The Science Behind T-Shirt Launchers: How Do They Work?

T-shirt launchers, also known as air cannons, are a unique and entertaining way to promote a team or company. They are often used at sporting events to fire t-shirts into the crowd, creating a fun and interactive experience for fans. These launchers use compressed air or CO2 to propel t-shirts or other items over long distances. While the basic principle is similar to that of a paintball gun, the design and construction of a t-shirt launcher can vary, with some people even choosing to build their own using PVC pipes, batteries, and switches. The t-shirts are typically rolled up and secured with a rubber band before being placed in the launcher, which can then be aimed and fired, creating an exciting and memorable experience for those on both ends of the cannon.

T-shirt preparation: roll and secure with a rubber band

To prepare a T-shirt for a T-shirt launcher, follow these steps to roll and secure it with a rubber band:

First, lay the T-shirt on a flat surface, with the front side facing up. Next, fold the bottom of the shirt upwards to create a 3-inch cuff. Then, fold the shirt horizontally in half, checking the back of the cuff, and unfold it. Now, you'll need to start rolling the shirt. Fold one side of the shirt over about one-third of the way, and then fold the sleeve over itself. Repeat this process for the other side, bringing the other sleeve over itself. Rotate the shirt 180 degrees, and then tightly roll the shirt until you reach the cuff. Fold the cuff inside out over the rolled shirt, and you're almost done! Finally, use a rubber band to secure the roll. Place it inside the cuff to keep it in place and ensure a neat finish.

Now your T-shirt is ready for the launcher!

Air tank assembly: use PVC, valves, and regulators

To make a lightweight PVC air tank, you will need a few supplies, most of which can be purchased at a hardware store. The total cost of the supplies should be less than $4 if you get your supplies from the right places.

Firstly, you will need a PVC pipe, with matching PVC end caps. The size of the pipe is up to you, but the bigger the better. You will also need a bike tire valve, also known as a Schrader valve, which you can get for free at most bike shops. You can also use a car tire valve. Additionally, you will need a garden hose nozzle, and a threaded soda bottle spout (optional). For tools, you will need hot glue, super glue, or plumber's glue, and a drill or knife.

Drill some holes in your PVC end caps, with one hole slightly bigger than the other. The smallest hole should be big enough to fit the bike tire valve through, which is about 1/4" in width. The bike tire valve should then be glued to the inside of the hole, ensuring it is airtight with no air leaks. Now, for the other cap with the bigger hole, if you are using the threaded soda bottle spout, glue the spout directly on top of the larger hole. Ensure this is also airtight by screwing on the garden hose nozzle tight and blowing into the cap, listening for any air leaks. To get the threaded soda bottle spout, find a soda bottle that screws perfectly into your hose nozzle, and then saw off the end. If you are not using a soda bottle spout, simply glue the hose nozzle on top of the drilled hole.

Now, to make the body of the tank, take your PVC pipe and glue the PVC end caps to each end. Note that hot glue should only be used for low-pressure uses, while super glue or plumber's glue should be used for high-pressure uses. Make sure all PVC is pressure-rated.

To use the air tank, simply fill it up using either a bike pump or an air compressor. Connect the hose from either your pump or compressor to the Schrader valve and fill to the needed pressure. Then, to release the air, press the trigger on the hose nozzle, and air will stream out of the tank.

Firing mechanism: control pressure and trigger release

The T-shirt launcher is a fun and unique way to promote your brand or team. The firing mechanism of the launcher is controlled by a series of valves and regulators that allow for the gas source (CO2) to be regulated.

The pressure can be controlled, which in turn will determine the distance the launcher will shoot the T-shirt. The trigger, when pressed, releases the regulated gas from the reservoir through the barrel, propelling the T-shirt. It is important to note that the T-shirt must be prepared correctly to ensure a successful launch. The T-shirt should be tightly rolled up with a rubber band placed around it to hold the roll.

To build your own T-shirt launcher, you will need PVC, batteries, and switches. The PVC pipes and pipe fittings should be solvent-welded together to make the barrel and air tank assemblies. The 3-inch (air tank) and 2-inch (barrel) pipes should be reduced to fit the 1-inch solenoid valve openings. Iron pipe nipples can be used to connect the solenoid valve to the PVC fittings on the air tank and barrel. To prevent leaks, apply pipe-thread sealant.

Drill a 15⁄64-inch hole centred on the flat part of the 3-inch end cap. Tap the hole, insert the tank valve, and screw the cap to the pipe. Use a compressor or foot pump to fill the tank to 40 psi. Check the pressure and test for leaks with a tire gauge. Build a circuit to control the launch by connecting three 9-volt batteries in series with a toggle switch, a push-button trigger, and the solenoid.

Once the mechanism is built and the T-shirts are prepared, you are ready to fire! Tightly roll a T-shirt, slip it into the muzzle, and push it to the bottom of the barrel with a broomstick. Put on safety glasses and connect to the air tank. Pressurise to 40 psi, set the toggle switch to on, aim, and fire away!

Safety considerations: adult supervision and safe distance

T-shirt launchers can be a fun and unique way to promote your team or company. However, it is important to follow safety precautions to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when operating a t-shirt launcher:

Adult Supervision

It is crucial to have adult supervision when using a t-shirt launcher. This is not a toy, and improper use can lead to potential hazards. An adult should be present to oversee the operation of the launcher and ensure that all instructions are followed correctly. They should also be responsible for handling the launcher and ensuring that spectators maintain a safe distance.

Safe Distance

Maintaining a safe distance between the launcher and spectators is essential. When firing the launcher, it is recommended to aim at targets that are at least 30 feet away. This distance reduces the risk of accidental impact and ensures that the t-shirts or other projectiles reach their intended targets without causing harm. It is important to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid firing in crowded areas or where there is a risk of hitting bystanders.

In addition to the above, here are some further safety precautions to consider:

• Operator Safety: The operator of the t-shirt launcher should wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, to shield their eyes from any debris or projectiles.
• Target Awareness: Ensure that the target area is clear of bystanders, especially children and vulnerable individuals. Always be aware of your surroundings and never fire the launcher in a reckless manner.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect the t-shirt launcher for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that all parts are securely connected and there are no leaks. Proper maintenance reduces the risk of malfunctions and ensures the longevity of the equipment.
• Ammunition Choice: Only use recommended projectiles provided or approved by the manufacturer. Avoid using hard or unsafe objects that could cause injury. Rolled-up t-shirts with rubber bands are a popular choice, but other approved items like stress balls or stuffed animals can also be used.
• User Instructions: Carefully read and follow the user instructions provided by the manufacturer. Each launcher may have specific guidelines, and adhering to them is crucial for safe operation.

Customisation: colour, logo, length, and diameter options

T-shirt launchers come in a variety of colours, including black, silver, and blue. They can also be customised with different logos, lengths, and diameters. For example, the Micro Mini model comes in both silver and blue.

In addition to colour, logo, length, and diameter customisations, t-shirt launcher manufacturers offer a wide range of other customisation options. These include custom mounts, shapes, and triggers. For instance, Tshirtgun.com offers a custom T-Shirt Gatling Gun with a custom mount and trigger system. They also provide custom shapes such as a guitar, hot dog with toppings, wine bottle, and banana. These custom launchers are built using cutting-edge technology and offer sponsors a unique and fun promotional opportunity.

Customisation options are also available for the Vortex Stress Ball Cannon, which can be wrapped with a custom-printed logo, providing maximum exposure for brands. Furthermore, the DAGGER model, a low-pressure t-shirt cannon, can be customised with a stand, which must be purchased separately.

Overall, t-shirt launcher customisation options are diverse and can be tailored to meet specific requirements, whether it's for promotional purposes, brand exposure, or simply personal preference.

Frequently asked questions