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Depending on who you are, where you hail from, and where you stand on guns, 3D printing and related issues, this bit of news will either thrill/astound you, terrify you, or compel you to emit the all-too-familiar phrase “meh.” But here goes: A company by the name of Solid Concepts has made the world’s first metal gun using a 3D printer.
Based out of Austin, Texas, the 3D-printed metal pistol made by Solid Concepts is based on the Browning 1911 firearm. Solid Concepts set out to make this gun in an effort to prove that they can make weapons that are fit for “real world applications.” To make the gun, Solid Concepts utilized a manufacturing process known as direct metal laser sintering, or DMLS. DMLS is a 3D manufacturing process used to make metal parts for the aerospace and medical industries. The application for DMLS in the latter example is specific to surgical tools, meaning it’s perfectly suited for the creation of precision firearms.
“The whole concept of using a laser sintering process to 3D Print a metal gun revolves around proving the reliability, accuracy, and usability of 3D Metal Printing as functional prototypes and end use products,” says Solid Concepts’ Vice President of Additive Manufacturing Kent Firestone. “It’s a common misconception that laser sintering isn’t accurate or strong enough, and we’re working to change people’s perspective.”
While 3D printers are becoming more and more affordable all the time, don’t get the wrong idea: you can’t just slap down a couple thousand bucks for a MakerBot 3D printer and hope to make your own firearm from the comfort of your own garage.
“The industrial printer we used costs more than my college tuition (and I went to a private university),” said Alyssa Parkinson, a Solid Concepts rep. ”And the engineers who run our machines are top of the line; they are experts who know what they’re doing and understand 3D Printing better than anyone in this business.”
In other words, there’s a big difference between the gun made by Solid Concepts and the weapons made by Defense Distributed, a Texas-based firm that designed guns intended to be built using 3D printers in your home.
Neat
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/11/08 16:52:06
Amidst the mists and coldest frosts he thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts.
The replicator is upon us. Next 10-20 years are gonna be really cool on this front. Has anyone started making table top models using 3d printers? There's a big change for an industry we all know.
LordofHats wrote: The replicator is upon us. Next 10-20 years are gonna be really cool on this front. Has anyone started making table top models using 3d printers? There's a big change for an industry we all know.
I need to find it...
There's a community forum focused on homemade 3d printers. Evidently it's cheaper and easier to maintain then buying a fully function 3d printer off the shelf.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/11/08 17:05:43
Though i always though sinterd objects tended to be brittle.
that's why they made the pistol, they're trying to dispel the myth that the process is brittle by making a precision firearm. In the video they mention they have no interest in the firearms industry, they just made one to show how strong and precise their process is.
'I've played Guard for years, and the best piece of advice is to always utilize the Guard's best special rule: "we roll more dice than you" ' - stormleader
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LordofHats wrote: The replicator is upon us. Next 10-20 years are gonna be really cool on this front. Has anyone started making table top models using 3d printers? There's a big change for an industry we all know.
Waiting for my shill money from Spiral Arm Studios
So is this actually a printer. As in it uses molten metal that is printed to a 3-D template, or is it just a fancy laser cutter that cuts stuff out of solid steel parts?
Because the latter is no different from a Lathe. just with a laser instead of a drill.
Self-proclaimed evil Cat-person. Dues Ex Felines
Cato Sicarius, after force feeding Captain Ventris a copy of the Codex Astartes for having the audacity to play Deathwatch, chokes to death on his own D-baggery after finding Calgar assembling his new Eldar army.
Grey Templar wrote: So is this actually a printer. As in it uses molten metal that is printed to a 3-D template, or is it just a fancy laser cutter that cuts stuff out of solid steel parts?
Because the latter is no different from a Lathe. just with a laser instead of a drill.
I have this feeling it's just the latter. This gak's not new; find me a 3-D PRINTER that can print a metal gun, and I'll be impressed.
See, you're trying to use people logic. DM uses Mandelogic, which we've established has 2+2=quack. - Aerethan
Putin.....would make a Vulcan Intelligence officer cry. - Jihadin
AFAIK, there is only one world, and it is the real world. - Iron_Captain
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I should really paint some of my models instead of browsing forums.
Grey Templar wrote: So is this actually a printer. As in it uses molten metal that is printed to a 3-D template, or is it just a fancy laser cutter that cuts stuff out of solid steel parts?
Because the latter is no different from a Lathe. just with a laser instead of a drill.
From what I could find it seems to actually work very similar to a plastic 3D printer.
It seems like instead of using liquid plastic to layer and then a laser to harden the plastic (which is how I think some of the newer 3D printers work) it actually uses a process that layers a very fine metal powder and fuses it together by melting it with the laser which results in the solid metal when it cools.
Interesting stuff really, but seems like quite a ways from home application there.
LordofHats wrote: The replicator is upon us. Next 10-20 years are gonna be really cool on this front. Has anyone started making table top models using 3d printers? There's a big change for an industry we all know.
Yes that's what I'm talking bout Cool stuff. More than I expected even. Customizable models is just sweet.
It seems like instead of using liquid plastic to layer and then a laser to harden the plastic (which is how I think some of the newer 3D printers work) it actually uses a process that layers a very fine metal powder and fuses it together by melting it with the laser which results in the solid metal when it cools.
A nice 30 year sentence for the unlawful possession of of printed firearms and this problem basically goes away.
RegalPhantom wrote: If your fluff doesn't fit, change your fluff until it does
The prefect example of someone missing the point.
Do not underestimate the Squats. They survived for millenia cut off from the Imperium and assailed on all sides. Their determination and resilience is an example to us all.
-Leman Russ, Meditations on Imperial Command book XVI (AKA the RT era White Dwarf Commpendium).
Its just a shame that they couldn't fight off Andy Chambers.
Warzone Plog
Grey Templar wrote: So is this actually a printer. As in it uses molten metal that is printed to a 3-D template, or is it just a fancy laser cutter that cuts stuff out of solid steel parts?
Because the latter is no different from a Lathe. just with a laser instead of a drill.
of the metal 3d printers i;ve seen it uses either a powdered metal or its mixed with another agent to make it liquid and its melted at the application site being built layer by layer
but this is pretty neat.
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Palindrome wrote: A nice 30 year sentence for the unlawful possession of of printed firearms and this problem basically goes away.
You'd think we'd already have laws regulating the construction of your own personal firearms.
That's what I was trying to remember. Is the receiver that is the only part that actually needs a license to manufacture? And is that only if you sell it?
Palindrome wrote: A nice 30 year sentence for the unlawful possession of of printed firearms and this problem basically goes away.
You'd think we'd already have laws regulating the construction of your own personal firearms.
That's what I was trying to remember. Is the receiver that is the only part that actually needs a license to manufacture? And is that only if you sell it?
Pretty sure yes to the first part, I believe its no to the second.
Self-proclaimed evil Cat-person. Dues Ex Felines
Cato Sicarius, after force feeding Captain Ventris a copy of the Codex Astartes for having the audacity to play Deathwatch, chokes to death on his own D-baggery after finding Calgar assembling his new Eldar army.
You can manufacture a firearm for your personal use without any form of permit or anything. State law may modify that, but as long as it's personal use, go nuts. I know this applies to rifles and shotguns, I am iffy on handguns but I believe you're good to go.
The following restrictions apply:
Any shotgun or semiautomatic rifle you make from an import parts kit must be 922(r) compliant. That means that it has to have 10 U.S. made parts at a bare minimum in the build. It's a stupid rule but it gives the ATF something to do I suppose.
Regulated weapons that fall under the National Firearms Act, (SBS, SBR, AOW) MUST be registered accordingly with the ATF so they need a serial number, you can legally manufacture a short barrel rifle or other NFA weapon at home, (for example I should put a short barrel upper on my AR-15 and that counts as assembly) but you need to sort the paperwork first.
It is illegal to manufacture or possess title III NFA weapons (machineguns) or title IV (Destructive Devices) without appropriate Federal licenses and permits. There is a feth ton of paper work to go with all of those licenses, and even MORE
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
KalashnikovMarine wrote: You can manufacture a firearm for your personal use without any form of permit or anything. State law may modify that, but as long as it's personal use, go nuts. I know this applies to rifles and shotguns, I am iffy on handguns but I believe you're good to go.
It does indeed go for handguns as well. So I'd imagine that you could laser print yourself a 1911 right now legally.
KalashnikovMarine wrote: You can manufacture a firearm for your personal use without any form of permit or anything. State law may modify that, but as long as it's personal use, go nuts. I know this applies to rifles and shotguns, I am iffy on handguns but I believe you're good to go.
The following restrictions apply:
Any shotgun or semiautomatic rifle you make from an import parts kit must be 922(r) compliant. That means that it has to have 10 U.S. made parts at a bare minimum in the build. It's a stupid rule but it gives the ATF something to do I suppose.
I agree you are correct.; and furthermore the statuee does not distinguish between handguns, rifles, or shotguns. It doesn't even need a serial number, although you will need to add one before you can sell it.
My feeling is that the latter element - which as I am sure you know comes up frequently with AK sales in particular, among others - has less to do with gun control at all, and more to do with protectionist trade policies.
So far as the OP; wtf is with that noticeable delay on the slide return when it's returning to battery between shots?
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2013/11/09 05:54:52
lord_blackfang wrote: Respect to the guy who subscribed just to post a massive ASCII dong in the chat and immediately get banned.
Flinty wrote: The benefit of slate is that its.actually a.rock with rock like properties. The downside is that it's a rock
Yes I noticed that delay as well. They said they made the springs too didn't they? I'd say either weak springs on our they need to smooth and oil the slide more. But still, a great start for something printed
Waiting for my shill money from Spiral Arm Studios
As opposed to what? poking people with sharp sticks?
Self-proclaimed evil Cat-person. Dues Ex Felines
Cato Sicarius, after force feeding Captain Ventris a copy of the Codex Astartes for having the audacity to play Deathwatch, chokes to death on his own D-baggery after finding Calgar assembling his new Eldar army.
Waiting for my shill money from Spiral Arm Studios
Well Ouze clearly has a shark with a minigun coming out of its mouth so thats a start.
Self-proclaimed evil Cat-person. Dues Ex Felines
Cato Sicarius, after force feeding Captain Ventris a copy of the Codex Astartes for having the audacity to play Deathwatch, chokes to death on his own D-baggery after finding Calgar assembling his new Eldar army.
I'm just saying, it's 2013. Where are the laser rifles? Disintegration rays? Phased plasma rifles in the 40 watt range?
The future has been incredibly disappointing so far. Still no flying cars, either.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Although we do have pornography on demand everywhere you go via computers we all carry in our pockets which are hundreds of times more powerful than those used for the moon landing. So, I guess it's not all disappointing.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/11/09 21:37:04
lord_blackfang wrote: Respect to the guy who subscribed just to post a massive ASCII dong in the chat and immediately get banned.
Flinty wrote: The benefit of slate is that its.actually a.rock with rock like properties. The downside is that it's a rock
Desert Hunters of Vior'la 
The Purge 
Iron Hands 
Adepts of Pestilence 
Tallaran Desert Raiders 
Grey Knight Teleport Assault Force
Cool stuff. More than I expected even. Customizable models is just sweet.
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