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Post by Derafear on Apr 21, 2013 19:25:07 GMT -5
Hey Guys,
Lately I've been thinking about two things, airsoft and 3D printers. I was thinking of making a M4 mid-cap that could be printed out with a 3D printer. I searched the internet for this and sadly, no one has ever attempted to do this, until today. Here is my almost finished CAD file of a M4 mid-cap. Once I finish, I will print it out, work out all of the problems, and improve the features. If you want to follow this project, or make recommendations for this project, just comment on this thread.
Thank you for your support,
Wildmann.
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Post by Derafear on Apr 21, 2013 19:30:22 GMT -5
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thing1
Full Member
I'm going ape
Posts: 166
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Post by thing1 on Apr 21, 2013 20:01:30 GMT -5
People have printed real m4 mags, along with lower receivers. Ironically, they also live in central Texas.
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Headshot
Full Member
Blackhawk Airsoft - Speed, Power, Victory
Posts: 223
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Post by Headshot on Apr 21, 2013 20:46:18 GMT -5
This tech is so like Star Trek. Beam me up, Scotty.
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Post by Midas on Apr 21, 2013 21:22:52 GMT -5
If you want I know a person in austin that can print a few test designs out for you if you need to do a few test runs.
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Post by Derafear on Apr 21, 2013 21:23:16 GMT -5
People have printed real m4 mags, along with lower receivers. Ironically, they also live in central Texas. Yes they have, but never airsoft m4 mags  They would cost about $1.00 to print them!!! |
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Post by MotorMouth93 on Apr 22, 2013 0:17:48 GMT -5
Where are you getting that number? I need to find this place to print my custom hop up unit.
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Post by Midas on Apr 22, 2013 0:23:24 GMT -5
Where are you getting that number? I need to find this place to print my custom hop up unit. Knowing someone who prints their own ar-15 mags actually its less than a buck. But thats if you do it yourself. If its a site like shapeways you're going to pay a lot more. |
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Post by MotorMouth93 on Apr 22, 2013 1:36:48 GMT -5
Ah that explains it.
Yeah Shapeways charges a lot ($16 shipped for a hop up unit sized object), but I'll probably end up using them.
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thing1
Full Member
I'm going ape
Posts: 166
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Post by thing1 on Apr 22, 2013 7:52:32 GMT -5
Wildmann, and everyone else Interested, here is a link to a company (in Austin) that is printing a real gun. youtu.be/DconsfGsXyAMotorMouth93, if you ever want help testing your custom hop-up unit, I'm down. Sounds super cool. |
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Post by Derafear on Apr 22, 2013 18:57:33 GMT -5
Should have the first prototype on the printer tomorrow!!! Let's see how it works |
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Post by Derafear on Apr 22, 2013 19:06:30 GMT -5
Does Anyone know where I could buy springs for Mid-caps?
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Speedy
New Member
New Member
Posts: 15
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Post by Speedy on Apr 22, 2013 21:26:26 GMT -5
Are you using a Makerbot to do you printing? And once you work out the faults in printing can you put the updated file in your drop box. I am very interested in the project and wish I could help more.
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angrygiant
Full Member
Rising Power / Team Leader
Posts: 216
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Post by angrygiant on Apr 23, 2013 1:15:11 GMT -5
I have access to a makerbot v1 and v2.. Let me tell you.. for fully supported (100% density) ABS.. this is going to take you 2-3+ hours to print. Sure, $1 in plastic. But you have a LOT of printing R&D to do to get the file tweaked to come out right, and you have a LOT of hours of sitting there letting the damn things print. What you are left with is an unpolished piece of unpainted ugly plastic. All this and considering mid caps are cheap in bulk.. I say just buy them. Also, the printer doesn't output the smoothest surfaces so without being polished...these mags will likely jam or cause the spring to catch internally.  Parts like trigger housing or fire selector plate would be nice.. |
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Post by Derafear on Apr 23, 2013 8:40:43 GMT -5
I have access to a makerbot v1 and v2.. Let me tell you.. for fully supported (100% density) ABS.. this is going to take you 2-3+ hours to print. Sure, $1 in plastic. But you have a LOT of printing R&D to do to get the file tweaked to come out right, and you have a LOT of hours of sitting there letting the damn things print. What you are left with is an unpolished piece of unpainted ugly plastic. All this and considering mid caps are cheap in bulk.. I say just buy them. Also, the printer doesn't output the smoothest surfaces so without being polished...these mags will likely jam or cause the spring to catch internally. Parts like trigger housing or fire selector plate would be nice.. It really depends on what 3D printer you use, but you're right, it does come out a little rough. I also plan to do other pieces in the future, such as the things you mentioned above. And to everyone, thanks for all the support so far ;D I should have the first prototype done tomorrow. |
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Post by mark32 on Jun 20, 2013 0:43:11 GMT -5
Knowing someone who publishing their own ar-15 publications actually its less than a cash. But thats if you do it yourself. If its a web page like shapeways you're going to pay a lot more.
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Post by Midas on Jun 20, 2013 18:27:44 GMT -5
Knowing someone who publishing their own ar-15 publications actually its less than a cash. But thats if you do it yourself. If its a web page like shapeways you're going to pay a lot more. Did you just bot what I said? |
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Post by spacemarine658 on Jul 26, 2013 22:55:37 GMT -5
Hey wild I'd love to buy some H&K 416 mid cap mags down the road lol and a helmit and a custom scope lol just saying
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Post by Derafear on Jul 28, 2013 10:22:06 GMT -5
This project is closed, I lost my files, and accuse to the Printer when school went out, and I'm now going to TC. The mag came out ok, it was smooth, but I had some sizing issues.
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They would cost about $1.00 to print them!!!
