World’s First 3D Printed Metal Gun
Whatever your thoughts on gun control, it’s impossible to
deny that the 3D-printed gun movement is something that doesn’t fit into the
current legal framework. It’s either exciting or scary. However, plastic
3D-printed guns don’t last long and are not 100% reliable, but what about a gun
made of metal. Well, a company just developed a way to 3D-print guns with
metal.
Solid Concepts, one of the world leaders in 3D Printing
services, has manufactured the world’s first 3D Printed Metal Gun using a laser
sintering process and powdered metals. The gun, a 1911 classic design,
functions beautifully and has already handled 50 rounds of successful firing.
It is composed of 33 17-4 Stainless Steel and Inconel 625components, and decked
with a Selective Laser Sintered (SLS) carbon-fiber filled nylon hand grip. The
successful production and functionality of the 1911 3D Printed metal gun proves
the viability of 3D Printing for commercial application.
“We’re proving this is possible, the technology is at a
place now where we can manufacture a gun with 3D Metal Printing,” says Kent
Firestone, Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at Solid Concepts. “And we’re
doing this legally. In fact, 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.”
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 fun. 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 item it is fired. Solid Concepts chose to build the 1911
because the design is public domain.
“The whole concept of using a laser sintering process to 3D
Print a metal gun revolves around proving the reliability, accuracy and
usability of metal 3D Printing as functional prototypes and end use products,”
says Firestone. “It’s a common misconception that 3D Printing isn’t accurate or
strong enough, and we’re working to change people’s perspective.”
The 3D Printed metal gun proves that 3D Printing isn’t just
making trinkets and Yoda heads. The gun manufactured by Solid Concepts debunks
the idea that 3D Printing isn’t a viable solution or isn’t ready for mainstream
manufacturing. With the right materials and a company that knows how to best
program and maintain their machines, 3D printing is accurate, powerful and here
to stay.
