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9x19 · September 4, 2018, 01:28 PM

In my experience, 3D printed products are not terribly durable. If they are large structures they are usually honey-combed inside, rather than solid.

Keep in mind 3D printers were built with rapid-prototyping in mind. The materials fused by a laser are not super tough, but it is easier to print a prototype to see if it meets the design goals for function (durability aside), and if so, then have the item manufactured from a material/process that provides durability along with function... forged, milled, cast, etc.

We have a number of 3D printers at work (R&D Lab) and I would pass on firing a magazine of ammo thru any gun they could produce.

September 4, 2018, 01:28 PM	#5
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,750	In my experience, 3D printed products are not terribly durable. If they are large structures they are usually honey-combed inside, rather than solid. Keep in mind 3D printers were built with rapid-prototyping in mind. The materials fused by a laser are not super tough, but it is easier to print a prototype to see if it meets the design goals for function (durability aside), and if so, then have the item manufactured from a material/process that provides durability along with function... forged, milled, cast, etc. We have a number of 3D printers at work (R&D Lab) and I would pass on firing a magazine of ammo thru any gun they could produce. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!