BB_target1_720.mp4

BB_target2_720.mp4

Overview

The goal for this one is pretty well captured in the target :) but the goal was to see if I could make an all 3d printed case that could consistently capture the BBs fired from my little CO2 target shooter.

Because I wasn’t (and still am not) sure what combination of materials, geometries, thicknesses, etc. of target provides the best stopping power for a BB, I decided to go with a design that would allow for easy iteration.

Target Body

The central component (and the one that is brutal on print time) is the Target Body. It is intended to be ‘infinitely’ re-usable part of the assembly, or at least that’s the hope. There are a series of grooves (or Panel Channels) in the walls of the Target Body that the target panels can be arranged in. This allows for quick, easy swapping of panels both for testing and for changing targets when in use.

I have only used mine with a relatively (compared to air rifles) low-powered CO2 pistol, but thus far the only damage I’ve had to the Target Body of my build is a ding on the frame on the right side. These edges definitely seem like the most likely failure mode, as an energetic enough hit here could potential damage multiple grooves. However, even that shouldn’t be particularly detrimental to use. Curious to see what method of failure that ultimately gets me that I didn’t even see coming! :) Feel free to let me know your predictions!

Target Panels

Although I’ve only included three different panels designs here, the intention is that this is where there is a LOT of freedom to innovate/explore! The below image shows the cross section for a 1.5mm thick panel, but essentially the main driving criteria to design a panel are:

• 2.5mm Radius cylindrical profile that extends to AT LEAST 45 degrees from the panel’s plane on either side (to ensure the cylindrical surface makes contact with the 90 degree V-groove in the Target Body wall)
• The center point of these two 2.5mm radius cylinders must be spaced 185mm apart.
• The panel should not extend more than 3.75mm from the centerline between these two center points. This is primarily just to avoid interfering with the large fillets between the Target Body walls and floor. If you measure and design to accommodate these, you could conceivably make a single panel that fills the full Target Body volume.

Target Panel

The Target Panel is a 1.5mm thick panel intended to be the swappable front target surface. I primarily have made them from PLA and PETG because I was too impatient to wait for TPU. But after the awesome performance of the TPU chainmail, I will definitely try it for all the panels next time I need some.