World’s First 3D Printed 1911 Metal Gun Manufactured by Solid Concepts

Solid Concepts, a world leader in 3D Printing services, manufactures the world’s first 3D Printed Metal Gun.

World’s First 3D Printed 1911 Metal Gun Manufactured by Solid Concepts
World’s First 3D Printed 1911 Metal Gun Manufactured by Solid Concepts
Solid Concepts
Solid Concepts

Austin, TX – -(Ammoland.com)- 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.

First 3D Printed Metal Gun Parts Break Down, only springs were no printed
First 3D Printed Metal Gun Parts Break Down, only springs were no printed

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.

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James

If it is cost effectivie now I won’t have to rely on finding old useable or making new parts by hand when repairing older guns

Kevin

I love my 1911, in the near future we may need this technology in order to even have a firearm. U.S. Government already taking steps to get rid of our right the bear arms. You may want to manufacture your own ammo also, since ammo is scarce these days.

Frank

The gun made by Solid Concepts is not a plastic gun. Most of it is made from Stainless Steel some parts are made from other metals. Mill from a solid block, or Selective Laser Sintering, Steel is steel

Fort HardAss

ooops, I dropped my 1911 – aw now it won’t fire. Damn, I dropped my Glock. Wow, it still keeps on shooting.

Ernest Murphy

Awesome fit form and functional. Solid Concepts, has proven you will get a bang for your buck, out of their quality process.

LuXGriM

Christ Nailer, two comments in and we are already doing the elitist bullshit? Aren’t there a hundred gun forums where you can regurgitate that tripe?

Nailer

I will keep my 1911 that is milled from a solid block of steel. I will not buy a plastic glock or a firearm made by 3d printer.

Professional Print Shop

3-D technology can do much more than simply make weapons. We may be at a point in the near future, where we own 3-D printers and have them create food for our very livelihood. Simply fascinating!