Functional Counterweight Trebuchet Toy

Fully Functional 3D Printed Trebuchet

This isn't just a display model, it actually works!

This is a fully functional counterweight trebuchet featuring a working winch, ratchet mechanism, release system and projectile sling. Load the counterweight, wind the throwing arm down, pull the release and watch it launch.

With a counterweight of up to around 200 g ( 7 oz) , the trebuchet can launch small projectiles up to around 3 meters ( 10 feet ).

The assembled model measures approximately: 280 × 180 × 530 mm ( 11.0 × 7.1 × 20.9 in )

Fully Functional Mechanism

One of my favorite parts of this model is the loading mechanism. A working winch and ratchet system allows you to gradually pull the throwing arm down while the ratchet prevents it from moving backwards. Once the trebuchet is loaded, the separate release mechanism disengages the system and lets the throwing arm fire. The counterweight container can be filled with up to around 200 g ( 7 oz) of material. I used small white pebbles, but other dense materials can be used as well.

Cord Lengths

You will need cord/string to complete the mechanism:

Winch / throwing-arm cord: around 70 cm / 27.6 in / 2.3 ft

Projectile sling cord: around 20 cm / 7.9 in

These lengths are a good starting point and can be adjusted slightly depending on the cord you use and how you want the trebuchet to perform.

Printing

The trebuchet consists of 39 unique parts and 105 parts in total.

The model has been designed so that no supports are required.

Recommended print settings:

- 0.4 mm nozzle - 0.10 mm layer height - No supports Most of the assembly uses simple pin-and-hole connections. A small amount of glue can be used in a few places if necessary, but the majority of the mechanism is mechanically assembled.

Design Inspiration

This design is heavily inspired by the excellent 3D-printed Trebuchet by Racoon Artworks. Their project was a major inspiration for the overall appearance and mechanical concept of this model: racoon-artworks.de

I wanted to create my own printable version while retaining the satisfying mechanical elements that make a working trebuchet so much fun to use.

Performance

During testing, the trebuchet has achieved ranges of approximately 3 meters / 10 feet using small gravel/pebbles.

Performance will vary depending on:

- Counterweight mass - Projectile mass - Sling length - Cord material - Release timing Experimenting with these variables is part of the fun!

!!! Safety !!!

Although this is a relatively small 3D-printed model, it is a working projectile launcher. Never aim it at people, animals, windows, castles or other objects. Use it in a clear area and preferably use lightweight projectiles when experimenting.

Have fun building it (and even more fun launching it!)

STEP 10: Make sure that you align the holes from both the wrench and drum, so that you can later put string through it STEP 51: A little bit of glue around the ends of the pins is strongly advised to hold the mechanism together during siege

STEP 60: A little bit of glue might be nescecarry to hold the pieces together