Is this the First Gun Built By a 3D Printer?

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 08-10-2012, 04:50 PM

The term “revolutionary” gets thrown around way too often in our marketing-saturated culture, but the 3D printer warrants it. Essentially,...»

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**2002ssslp** · 08-10-2012, 07:08 PM

How cool is that ? I still don't understand 3D printing but if I can make my own guns with canned software then I'm all in.

**Zinergy** · 08-13-2012, 06:33 AM

That is cool but isnt "3D printing" a broad term that could be used towards any computer program that is used to create a product. I mean almost every CNC machine these days has a computer system on it and many machinists are just programers of these computer systems. The programmer puts in the information and the machine simply follows instructions and cuts the part to spec.

**2002ssslp** · 08-13-2012, 03:21 PM

So it's just the same old CNC technology we have had for years ?

**35th-ANV-SS** · 08-13-2012, 04:16 PM

We have a 3D printer at work which uses ABS plastic to make parts. The CAD model is uploaded into the machine via software and the machine produces the part by making several thousands of "layers". The accuracy is impressive. You can even print models as assemblies. It's quite useful when developing a prototype. It takes a few days to print and it's considerably cheaper and the model is then used as an aid for design; fitment and functionality.

The machine we have is limited to a 12" X 12" X 16" size envelope, but there are larger machines available.

I didn't get a chance to read the article.

**Zinergy** · 08-13-2012, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by 2002ssslp

So it's just the same old CNC technology we have had for years ?

I am not saying its the same tech as he used a machine to create a polymer bottom end for the pistol but they basically state he programmed the machine and it created the gun. But you can do the same thing with metal if you make the gun out of steel using a cnc machine. You can design the part on the program and the machine will create it for you.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 08-13-2012, 05:55 PM

Correct, but you need a multi-axis CNC. They don't come cheap.

**Zinergy** · 08-13-2012, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

Correct, but you need a multi-axis CNC. They don't come cheap.

Yep used out of warranty the price drops fast. Still not something you see in most garages lol neither is a 3d printer though.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 08-13-2012, 06:45 PM

I believe our smaller 3D printer was around 30K. A CNC that has multi-axis (5 or above) machining capability can range from several hundred thousand upwards to close to 1MM new for a high quality one.

**0rion** · 08-13-2012, 11:24 PM

It's cool.....and I don't want to be Mr Negativity here but I'd like to point something out. If you were doing something cutting edge by creating a firearm on a 3D printer. Something that's probably going to make the news somewhere. Would you build one that looks like something a damn terrorist would carry around? Even though it's just a little .22 most people when they look at that gun see the same gun that's on the anti-gun pamphlets.

**Zinergy** · 08-14-2012, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

I believe our smaller 3D printer was around 30K. A CNC that has multi-axis (5 or above) machining capability can range from several hundred thousand upwards to close to 1MM new for a high quality one.

Agreed machines are not cheap even a decent 3 axis is at least 50k and they all have options and packages that bring the price up fast. 3d printers are cheaper in general but neither is common for the average guy to have.

**rschap1** · 08-14-2012, 08:44 AM

Stereolythography is the type of files used to create the models.
Very closely related to solid modeling used to generate 3D CNC programs.
We use a laser here at work that uses those files to create complex shapes in parts.
Pretty much like the 3D printer in reverse. But same tech.
Neat stuff.
Hot Rod magazine had a cover at one time of a GM intake running on a motor that was made on a rapid prototype machine (3D printer). Looked like a translucent acrylic. Helped develop port shape. Manifold could be tested/flowed then once perfected used for a casting pattern.