes time, so be patient, invest in some colorful filament, and get busy printing!
BUILD IT
The next step in becoming a Marble Coaster Builder is to use your printed pieces to build your roller coaster. First, find a nice flat space (perhaps a dedicated table) and assemble the coaster base. To build the base, connect about 300 square pieces together in a 20 piece long x 15 piece wide rectangular shape. You can also make the base much bigger – your call! With the base in place, begin constructing your coaster. In addition to the 3D printed pieces, to assemble your marble roller coaster you'll need a package or two of 1/4 inch wooden dowel rods and a package or two of 1/4 inch plastic tubing (you'll have to boil the tubing for 10 minutes and lay it in straight lines to cool and dry, in order to make it workable). Both dowel rods and plastic tubing are available at just about any hardware store
ROLL IT
The final step in becoming a Marble Coaster Builder is to roll your marble down the track. If it flies off and onto the floor, rework your coaster and try again. Once your coaster is running smoothly, make a video of it and send it to marblecoasterbuilder@gmail.com. Once a few are received, the website will be updated with your videos. Can't wait to see your creations!
Marble Coaster Builders Roll!
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