Thanks for jogging my memory. We used Pro-E software for our 3D models. This was back before the Windows version and we had to buy a Sun Workstation [around $60K as I recall] to run the software.xb12s wrote:We did some work with Stereo Lithography (various types) in Waco at what is now L3 about 15 years ago (it was Raytheon and Chrysler Technologies back then). Basically it's an aircraft modification facility. Pretty cool stuff. I would make 3D models in Pro-E and send them to the 3D lab for printing on the stereo lithography machine. Some of those models would be used in show and tells with the clients (some full scale mockups) to show aircraft interiors.
Two of the other engineers at the time were doing research on other 3D printing technologies at the time. It was fascinating stuff. Some were using resins, some using paper (in 3D). I think it's pretty neat that they can produce metal now.
Search found 4 matches
Return to “3D Printed Gun in Metal”
- Tue Nov 12, 2013 5:00 pm
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3897
Re: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
- Sun Nov 10, 2013 4:26 pm
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3897
Re: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
I never got to see it firsthand, but from the description, I think the process for the Taurus prototype was actually stereolithography. I remember that I was told that it was a UV cure, not a laser. I did see the prototype part and it was very very crude. Back then, I don't think that they called it "3D Printing".OldCannon wrote:DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) is a slow process, but it's great for prototyping. This process is nothing like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) (or Fused Filament Fabrication), which is what the "plastic" 3D printers use.
- Sun Nov 10, 2013 3:28 pm
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3897
Re: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
Similar technology has been used on plastics for more than twenty years.texanjoker wrote:There was a recent article about a UT grad or student that made a plastic gun in this manner.
The first part I saw, in 1991, was a very crude plastic model of the instrument console for the newly designed Ford Taurus.
- Sun Nov 10, 2013 1:39 pm
- Forum: Off-Topic
- Topic: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3897
Re: 3D Printed Gun in Metal
The video shows that the gun was printed out of metal. I guess they haven't figured out how to make a Glock yet. 
It is an interesting technology, but I find it interesting that many gun owners wouldn't buy guns that had MIM parts.
As the technology improves, I am sure they will figure out how to make better and stronger alloys.
I think the advantage will be for fabricating small, more intricate parts.
For most products, I don't think that this will replace the machine shop anytime soon.
It is an interesting technology, but I find it interesting that many gun owners wouldn't buy guns that had MIM parts.
As the technology improves, I am sure they will figure out how to make better and stronger alloys.
I think the advantage will be for fabricating small, more intricate parts.
For most products, I don't think that this will replace the machine shop anytime soon.