Posted on 02/26/2013 10:15:10 AM PST by marktwain
DEFCAD is a website for 3D printing of guns. It’s bathed in controversy, but that’s not preventing it from growing.
Since launching in December, DEFCAD has become home to nearly 90 components, including bullet casings, pistol suppressors, and even grenades.
More significant, however, are the traffic numbers. Visitors to DEFCAD have to date downloaded over 250,000 files from the site, creator Defense Distributed announced via Twitter today. One of the two grenade models hosted by DEFCAD.
One of the two grenade models hosted by DEFCAD.
DEFCAD gets an average of 3,000 visitors per hour, representing roughly 2TB of traffic since launch, Defense Distributed founder Cody Wilson said by phone today.
What all this means should be pretty clear: A whole lot of people are interested in downloading (and perhaps printing) guns.
(Excerpt) Read more at venturebeat.com ...
I downloaded everything they had...a month ago!
I suggest they lawyer up prior to their first lawsuit when a printed receiver blows up in someone’s face, or at the very least have one heck of an airtight disclaimer.
True. It’s one thing to make a component. It’s entirely another to have it made with the proper materials and tolerances to perform the task.
I could use some education here.
What does “printing” get you, exactly? I might understand a file that can be loaded into a lathe to machine parts for assembly....but it seems this is something different either more or less.
How would having 3-D printing files help the average citizen? Don’t you still have to manufacture every tiny part? Please explain to me what is controversial about this.
Thank you.
What everyone really needs is 3D printing of ammo.
The lower receiver is what is considered the “firearm” under federal law, as it is the part with the serial number from the factory. All other parts are not controlled and can be ordered through the mail or paid for with cash over the counter, no questions asked.
This development in 3D printing is very similar to making a receiver yourself with a drill press and files. Many people have done this at home since the invention of firearms, and it is perfectly legal under federal law, no special permission required, except for some stupid laws from the 30’s that require you to buy a tax stamp and jump through numerous hoops to make short barreled shotguns or rifles, silencers/suppressors, and automatic firearms.
3D printers make the process more understandable in our digital age to this digital generation. You still have to acquire the parts and put them all together, which could take an afternoon to do.
The important thing is you do not have to beg to the government for permission to do it.
Awesome, simply awesome. Build what you can with what you have is the epitome of American ingenuity. I worked in the machine tool industry for many years, and the advancements in CAD/CAM are just stupendous. I wish we had this 20 years ago. 3D printing combined with precision investment casting combined with CNC machining, and you can literally create anything you can dream up. Just like the PC in the early 80’s, desktop manufacturing has gone from unobtanium to something you can accomplish with ease in your spare time and an idea.
/johnny
ping
bfl
I’ve been keeping an eye on prices. They are coming down. You can get a decent printer for under $1K. There are lots of stuff I can think of making with one of these printers.
For my money, the best approach is the QU-BD combination machine.
It is designed to do both "positive" 3D by means of thermoplastic deposition AND "subtractive" 3D by means of standard CNC milling. Swap the plastic extruder head for a high-speed milling motor to switch from "positive" to "subtractive", with all the rest of the frame and motion control elements in common.
Fully assembled....$1700.
How large are files? can they all fit on a thumb drive?
If you look at You Tube - you can load these files into a “Resin” printer to where epoxy liquid that is as strong as sheet metal in some instances - are used to build layers over a very short time. Each piece then can be cleaned - riveted or glued in place - just like making a sheet metal magazine...therefore, one does not have to worry about the availability of a manufacture stamping out 30 round magazines - you can actually print them off using a resin machine...these files will serve as a counter to the govt placing a ban on 30 rd magazines — likewise...it is perfectly legal for you to manufacture a lower receiver of a AR-15/M-4 rifle — without a serial number - as long as YOU own it. This process will create a LOWER and all you have to do is buy the upper and other parts to assemble a full - non-registered - M4 rifle. See where this is going...using composite materials and resins - one can actually make their own M4 rifle - no serial number - no over govt oversight - and it works just like the rest of them (dependent on the quality of resin)...The biggest part of getting a M$ rifle is the lower and now the almost impossible 30 rd magazine...the upper (barrel and bolt) with stock and trigger, 6 position stock, all still have to be gathered...the controversy is that, you, the citizen, could be armed with a M4 rifle and well equipped with multiple 30 rd mags where unknowing govt officials storm trooping your house will find a surprise waiting for them if it ever comes down to this...that’s why there are downloads like crazy...
the 50 file Zip is 295MB in size...so yes - they can fit onto a 500mb thumb drive— most are usually at a minimum 2 to 4 GB in size...
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