Rush pinball shooter lane rattle fix

Get better ball launches on your Stern Rush pinball machine!  For TL;DR, skip to “Parts Required” below.

This is based on the design that was originally released and sold by the NinjaCamp (NC) shop on Pinside.  Unfortunately their shop at this time has closed and there still remains a need for something to correct the ball rattle that can be introduced when launching a ball and it gets to the switch midway up the shooter lane.  The model was created from scratch in Blender.

The v1 model attempts to match the geomentry of the original NC part.

The v2 model is extended further down the lane towards the shooter rod in an attempt to reduce the angle the ball will encounter as much as possible.

The prototype prints created and pictured were sliced in PrusaSlicer and printed on an AnkerMake M5 with MatterHackers Build Series TPU in clear.  Layer height was 0.20mm, infill was 10%, the printer used the stock 0.40mm nozzle.  No skirt, brim, or supports were needed when printing with the flat side on the build plate.  All other settings besides filament were default.

At this point I have not tried printing with other settings; reducing the layer height or nozzle changes might make for smoother ball contact surfaces.  Increased infill or wall (top specifically) thickness could help stiffen the part and reduce the amount of engery stolen from the ball.  But the prototype is working very well so far in testing.

This part has been discussed in various places along the (very lengthy) Pinside thread.

The story as I understand it behind the orginal NC part is that it was first developed to go with their Rush inner loop fix to help keep the ball registering the associated switch every time.  Someone that had bought that kit wasn't needing the wedge that clipped on the wire rail.  They happened to have problems with shooter lane rattle and found the wedge part fit on the wire there and improved the ball launches.  I believe after this was shared with NC they then modified the part by lengthing it and offered it alone as a specific shooter lane fix.  NC had many great parts for the Rush pinball machine and the community is dissapointed that the shop is now gone.  They obviously must have had a passion for this pin.

Parts required:

None.  Existing machine hardware is used.

Printing:

I was able to print the part with no supports, brim, or skirt on an AnkerMake M5 using MatterHackers Build Series TPU.  Printed with the primary flat surface on the build plate.  I used 0.20mm layer thickness, 10% infill, and the M5's stock 0.40mm nozzle.  Other slicer settings were PrusaSlicer defaults.  Consider testing with thinner layers and increased infill.

Installation instructions:

1. (Optional, not confirmed a connector exists) Disconnect the flasher connector under the playfield for the flasher on the right ball return ramp, fish the wire up and out from the playfield.
2. Remove the two Philips screws securing the plastic ball return lamp to the metal posts.  You can get the part installed with only the step of disconnecting this plastic from the posts (no wire removal, no plastic art removal) but for ease of install the optional steps can be considered.  The plastic return ramp has plenty of flex to get underneath and install the part.
3. (Optional, not confirmed ease of removal) Remove the plastic over the Bastille Day 1789 targets.
4. Clip the printed part onto the wire rail that extends from the midway switch down towards the shooter.  I found it easiest to start at the thin end and slide into place so the thicker end with the bend finds the right alignment.
5. Test some plunges and make sure you are satisfied with the results.
6. Reverse the steps used to remove parts to put everything back in place.

Like this model and want to give extra thanks?  Consider buying me a beer!  https://paypal.me/craigpow Note the prior italicized text is my boilerplate sig.  The STLs in these specific models were built from nothing, but the overall shape and design was based on something previously produced.  As such only contribute what you think would be appropriate for a non-original idea that I then worked to turn into shared STLs so the part is out there for those who need it.  Maybe more Genesee Light level than a Delirium Tremens.   And if the NinjaCamp shop opens back up on Pinside, support them!  They made great stuff!