3 ms·
> the easiest thing to do would be to create the part with the printer, then use it to form a mold for casting the part out of metal This is definitely not tru
by eindiran 3y ago
> the easiest thing to do would be to create the part with the printer, then use it to form a mold for casting the part out of metal
This is definitely not true for parts that need to be closely toleranced. Lost-PLA casting, DIY mold-making, etc are manufacturing processes not world-renowned for their ability to keep things precise.
- giantg2 3y agoYeah, most parts in simple designs do not need to be super precise. Some hand fitting might be necessary.
- eindiran 3y agoThis is in the context of firearms, which are presumably modern repeating firearms, where they will cease to function if the tolerances are wrong.
- OkayPhysicist 3y agoYou can get remarkably far with pretty crude tolerances, especially with lower pressure, pistol rounds. For example a direct-blowback, open-bolt submachine guns akin to what was used in WW2 can be pretty easily designed and built by anybody with a passable understanding of mechanics.
- eindiran 3y agoAgain, we're talking about casting. Take a look at an Owen or a Sten and get back to me on what parts you think can be plausibly lost-PLA casted.