3d printed parts - like magazines

[Trakker]

Anyone thinking about using www.shapeways.com
to make some gun parts or magazines / followers?

[djwinsdcal]

You can buy a couple new Magazine's for what it cost to make one. I just picked up 5 magazines for $50.

[sonofeugene]

People just don't understand the limitations of the current state of the art of 3D printing. Nor do they understand the cost.

[Sikvenum93]

I will probably be well into my 40s before 3d printing will be truly viable.

[djwinsdcal]

Ya, I saw a cost of $70 to make a 30 round magpul copy magazine. One day it may be cost affective.

[texterter]

not sure if legal.

[coryhenry]

I will probably be well into my 40s before 3d printing will be truly viable.

3d Printing is already viable. It is especially useful in prototyping parts. There are 3D printers fabricating metal parts for automobile manufacturing R&D that are quick and much cheaper then milling. It won't be long before it becomes cheap enough that it is cost efficient for the normal consumer.

[Mitch]

not sure if legal.

No legal issues as long as you don't produce an item that is illegal to manufacture and possess (like a high capacity magazine).

[TheExiled]

You can buy a couple new Magazine's for what it cost to make one. I just picked up 5 30 round body USGI magazine rebuild kits for $50 on ebay.

Hope youre out of state..

[CK_32]

Like above.

Not cost effecting and probably won't be for a while. Especially for mags.


Also, being we live in the state/country of the ATF. They could and probably will book you on building high caps if you advertise or sell these. Technicalities of course, but come on it's the ATF. They make the rules then break them to make new ones.

[djwinsdcal]

They are blocked at 10 rounds to be CA legal.

[Yugo]

If your printer can make a magazine that will survive the beating, why would it not be cost effective?

$45 for 2.2lbs of high impact ABS plastic.
Mag weight: 5.92 Ounces
cost of ounce of plastic $1.27

so it is about $7.50 to print a body so lets say $8 with the follower.

So is it really worth it? IMHO, NO
cause the quality you get from a magpul for $15 or so is WAY stronger and better than what you can make on your printer.

If I was in a pinch and could not get one then yes printed is good. You have to realize you would still need to sand and make a printed part perfect cause it will be .00456 (whatever) off.

[keenkeen]

I will probably be well into my 40s before 3d printing will be truly viable.

Spoken like someone who has no idea what they are talking about.

Stay in school.

[CK_32]

Spoken like someone who has no idea what they are talking about.

Stay in school.

[Sikvenum93]

3d Printing is already viable. It is especially useful in prototyping parts. There are 3D printers fabricating metal parts for automobile manufacturing R&D that are quick and much cheaper then milling. It won't be long before it becomes cheap enough that it is cost efficient for the normal consumer.

Those printers still cost a ton. And the materials used arent very durable. Ive keeping track with the whole 3d printed gun crap and its still got a ways to go.