3D printed 1911!

[Pat Cannon]

Saw this on Guns.com. http://www.guns.com/2013/11/07/solid-co ... 911-video/

Holy crap, if this is all correct, 3D printing technology has really made some leaps, faster than I expected!

Apparently the only part of the gun that was not 3D-printed was the magazine. All of the other handgun’s components — including the barrel and springs — were 3D-printed.

(Edit to add: I watched the video; he said "except the springs". Still.)

“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,” said Kent Firestone, their V.P. of additive manufacturing. “It’s a common misconception that laser sintering isn’t accurate or strong enough, and we’re working to change people’s perspective.”

[Mn01r6]

I dunno. Print a 1911 and you can't prove if it is unreliable because of the printing or the design flaws. They should have printed a glock. >:)

[CarRacer]

Sick burn.

I saw a 3D printed record today that functioned and was able to play the song. http://instagram.com/p/gblS64sn71/

[TTS]

That is amazing! These advances will change manufacturing as we know it. In 20 years the cost should be low enough that you can have a DMLS 3D printer in your workshop.

[tenmilmag]

Now just do dat wit bullets

[Scratch]

I'm a little out of the loop here.... Is DMLS printing like the plastic printers, where they deposit a thin layer of metal, a slice at a time or something?


I'd look on the google but I'm too lazy and I figured someone else here is thinking the same thing.

[Pat Cannon]

I'm a little out of the loop here.... Is DMLS printing like the plastic printers, where they deposit a thin layer of metal, a slice at a time or something?

I'd look on the google but I'm too lazy and I figured someone else here is thinking the same thing.

Yeah, it is, basically: Direct Metal Laser Sintering. They apply a thin layer of metal powder (somehow), weld the parts of the layer they want into one piece with the laser beam, repeat as necessary.

[CarRacer]

I think the metal powder is just in a bin and the laser fuses a thin layer. That layer is then moved slightly lower ( or the powder moves up) and the process repeats.

[liferefugee]

sounds kinda like the difference between ink (plastic) and laser jet printing.

[Pat Cannon]

A closer look at the first 3D-printed stainless steel barrel

They did do some touch-up work after printing it to smooth and de-burr the barrel.

“The barrel was grown standing up in the ‘Z’ direction then stress relieved,” explained Mutchler.

“It is 17-4 stainless and has not been heat treated. We wanted to test our least strongest option first. We still have heat treatment options then Inconel 625 or 718 super alloys to try if this shows any indication of failure.

“The barrel was cleaned up with our rotary hand tools only. We ran an abrasive ‘flapper’ tip with sand paper to smooth the machine finish and allow a smooth bullet seat in the chamber. The lands and groves are as machined. The feed lip has been polished to a mirror shine.”

So you need a Dremel too.

[PhilaBOR]

The laser sintering printers have a platform. They spread a thin layer of powder on the platform and the laser fuses anywhere you want solid part. Platform drops a tiny bit, spread another layer, fuse where you want part. Lather, rinse, repeat. First powder layer is probably thicker so part doesn't weld to platform. When you're done, lift the part, shake out all the excess powder. Do any finishing operations.

IT IS NOT AS STRONG AS A MACHINED OR FORGED BARREL! 50 rounds vs 10's of thousands. I have difficulty imagining it will ever be, but I've been wrong before.

[Pat Cannon]

IT IS NOT AS STRONG AS A MACHINED OR FORGED BARREL! 50 rounds vs 10's of thousands. I have difficulty imagining it will ever be, but I've been wrong before.

This technology's progressing faster than you or I realized.

Solids Concepts 3D-printed stainless steel 1911 500-round torture test (VIDEO)