Beam me a .45, Scotty

[bdhold]

http://www.guns.com/2013/11/07/solid-co ... 911-video/

Solid Concepts is taking 3D printing over a threshold with their just-announced 3D printed stainless steel handgun. A 1911, the Solid Concepts pistol is chambered for full-power centerfire .45 ACP cartridges.

The company is out to prove a point, that 3D printing has reached a level of maturity and precision that they can make a traditional firearm with the leading-edge technologies. Naturally, they are working with industrial-scale 3D printers, not the types of devices hobbyists have at home.

“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,” explained Alyssa Parkinson in the company announcement. “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-plus 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.”

[piller]

I am curious about the strength of the material it is made from. I just don't know much of anything about 3D printing.

[mikld]

According to the video, the strength is there, the reason making for the "printed" 1911 was to show strength. guess with the right equipment any firearm can be "cloned", mebbe an historic gun no longer available or a gun not legal by ATF standards?

[wvfarrier]

Don't worry. The at will nip it in the bud ASAP

[Buck Elliott]

The Company has a Manufacturing FFL, just for the purpose of "printing" guns and gun parts.. All strictly legal...

[AJMD429]

Cool that it's becoming "information" rather than "parts" that is the hurdle - despots have a much harder time controlling information than physical things.

[Hobie]

Ever closer to the replicator.

[bdhold]

I am curious about the strength of the material it is made from. I just don't know much of anything about 3D printing.

http://www.hoganas.com/Documents/Publis ... _steel.pdf
here's an article on sintered (powder metal) 17-4PH.
Compared to machined bar, strength is similar, but toughness is lower because sintering doesn't achieve "theoretical density" - i.e., it has voids and inclusions.

[piller]

Sounds useful. Thanks Bulldog.