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C0rvex t1_ivqpdfb wrote

You don't need a very specialized printer for CF/Glass nylon. An ender 3 ($100-200) with an all-metal hotend ($25) and a hardened nozzle ($10) will print nylons just fine. Now if you want continous strand stuff like markforge it'll cost you $5-10k, but you're only getting a slight increase in strength from that.

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rickyh7 t1_ivqpwdv wrote

Print them sure, print them with enough accuracy to actually work with a firearm no. Enough sanding might get the job done but it won’t work reliably for long if at all

Edit: little more explanation, the holes and alignments need to be just right for the trigger group and the slide rails are the hardest parts. They’re fairly small but need to be very smooth and induce very little friction (for a pistol) on a rifle it’s a little different since the moving parts are in the upper sans the trigger group. Even then the threads have to come out pretty darn nice for the buffer tube and accuracy on the mag well especially where the hammer goes is really important. Can it be done? Sure, are you going to have to be a pretty darn good understanding of mechanics to get it done? Absolutely. Now we’re back to someone who has the skill to 3d print a weapon with the current state of technology probably has the skill to do it other more effective ways

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C0rvex t1_ivqw3vw wrote

Good points, getting the tolerances right are much harder than "buy a printer, press print on gun, have working gun" that many of these articles imply.

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Wheream_I t1_ivsfnt0 wrote

It’s like… you can make an AK47 with stamped steel and a mill. It’s such a basic gun.

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