Print your replacement magazines...

[CCFan]

So if you're running low on magazines, just upload your 3D drawing, and use your handy dandy 3D printer to print one out!

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2011/0 ... ables.html

And just in case you don't have a 3D printer:

http://www.shapeways.com/

Open up an account with them, upload and ship!

How freakin cool is that?!

[gunderwood]

Additive manufacturing is very cool tech, but most of them are for basic prototypes only. I.e. they don't last very long under real use. That being said, there are a few techniques which can actually be used to make or remake worn parts and have them be usable.

[CCFan]

I had to wonder at the strength of "printable" stainless steel...

http://www.shapeways.com/materials/stainless_steel

Their disclaimer says that they are suitable for decorative purposes only - but how far off until someone finds a new binder or newer technology that lets them print mechanically sound parts?? Not that I'll be able to afford the printer but it would be pretty darn neat to print off a new lower to build a new AR...

[mutantpoo]

Very interesting indeed.

[jdonovan]

I'm wondering when, for folks at the end of the logistics train this becomes more the norm.

i.e. buy a license for a product, and then print it out.

it would be very interesting for temporary spare parts until you could get the real thing shipped in.

[Jakeiscrazy]

That's cool!

[thekinetic]

Very neat!

[SpanishInquisition]

The army is experimenting with 3D printing in the field now. I saw something on this a few weeks ago. I'll try to dig it up.

... and Shapeways is pretty cool. I've gotten a few things from then over the years, mostly customized novelties or gifts.

Someone has printed a AR lower successfully. They weren't so lucky with an upper.

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