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Solid Concepts Manufactures First 3D-Printed Metal Pistol

Posted by Soulskill on from the guns-don't-kill-people,-3D-printing-does dept.

Zothecula writes "In a prime example of past meets future, a Texas-based company has used a century-old classic firearm as the blueprint for the world's first 3D-printed metal gun. Solid Concepts' use of a laser sintering method to create a fully functional Model 1911 automatic pistol is the latest demonstration of the potential of 3D printing techniques in industrial processing. The company's '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.'"

6 of 333 comments (clear)

  1. This is why we can't have nice things... by mythosaz · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This is why we can't have nice things....

    Couldn't 3D printers make the news the first few years of going mainstream by producing hospital equipment or something?

    1. Re:This is why we can't have nice things... by Feyshtey · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Because there's no moral outrage to be leveraged against a political scarecrow that way. 3D printers have been used in untold ways to improve lives, but most people couldnt care less. They allow the media and hysteric nannies to portray a TOOL no different than a lathe or drill, as the most evil device ever concieved by man.

      --
      "But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it,..." - Nancy Pelosi
  2. Re:Automatic pistol? by cptnapalm · · Score: 5, Insightful

    For the same reason that they refer to intermediate cartridges as "high power": journalists are morons.

  3. Re:Good enough for rocket engines by almitydave · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Why is anyone surprised laser sintering is more than capable of this? This is nothing more than tech demo clickbait; anyone following the capabilities of SLS already knew this was well within the realm of possibility. Just nowhere close to the realm of practicality from a fiscal perspective.

    Also, it's a waste of weight and money to do it this way. SLS should be used for key parts, but the rest should be normal 3D printed plastic (like a Glock).

    And as we all know, 100% of Slashdot readers are well versed in laser sintering techniques and capabilities.

    The article explains why - as a demonstration of some of the ways this process is superior to machining. I'm a nerd, it's news to me, and it matters in the context of the potential for 3d printing to change significant aspects of society, and yes, firearm availability is significant.

    --
    my, your, his/her/its, our, your, their
    I'm, you're, he's/she's/it's, we're, you're, they're
  4. Re:Automatic pistol? by CanHasDIY · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Why are semi-automatic weapons so often referred to as automatic? It seems to be a common misnomer in the US but I'm curious why.

    Sensationalism; the same reason putting a synthetic stock with a Weaver rail on it magically turns an ordinary deer rifle into a "military grade assault weapon."

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
  5. Re:What would you recommend? by x6060 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    When seconds matter, the police are minutes away.