StraightUp_OG Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 (edited) http://gizmodo.com/the-world-just-got-its-first-entirely-3d-printed-metal-1460338036 They do not show the process in this vid but I will try to find out more info. Something to think about but I still think CNC is faster right now. The process: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_metal_laser_sintering Edited November 7, 2013 by StraightUp_OG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamikaze1a Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Futuristic! So actually the opposite of CNC? Adds metal rather than removes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightUp_OG Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 (edited) Correct it is additive manufacturing. It still uses CAD but melts powdered metal into the part with a laser. No need for CAM or tool paths since the only tool is the laser. Edited November 7, 2013 by StraightUp_OG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterpuc Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 What is a 3D printed gun? I have seen a few articles recently about the AR and now a 1911, but I haven't found an article explaining the benefits or how it is made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flexmoney Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 What is a 3D printed gun? I have seen a few articles recently about the AR and now a 1911, but I haven't found an article explaining the benefits or how it is made. 3D - three dimensional printing. Like printing on paper. But paper is a flat surface (2D - length and width)). 3D has height too. And, instead of printing with ink, they print with something that has real mass, holds shape, and that can work with the printer...typically plastic. I guess you'd get all the benefits of a poorly made plastic gun. Yeah...it needs work. It sound like they have figured out a way to make it with metal. Still...there are different strengths of metals, which is important. If you go to youtube and look up 3D printing, you will see examples. The big thing with 3D printing might be what it represents. Which is billed as a freedom to make what you want. Not sure that is the reality, but it is interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EngineerEli Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 That is really cool! I didn't realize they were 3d printing with metal now. And there 1911 has shot almost 50 rds, lol, I hope it holds up to many more than that... Did anyone else notice the way the slide stalled while going back into battery for a few of the shots? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightUp_OG Posted November 8, 2013 Author Share Posted November 8, 2013 Yeah they are no gunsmiths! LOL just a feeding issue I am sure. Quick throat job and that prob is fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flexmoney Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 That is really cool! I didn't realize they were 3d printing with metal now. And there 1911 has shot almost 50 rds, lol, I hope it holds up to many more than that... Did anyone else notice the way the slide stalled while going back into battery for a few of the shots? Well, it is still a 1911 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flexmoney Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Hmm... just watched a video where the metal (on a different product) was heat treated to 54 HRC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRE-PzI6uZA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlfleetw Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 17-4 stainless and Inco 625 are more than enough material wise for the application. The heat treat matters (Inco 620 was used for a proposed m2 longevity package for the barrel) Not sure what sort of property loss you get with the sintering process, but with laser you will have very precise heat input control and grain structure wise it Will remain fairly tight and uniform. Give it a few more years and it'll be an emerging manufacturing process (beyond what it is today) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperman Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 There are a couple of different metal printing technologies. One is the sintering process listed above. The other uses a laser to actually weld the powder together. It is supposed to be as strong as billet, but this was from the sales rep doing the demo. He told us there are companies printing blocks, body panels, etc using this technology. For low volume it is more cost effective than building dies, or creating sand casting molds, etc. I'll try and dig up more info on the 2nd process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 (edited) Here's a cool video on direct metal laser sintering: I think the coolest thing about 3D Printing is how it's inspiring people to think outside the box. We live in exciting times Here's a video on 3D printed houses: Edited November 8, 2013 by kneelingatlas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperman Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Here is their webiste: http://www.concept-laser.de/en/technology.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlfleetw Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I am curious about the barrel, if they printed the flutes, polygon or just had it cut by Someone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JakeMartens Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Well if the can make "anything" someone email them a picture of a decent beavertail, safety and sights!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightUp_OG Posted November 8, 2013 Author Share Posted November 8, 2013 They say they printed it and the technology is such that it should also print the rifling. No need to cut it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlfleetw Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 I don't know what kind of resolution they have, I could see print then lap. Same for the Chamber. Just really interesting stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 In one part of the video I got the impression they used some traditionally manufactured parts including the barrel, but later one guy says the printed it all??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 On the subject of 3D printing, the Peachy Printer has made some cool innovations: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamikaze1a Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 WOW! Imagine how it will be once the tech matures, when you order parts you will not have them shipped to you. You place an order or buy a license and then they send the instructions to your printer...shazzam the part comes out of your printer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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