3D Printer

[Username000]

I had a crazy idea... Would anyone here want to get together for a group buy on a high quality 3D printer so we can print out guns and gun parts for personal use?

[PhilaBOR]

You realize of course, that 3d printer parts are crap compared to anything you can buy molded or machined. Oh, and you have to find the file you need, in the right (.stl) format. And it usually costs more, takes longer and takes some futzing to get it right.

But I can't get mags! 3D printing IS NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME!!!!!! Yes some people have made parts that work on a limited fashion. Read their articles and see how limited they are. Mag lips need to be metal. Most 3D printers make plastic. The ones that make metal are more expensive and feedstock is mucho expensive. Tolerances suck.

The whole point of 3d printing is if there were a major ban, someone could evade it. 3D printing IS NOT A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL MANUFACTURING in most cases at this time.

Sorry for the rant but I've used 3d printing, it's great for rapid prototypes but stamped, molded, machined and hammer forged make far better parts if you want a gun that lasts more than tens or hundreds of shots.

[beenji]

Not all 3D printers are created equal. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ-aWFYT_SU I have not yet seen anyone use a good 3D printer for the stuff we are talking about.

[FJ540]

It's a whole lot cheaper to buy pmags for 30 bucks than it would be to print them.

[george]

Here is a place for free downloads as I understand, with more to come as they become available.
http://www.defcad.com/
http://defcad.org/

[Ironbear]

...3D printing IS NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME!!!!!! ...

To be precise, they are not ready for prime time in the making of durable, usable gun parts.... they are, however causing a quiet revolution in engineering as they are very useful for many things.

[CarRacer]

The 3D printer you want is a five figure device. A makerbot isn't going to be able to produce what you're after.