The World Just Got Its First Entirely 3D-Printed Metal Gun -

[Guliver]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ZYKMBDm4M#t=25

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/11/the-w ... -it-works/

Regardless of whether you saw them as a menace, the first 3D-printed guns were an objectively far, boxy cry from the weapons we’re used to seeing. But just from looking at Solid Concept’s newest firearm offering, you’d have no idea that it also started out as a mere 3D CAD file before being printed to life.

[keen]

Impressive.

20,000 PSI in that pistol they say.

Wonder how it handles 60,000 PSI from a rifle?

[Old Fart]

It is great technology.

I must say though, I'm disappointed that the first step in these things is always making something as mediocre as a gun. We can already pump these out by the millions with existing machining and fabrication technology. If it ain't broke, don't fix it?

Seems like 3D printing metal could solve so many other problems or be used for much more creative things than just another pistol...

[Guliver]

It is great technology.

I must say though, I'm disappointed that the first step in these things is always making something as mediocre as a gun. We can already pump these out by the millions with existing machining and fabrication technology. If it ain't broke, don't fix it?

Seems like 3D printing metal could solve so many other problems or be used for much more creative things than just another pistol...

I guess they're looking to attract publicity for their achievement and in gun crazy America what better way.

3D print guns have attracted plenty of attention up to date. No one is going to take too much notice of a company that has managed to print a sewing machine or other mundane item.

Just found more. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/11/prweb11311332.htm

The metal laser sintering process Solid Concepts used to manufacture the 30+ gun components is one of the most accurate additive manufacturing processes available, and more than accurate enough to build the interchangeable and interfacing parts within the 1911 series gun. The gun proves the tight tolerances laser sintering can meet. Plus, 3D Printed Metal has less porosity issues than an investment cast part and better complexities than a machined part. The 3D Printed gun barrel sees chamber pressures above 20,000 psi every time it is fired. Solid Concepts chose to build the 1911 because the design is public domain.

Looks like their point is if we can make a gun we can make most products that require high a degrees of accuracy.

[butiwanna]

I guess they're looking to attract publicity for their achievement and in gun crazy America what better way.

3D print guns have attracted plenty of attention up to date.

And all over nothing too. Real looking plastic toys which couldn't actually fire anything.

The press and the anti's will have a field day with a metal printed gun that they can actually fire consistently.

[Muddy1967]

Wahoo 3d printed Gun.

Alass my printer is out of ink

[Gregg]

I can see the anti-gun journalists now...

Now everyone can print guns at home!

*cough* you just need a 2 million dollar metal laser printer *cough*

[Arth]

The Anti's are going to looooooooooooove this

[Guliver]

I can see the anti-gun journalists now...

Now everyone can print guns at home!

*cough* you just need a 2 million dollar metal laser printer *cough*

Pretty sure the cost of the printer will be prohibitive when it comes to home printing.

But you're right that won't stop the journos

[Norton]

But you're right that won't stop the journos

I'm sure all sorts of doom & gloom articles are being typed out as we speak.

[Lorgar]

I must say though, I'm disappointed that the first step in these things is always making something as mediocre as a gun. We can already pump these out by the millions with existing machining and fabrication technology.

I want to see giant metal Strandbeest's walking around beeches everywhere

[Warrigul]

I can see the anti-gun journalists now...

Now everyone can print guns at home!

*cough* you just need a 2 million dollar metal laser printer *cough*

Pretty sure the cost of the printer will be prohibitive when it comes to home printing.

But you're right that won't stop the journos

With some skill, a cold chisel, a few good files combined with a $65 drill press from Bunnings it is possible to make all manner of things.

However manufacturing firearms is illegal unless a person is a licenced gunsmith and there are already laws against it, I can't see what all the fuss is about out there.

[Guliver]

With some skill, a cold chisel, a few good files combined with a $65 drill press from Bunnings it is possible to make all manner of things.

However manufacturing firearms is illegal unless a person is a licenced gunsmith and there are already laws against it, I can't see what all the fuss is about out there.

Unfortunately being illegal has never stop some folks from doing as they please.

[Seconds]

When I see a working machine gun printed out by some Uni kid, then I'll get worried

It's all just an interesting concept until then. Nothing I'd get in a huff over...

[Usurper]

I want to see giant metal Strandbeest's walking around beeches everywhere

Those things are awesome.

No idea how people come up with this stuff...