http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ZYKMBDm4M
Did you feel that? The world just changed a little. Again. This isn’t a goofy looking zip-gunnish thing, either. Solid Concepts has printed – yes, printed – a very functional, very impressive 1911. Still photo after the jump. Here’s their press release:
Solid Concepts, a world leader in 3D Printing services, manufactures the world’s first 3D Printed Metal Gun.
Austin, TX – 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 625 components, 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 applications . . .
“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 gun. 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 time 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.
About Solid Concepts
Solid Concepts provides rapid prototyping and custom manufacturing services, with capabilities in PolyJet, Stereolithography (SLA), 3D Color Prints, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), 3D Metal Printing, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), CNC models and patterns, Composites, and QuantumCast™ advanced cast urethanes. Capabilities in tooling and injection molding make Solid Concepts a single source for product development and production efforts from conception to market. Visit www.solidconcepts.com to find your solution.
Well … that Genie is not going back into the bottle easily, that’s allz I’m sayin’
Someone is going to have to scrub the walls because Feinsteins head just exploded.
If only we were that lucky… though I will grant you it is quite possible that she has just refilled her Depends at an alarming and explosive pace.
I’d rather you didn’t. Sort of sounds goofy, not to mention that it’s a pair of handlebars for any left wing bastard that wants to make use of them.
This is the bomb!!!!!
I don’t need a license to carry a car around in a trailer, yet I do need one to carry a gun in a holster.
I can develop the next greatest thing in cars in my garage and sell it to anyone of my choosing. Not so with a gun. Especially a faster driving gun.
Antique cars and cars that don’t leave the property don’t require insurance. States establish whether insurance is required. In my state you can post a bond in lieu of insurance.
Licensed Car drivers are more crime inclined than licensed carry people.
I could mill an engine block without a license and sell it, try that with an action.
I can add as many mufflers to my car as I please, I add one to my rifle and I am in deep doodoo.
You are missing the #1 difference:
NO ONE WENT TO JAIL to make cars safer. “Regulation” is NOT criminal law !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Repeat: REGULATION IS *NOT* CRIMINAL LAW! Nor are hunting rules.
If the anti-gun crowd wanted to ban the manufacture, import and sale of Firearm X — that is not a personal threat to me — where I could land in jail for owning Firearm X.
The debate needs to be re-framed to show that “gun control” is about mass criminalization. Recent laws in CA required people to give-up or destroy 10+ mags. Are mags labeled? How would a gunsmith or a collector have any idea which of his mags made him an unwitting FELON?
Minor point, but more accurately “recent PROPOSED law in CA WOULD HAVE required people to give-up or destroy 10+ mags”, but did not pass. No need to spread FUD around.
Don’t need one, but for some reason I kind of want one. I guess anything just to tart up the ol’ 23 a little is somewhat tempting.
There’s lots of ways guns could be treated like cars..
Shooter’s ed classes in high school.
Concealed carry learner’s permit expected at 16.
Concealed carry license expected at 18.
Kids without guns tsk’d at for having to use public gun rentals at the range.
Ladies and gentlemen: The game is over. We won.
Wasn’t training kids to snitch out their parents one of the cornerstones of Orwell’s 1984?
The further America moves away from being a white republic, the further the multi-cultists will trample our rights, even claiming to use the Constitution as a way to excuse it. The Constitution is only useful in the context of a strong white republic. Without that, it’s just a “document” and “amendments” that people will fight over till the rights are amended away.
He just wanted to promote a healthy exchange on gun rights. Bullshit. The only exchange there should be is what do you prefer to carry? Or perhaps to others who are not of us, why do you choose not to carry? Any “regulation” that could “infringe” is not open to discussion. Can it, just like Metcalf. And goodbye to the editor as well. You were leaving anyway. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Good riddance to both.
So, you are against any type of safety training because you think it is “infringement” to take any steps to prevent accidents? You must be joking! Your “reasoning” escapes me.
Must be a lot of white people in Chicago…….
“Now, if a qualifying customer needs a unique gun part in five days, we can deliver.”
Holy. Crap. No production line. Just the cost of equipment, materials and labor. I could have a GALIL in .308. I can have replacement parts for my Romanian M1969 Trainer. This. Is. Amazing.
The main question becomes when it hits the mainstream, and if there are any unforeseen disadvantages to this method.
Geez G&A has had some rotten luck lately…… Richard Venola charged with murder (whatever happened with that one?), J Guthrie ieing suddenly, and now this debacle,,,,, hope they straighten out and fly right with the 2nd, they always seemd to have the best mix of articals Vintage, modern, hunting, reloading. of any on magazine…. lets see what the new Management does to attone for this last issue.
I have never heard anything good about the quality of MP Arms.
INTERMEDIA owns this rag AND RECOIL…they are hanging by a thread for gun rights
the only one that I want to read is shotgun news..but I can always “browse” that walmart and record the ads I like with my smart phone so they DONT make the sales, and I still get my intell
The DiFi special.
Hmmm…
Some of my vital statistics would perhaps be relevant here. I [am / am a / am an / have]:
• electrical engineer;
• fairly good mechanic;
• metal smith;
• journeyman framer;
• electronics hobbyist;
• holder of two Masters degrees;
• alarm company owner/operator;
• worked overseas, including at/near both poles;
• am a pilot;
• love motorcycles;
• own and use firearms;
• understand the Hybrid Synergy® Drive;
• live in the country;
• have actually designed and built a digital processor;
• identify as a Democrat, although I don’t always vote D;
• own a great many tools…
I could go on, but the above is sufficient to make my point: I’m an alarm installer. Or I’m a mechanic. Or I’m a geek. Or I’m a Person of the Gun. Or I’m a hayseed.
It depends on the subject under consideration; I’m sure there’s overlap between me and most of you. Hell, one or two of you might even match me point for point, although with only a few hundred humans ever having wintered three or more times on the Ice, it ain’t likely.
The point is, we’re PotG, but that’s not all we are. It’s a facet of who we each are, and collectively it’s a grouping, a Venn section. It’s not an exclusive Tribe, but it is a point of commonality, and of community.
It’s no more isolationist than calling myself male, middle-aged or pinkish.
PotG is one way of viewing me, especially in relation to others with whom I share that trait.
Around here and in similar venues, it is of course highly relevant.
Anyone who gets their panties in a bunch over PotG shoud just get over their cheap self.
My 2¢.
WTF is black on black racism? What a surprise. This human thinks he’s smarter than the rest of us. Humans are always good for a laugh, on a daily basis.
“Women bounce when they run. This combined with the minimalist types of athletic apparel they wear is a major attraction to males…”
Truer words are seldom spoken.
There comes a point where you’re being too paranoid. You might as well add “don’t listen to the stereo while driving” and “don’t go to movie theaters” to the list too. Oh, and don’t wear sunglasses or hats – they might keep you from seeing some minute detail. Don’t wear heavy coats in the winter, they slow you down – and don’t forget that you can’t wear gloves because it makes it harder to fight.
Seriously guys, as a person who carries regularly, there’s a difference between “being prepared” and being so overwhelmingly paranoid of everyone and everything that it negatively impacts your life.
Guilty of: “…carrying a rifle or shotgun, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition”
Remember that those are crimes in the capitol of THIS country…and let that sink in….
Y’know, as much as I’m not a fan of Kokesh, what you said is exactly what went through my head as I read the article. It is almost incomprehensible to me that something that is perfectly legal, even encouraged in some areas of this country can, in another area of the country, make you guilty of violating laws that will send you to serious, PMITA prison. Literally within 10 feet, from one side of a state line to another, you can go from “God Bless The USA” to “You’re screwed beyond all reasonable comprehension.” There’s something thoroughly and undeniably wrong with that.
“I was being safe. I even inspected it hurr durr durr I unknowingly chambered one because I was safe hurr durr”
If he’s not smart enough to drop a mag before doing a rack check, he shouldn’t have his job.
…..until your armed neighbor comes to you aid during a home invasion. Don’t fear your neighbor, fear the criminals.
Apology accepted, Captain Needa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwio208q3jY
Stopped wearing earbuds on walks after my last run in with a mountain lion. Walking along oblivious late at night, stopped to have a smoke and in doing so turn. There was the mountain lion right behind me. Don’t think it was interested in me, probably interested in the deer I had been staring at, and it was a young, not fully mature one and took off when it saw that I saw it. Couldn’t have been more than 10ft away though.
But still.
I do think there is a balance. Obviously walking down your suburban neighborhood, in bright daylight, on the sidewalk with many people that you know moving about is quite different than walking in the dark, with only a rare other soul on the street. I do think sanity demands that we sometimes go condition white. But I do think noisy ear plugs are incompatible with claiming situational awareness like condition yellow.
Using earbuds while outdoors is stupid. I’d rank the odds of a criminal attack very low, but the odds of an accident much higher. You’re blanking out a lot of sensory input, which is dumb. I love my earbuds for hotel rooms, flights, and the treadmill…that’s about it.
I guess I’m lucky in that my preferred running/walking/biking area is a wide, paved, dedicated path around a lake, so I’m perfectly comfortable plugging in and turning the world off. There’s a few places where roads must be crossed, but it’s not hard to exercise due care at those times.
So police can carry firearms anywhere because they are better trained on firearms?
Sure…
I plucked this from a comment section about an article entitled “Senate Gets Second Amendment Wrong” @ http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/09/25/Senate-Website-Gets-Second-Amendment-Wrong
I thought I would pass it along as it defines and explains the 2nd better than I have ever been able to and shows how Metcalfs premise was all wrong from the beginning.
Quote:
“Liberals like regulations, so they hear “well-regulated” and think “Goody! We get to impose restrictions!” Every time they try to translate the 2nd Amendment into Modern English they expose their profound ignorance of Western culture.
A “well-regulated militia”, in this context, is akin to a “well-regulated” clock, they even used the term “regulated” in reference to clocks back when you had to wind them up. It means a “regular” militia, a “reliable” militia, or a “well-maintained” militia.
In modern vernacular, the 2A would be translated thusly: “A reliable militia of the American people is necessary to the security of a free state. Therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be limited by any laws.”
Regardless of whether or not Americans actively participate in military drills or they are highly disciplined, they are a para-military reserve force endowed with the legal right and duty to defend this country from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Liberals, perpetual children that they are, may not like the fact that being an American comes with responsibilities and duties, but that’s what the Founders were saying. As an American citizen, you are a member of a para-military force, and as a member of a para-military force you are free to own any kind or number of weapons with whatever magazine capacity you choose to use in defense of this country against anyone who threatens it.
That is the meaning of our 2nd Amendment.” Unquote
I have been an avid Guns & Ammo reader and fan for more than 30 years. I never really cared for Metcalfs articles or his presence on G&A TV. He seemed a little aloof to me. OK so he’s gone. We have a new editor. Lets move on. Everyone makes mistakes. I for one will be looking forward to my next G&A just as I always have and I’m sure the guys and gals at G&A will continue to support the 2nd amendment in the future just as they have in the past. Dick Metcalf not withstanding.
David A. Lampman
G&A Subscriber
Only the State can violate the rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights, not your employer. (Unless,of course, the State got him to act on their behalf)
“Sheriff George Lavender Jr. said that he will present the case to the county prosecutor for a possible charge of ‘inciting panic.'”
I wonder if the Sheriff knows that their felony stop was illegal, that they can face prosecution for deprivation of civil rights under color of law, and therefore is trying to float the “inciting panic” charges as a countermeasure. He almost has to charge the men with something or else he has absolutely no leg to stand on whatsoever for the felony stop.
Once again, this is an example that shows we need to overhaul our “probable cause” and “reasonable suspicion” standards.
IWB just didn’t work.
That SBR suppressed 300 black is one sexy rifle. How could anyone look at a beautiful firearm like that and be scared of it? If I owned that rifle I’d feel like I would have to take it to dinner before we went to the range.