beer robot motor selection

[brobot]

I'm working on the first phase of a project and I need to build a launch system that can shoot a beer can at precise speeds. The velocities vary from 1-9 m/s, so I was thinking that the best approach would be a pitching machine like design would be best.

Is torque as important as speed for this? It seems like the inertia of the flywheels is what actually will launch the can instead of the motors torque. The biggest problem is that I need to vary the speed from 500-6000 rpms pretty precisely. What sort of motor would work best in that range? It's a slower than most motors go, so would I need to use a gear system to make it work?

Thanks for any help

 

[sndscientist]

have you considered a pneumatic launching system? advantages would be size and it would be a simpler build.

 

[BobK]

I agree with sndscientist. Look up spud cannon.

Bob

 

[CDRIVE]

I also concur. I think it's a consensus.

Chris