A very impressive achievement
Pics and two videos (one of the gun and another of a 3d metal printer) can be found here.
http://blog.solidconcepts.com/industry-highlights/worlds-first-3d-printed-metal-gun/
QuoteLet 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 world's 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 bull's 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 we're kind of crazy about 3D Printing.
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," says Solid Concepts' Vice President of Additive Manufacturing Kent Firestone. "It's a common misconception that laser sintering isn't accurate or strong enough, and we're working to change people's perspective."
3D Printed Metal Gun Components Disassembled Low Res
Another common misconception about 3D Printing is that it's limited to desktop printers that can only extrude plastic filament. If I had the time, I would do a complete yearlong series debunking all the myths and misconceptions surrounding 3D Printing. Instead, our engineers went ahead and built something that proves this technology beyond any doubt. So long sad disfigured Yoda heads, no more pretending like that's going to cut it for this industry.
Laser sintering is one of the most accurate manufacturing processes available, and more than accurate enough to build the 3D Metal Printed interchangeable and interfacing parts within our 1911 series gun. The gun proves laser sintering can meet tight tolerances. 3D Metal Printing has less porosity issues than an investment cast part and better complexities than a machined part. The barrel sees chamber pressure above 20,000 psi every time the gun is fired. "We're proving this is possible, the technology is at a place now where we can manufacture a gun with 3D Printing," says Firestone. "As far as we know, we're the only 3D Printing Service Provider with a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Now, if a qualifying customer needs a unique gun part in five days, we can deliver."
I mentioned earlier this isn't about desktop printers, and it's not. The industrial printer we used costs more than my college tuition (and I went to a private university) and the engineers who run our machines are top of the line; they are experts who know what they're doing and understand 3D Printing better than anyone in this business. Thanks to them, Solid Concepts is debunking the idea that 3D Printing isn't a viable solution or isn't ready for mainstream manufacturing. We have the right materials, and the right engineers who know how to best program and maintain these machines, to make 3D Printing accurate, powerful and here to stay.
Update
We've been getting a lot of questions (which is lovely) so I wanted to address a few of them here.
The gun is 45ACP. It's rifled and the rifling was built directly into the part – or as we like to say, "grown" into the part – using 3D Printing. This gun has NOT BEEN MACHINED. We used hand tools for some post processing (our finishers are wonderful), but we did not machine this gun. It's born this way.
It looks almost exactly like my 1911. Impressive.
I've never before heard an M1911 referred to as just a "1911." Is this a common thing among gunophiles? Are there other weapons for which they drop the "M"? Serious question.
I notice that no mention is made of the cost of this weapon. Anyone else get the vibe that the company wants to talk about capabilities as a come-on but knows that the price would scare any potential customers away?
Quote from: grumbler on November 09, 2013, 03:42:59 PM
I've never before heard an M1911 referred to as just a "1911." Is this a common thing among gunophiles? Are there other weapons for which they drop the "M"? Serious question.
Yes. Also called a Forty-five, but 1911 is common. I have an M1991, but folks call it a 1911, which is wrong.
Other gun abbreviations...
16
60
240
249
Ought-Six
Krag
etc
Quote from: grumbler on November 09, 2013, 03:46:49 PM
I notice that no mention is made of the cost of this weapon. Anyone else get the vibe that the company wants to talk about capabilities as a come-on but knows that the price would scare any potential customers away?
This quote implies the machine cost at least $200,000. What the means for the price of the products produced, I don't know.
Quote
I mentioned earlier this isn't about desktop printers, and it's not. The industrial printer we used costs more than my college tuition (and I went to a private university) and the engineers who run our machines are top of the line; they are experts who know what they're doing and understand 3D Printing better than anyone in this business. Thanks to them, Solid Concepts is debunking the idea that 3D Printing isn't a viable solution or isn't ready for mainstream manufacturing.
I'm tired of morons calling this '3D printing'. This isn't a 3D printer. It's a replicator.
I'd wager 80%+ of the masses think, when they see this type of story (and don't bother to read it), that they are instantly printing a complete, functional firearm...instead of just all the parts, which still require finishing and assembly.
Hell, 90% of the masses think that steak comes from the store and not from a cow...
TL,DR.
What's this? A new way to make weapons?
Or is it some art bullshit? Is this a fully functional firearm?
Correction: TD,DR.
Quote from: grumbler on November 09, 2013, 03:46:49 PM
I notice that no mention is made of the cost of this weapon. Anyone else get the vibe that the company wants to talk about capabilities as a come-on but knows that the price would scare any potential customers away?
It might be a marketing thing. It probably won't make much sense to use this kind of tech in large scale manufacturing, but the publicity of making a gun might get them sales in their niche: complex, metal, limited-run production.
I don't know what simple mechanical prototypes usually cost.
Quote from: PDH on November 09, 2013, 09:09:23 PM
Hell, 90% of the masses think that steak comes from the store and not from a cow...
Peaches come from a can. They were put there by a man in a factory downtown.
Quote from: Iormlund on November 10, 2013, 04:12:26 AM
Quote from: grumbler on November 09, 2013, 03:46:49 PM
I notice that no mention is made of the cost of this weapon. Anyone else get the vibe that the company wants to talk about capabilities as a come-on but knows that the price would scare any potential customers away?
It might be a marketing thing. It probably won't make much sense to use this kind of tech in large scale manufacturing, but the publicity of making a gun might get them sales in their niche: complex, metal, limited-run production.
That's the while point, 3d printing is for making a one of a kind product without the need for massproduction to drive down the cost. A reasonably priced product tailored to your specific need. I think it will revolutionize production in the future, it will be the return of the artisan.
Quote from: PDH on November 09, 2013, 09:09:23 PM
Hell, 90% of the masses think that steak comes from the store and not from a cow...
[cavett]What do you think a hamburger is? Chopped ham? No, it's chopped steak. [/cavett]
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 10, 2013, 11:09:12 AM
Quote from: PDH on November 09, 2013, 09:09:23 PM
Hell, 90% of the masses think that steak comes from the store and not from a cow...
[cavett]What do you think a hamburger is? Chopped ham? No, it's chopped steak. [/cavett]
Still not kosher.
Nobody who won't eat hamburgers or hot dogs can be considered a Real American. <_<
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:33:50 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 10, 2013, 11:09:12 AM
Quote from: PDH on November 09, 2013, 09:09:23 PM
Hell, 90% of the masses think that steak comes from the store and not from a cow...
[cavett]What do you think a hamburger is? Chopped ham? No, it's chopped steak. [/cavett]
Still not kosher.
:huh: Hamburgers can be kosher.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 01:45:32 AM
Nobody who won't eat hamburgers or hot dogs can be considered a Real American. <_<
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Oh, and I wear an American flag on my shoulder while I enforce the Pax Americana all over the wold.
Quote from: DGuller on November 11, 2013, 01:47:35 AM
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:33:50 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on November 10, 2013, 11:09:12 AM
Quote from: PDH on November 09, 2013, 09:09:23 PM
Hell, 90% of the masses think that steak comes from the store and not from a cow...
[cavett]What do you think a hamburger is? Chopped ham? No, it's chopped steak. [/cavett]
Still not kosher.
:huh: Hamburgers can be kosher.
true. Not at Mcdonalsd's though.
And not cheese-burgers.
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:51:08 AM
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Not enough. Assimilate damnit.
Well I suppose at least you don't use metric exclusively like some other immigrants. :hmm:
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 01:55:55 AM
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:51:08 AM
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Not enough. Assimilate damnit.
Well I suppose at least you don't use metric exclusively like some other immigrants. :hmm:
I use meters for range estimation. And mils for target adjustment, which are metric measurments. A mil is a meter wide a 1000 meters away from your point of observation.
I use miles for driving distances though.
Does that counts?
And miles per hour for speed.
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:58:33 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 01:55:55 AM
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:51:08 AM
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Not enough. Assimilate damnit.
Well I suppose at least you don't use metric exclusively like some other immigrants. :hmm:
I use meters for range estimation. And mils for target adjustment, which are metric measurments. A mil is a meter wide a 1000 meters away from your point of observation.
:yeahright: Real Americans shoot from the hip.
Quote from: DGuller on November 11, 2013, 01:59:58 AM
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:58:33 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 01:55:55 AM
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:51:08 AM
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Not enough. Assimilate damnit.
Well I suppose at least you don't use metric exclusively like some other immigrants. :hmm:
I use meters for range estimation. And mils for target adjustment, which are metric measurments. A mil is a meter wide a 1000 meters away from your point of observation.
:yeahright: Real Americans shoot from the hip.
Only in movies.
Most important one is probably Fahrenheit vs Celsius. Anybody who says it's 30 degrees when it's hot out is a commie foreigner. :P
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:51:08 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 01:45:32 AM
Nobody who won't eat hamburgers or hot dogs can be considered a Real American. <_<
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Oh, and I wear an American flag on my shoulder while I enforce the Pax Americana all over the wold.
But do you fight for the rights for every man? Fight for whats right, fight for your life?
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 11, 2013, 02:02:48 AM
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:51:08 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 01:45:32 AM
Nobody who won't eat hamburgers or hot dogs can be considered a Real American. <_<
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Oh, and I wear an American flag on my shoulder while I enforce the Pax Americana all over the wold.
But do you fight for the rights for every man? Fight for whats right, fight for your life?
Wath>? Are you dunrk?
You are nt makin any sens.
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 11, 2013, 02:02:48 AM
Quote from: Siege on November 11, 2013, 01:51:08 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 01:45:32 AM
Nobody who won't eat hamburgers or hot dogs can be considered a Real American. <_<
I am a real American. I drink light beer and listen to Miley Cyrus.
Oh, and I wear an American flag on my shoulder while I enforce the Pax Americana all over the wold.
But do you fight for the rights for every man? Fight for whats right, fight for your life?
Army Values:
The Army Values
The Army Values Download Poster
The Army Values Download PDF
Many people know what the words Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage mean. But how often do you see someone actually live up to them? Soldiers learn these values in detail during Basic Combat Training (BCT), from then on they live them every day in everything they do — whether they're on the job or off. In short, the Seven Core Army Values listed below are what being a Soldier is all about.
Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.
Duty
Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities — all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take "shortcuts" that might undermine the integrity of the final product.
Respect
Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier's Code, we pledge to "treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same." Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.
Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.
Honor
Live up to Army values. The nation's highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living — Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.
Integrity
Do what's right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.
Personal Courage
Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 11, 2013, 02:02:48 AM
But do you fight for the rights for every man? Fight for whats right, fight for your life?
You've gotta fight. For your right. To PARTY!
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 02:12:47 AM
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 11, 2013, 02:02:48 AM
But do you fight for the rights for every man? Fight for whats right, fight for your life?
You've gotta fight. For your right. To PARTY!
Monkey boys?
Beastie
Watherber/
You're a soldier of freedom in the army of the man.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on November 11, 2013, 02:12:47 AM
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 11, 2013, 02:02:48 AM
But do you fight for the rights for every man? Fight for whats right, fight for your life?
You've gotta fight. For your right. To PARTY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKM1AAzeRCg