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Showing Original Post only (View all)Solid Concepts uses 3D printing to make an M1911 pistol [View all]
Apparently, everything except the springs. You can see how those would be more difficult, both due to shape and elasticity reqs.
Let me start out by saying one, very important thing: This is not about desktop 3D Printers.
Solid Concepts is a world leader of 3D Printing services, and our ability to 3D Print the worlds first metal gun solidifies our standing. The gun is a classic 1911, a model that is at once timeless and public domain. It functions beautifully: Our resident gun expert has fired 50 successful rounds and hit a few bulls eyes at over 30 yards. The gun is composed of 30+ 3D Printed components with 17-4 Stainless Steel and Inconel 625 materials. We completed it with a Selective Laser Sintered (SLS) 3D Printed hand grip, because were kind of crazy about 3D Printing.
http://blog.solidconcepts.com/industry-highlights/worlds-first-3d-printed-metal-gun/

Solid Concepts is a world leader of 3D Printing services, and our ability to 3D Print the worlds first metal gun solidifies our standing. The gun is a classic 1911, a model that is at once timeless and public domain. It functions beautifully: Our resident gun expert has fired 50 successful rounds and hit a few bulls eyes at over 30 yards. The gun is composed of 30+ 3D Printed components with 17-4 Stainless Steel and Inconel 625 materials. We completed it with a Selective Laser Sintered (SLS) 3D Printed hand grip, because were kind of crazy about 3D Printing.
http://blog.solidconcepts.com/industry-highlights/worlds-first-3d-printed-metal-gun/

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A CNC mill removes metal from a larger starting piece. A 3D printer adds metal, point by point.
phantom power
Nov 2013
#6
Most people aren't. The media's just goddamned obsessed with that angle because OMG FUD. (nt)
Posteritatis
Nov 2013
#49
There will quickly be hacks to get around the required electronic locks on the printers.
GreenStormCloud
Nov 2013
#13
The "tools to make them" are the same tools we use to make everything else.
phantom power
Nov 2013
#16
Yes, I'm sure the government will get right on restricting the use of lathes.
Posteritatis
Nov 2013
#51
Give gun owners one year to turn them in, then send in in the police, National Guard, whatever
Bob Jones
Nov 2013
#19
Correction. Needs 75% of states to ratify an Amendment. Otherwise, excellent post. N/T
GreenStormCloud
Nov 2013
#38
i'd want one of those science fiction replicators to instantly make good food, booze, and drugs ;)
dionysus
Nov 2013
#42