Best 3d printing filament for firearms.
Posted by inserttext1@reddit | GunnitRust | View on Reddit | 118 comments
I've been recently trying to figure out what is the absolute best 3d printing filament for firearms parts. So far it's a 3 way tie between diamond pla, Taulman bridge, and Taulman 910. What do you guys use/recommend?
Opposite_Tap_8273@reddit
Still haven’t seen what the best would be lol anyone have a clear answer, why not use ABS or PETG? Aren’t this stronger filaments meant to withstand stand high heat?
fisman03@reddit
Ive seen a few posts about people using abs for glock frames. They don't shatter like people say they do, just crack. I think the problem with abs is that you get the best strength with no fan, but its hard to print overhangs and finer detail without fan. Parts come out weaker with a fan. I have yet to see a single photo or video of a petg frame catastrophically failing. I think a lot of it is just anecdotal evidence that people just take as gospel.
AmmoBlack@reddit
Most used is PLA+
SirRolex@reddit
I have my UBAR printed in Esun PLA+ black. I have about 200 rounds of 9mm through it with no issues. I know its a pretty low round count. But the process of printing it, fine tuning my print etc, was fairly straight forward. Another +1 for PLA+
AdviceBrief8494@reddit
What nozzle do you use
Independent-Mud-6074@reddit
Hey I’m new to 3d printing could you guys tell me where to find the files to download blueprints?
Otherwise-Tangelo763@reddit
https://defcad.com/ you do have to put in your email for their newsletter but who wouldnt
Various-Advice-6126@reddit
you have to make them yourself, 2 years ago all files were posted online in sub reddits and most 3d print websites but now they are all almost removed
SharpCartographer175@reddit
I’m fairly new to this as well but I’m curious why you say that. What about DEFCAD? I haven’t bought a membership with them yet but I want to know if it’s worth it before I do.
FkArundFindOut@reddit
You have to have a federal firearm license plus their membership to download and by files
Altruistic-Royal-411@reddit
don't they are being investigated
Rylovix@reddit
If you haven’t found a good choice yet, my preferred is thegatalog.com . Has a good number of designs for all kinds of stuff. Only drawback might be that a lot of the original designs are a bit nerf gun looking, but there are some decent picks.
Altruistic-Royal-411@reddit
The sea
Jazzlike-Ad-5584@reddit
Google py2a and there's a shitload of free downloads download them on your phone then get them from your phone to your computer and then from your computer to your zip stick I just downloaded every model of glock handgun yesterday for free
No_College_5118@reddit
Would metal filament be good to 3d print a gun and if so which one and if not what material would be best I was thinking of carbon but I don't know if that melts I just want something that won't melt and I would last me long
GeneralJawbreaker@reddit
Glass filled nylon is probably your best bet from what I've heard.
Ashlyn451@reddit
It is the best as it's what gun companies use. The only difference is injection molding vs printing.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
I wouldn't suggest nylons for a beginner. Hard to print, requires more than the standard ender 3, and the fumes aren't great for you. For my prints I prefer Polymax Pla+. Esun is good on paper but their QC has been hit or miss recently.
NalanaVos@reddit
pla is a bad choice for this case idk why suggest this. nylon+cf, abs+Cf are the only options period (.) . Its a thing that makes lots a heat and has powerful shocks thru it. Pla is not only brittle it also moves to glass transition at 60C which is like YIKES bad bad no no no.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
What I said PLA+ not pla. Literally every single firearm stl I have seen said that it was tested with esun pla+.
NalanaVos@reddit
Do you understand that pla + is not stronger just with some additional aditives to make it easyer to print? The fact that you do not know but think it's better only strengthens my point. Jesus for your own safety just listen for once and do your research.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
What are you talking about yes it is. Literally every single firearm that I have seen says that it was tested with pla+. I am literally staring at the Readme for the ubar which says, verbatim, "Thie receiver has been tested to work well in eSun PLA+. In any material similar or superior to PLA+, this receiver should work as well". Literally every single firearm I have printed and tested has been in PLA+. Stop spreading misinformation.
NalanaVos@reddit
Omg the lack of of knowledge you display is amazing.
This is an advert. Clear and simple and you people fell for it.
Anyway i see its pointless to point you to safer materials and so i will say enjoy your future PLA+ fragmentation grenades.
That is you mate 100% ,material science is on my side.
You have nothing but hearsay and the idiotic concept that PLA is safe with or without the "+".
fossilmars@reddit
I still agree to use petg or better though for "fire arms" just not worth the risk.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
You goblin I have literally run hundreds of rounds through PLA+. If you want to make bullshit assertions at least look at the tensile strength of the materials you're talking about. And next time, read the second half which says "in any material similar or superior to PLA+".
Even then, every firearm which has a high pressure load like 9mm+ doesn't have the printed part as a pressure bearing part. The part which maintains the actual pressure is the steel bolt, barrel, etc. Literally look in my post history for proof that I have built a 45 acp pistol with pla+ with no part failure.
NalanaVos@reddit
Ree reeeeee Someone called you on your BS and now you make fantasy claims.
:)) pathetic
Fire 100 bullets in rapid succession and i bet you will have molten plastic on your hand .
don't do it really its kinda close to a darwin award.
edit: When you attack the person you just prove you have argument. Thank you.
Your safety goblin would like to remind you that pla is not safe and for 5bucks more you can save yourself a trip to the hospital.
Idk you can afford medical care mate, we live in merica mate :) if i have to remind you that.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
I have done that. The pla is not exposed to significant enough heat that it will melt.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
really now? how much does esun pay you?
what caliber?
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
The guns I have shot in rapid succession have been in 45 and 5.56 like I said. I literally have a post which shows the printed gun I made using pla+.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
Hundreds of bulets and you expect me to believe you? Without pause except for reload?
REALLLY?
PROVE IT UPLOAD A VIDEO, WITH A PLA+ GUN FIRING 200 WITHOUT PAUSE EXCEPT RELOAD 5.56
YOU LIE
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
Glow harder
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
you know its impossible and you avoid it.
Truth will set you free comrade. Just admit it.
Majin_B000@reddit
So what do you recommend using?
CelebrationFalse9016@reddit
Mammoth-Wrangler6969@reddit
Bro... this was printed in PLA+ https://twitter.com/printingguns/status/1511156833066500096/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1511156833066500096¤tTweetUser=printingguns&mode=profile
I have guns that have thousands of rounds through them printed in PLA+
Are you new here or something?
NalanaVos@reddit
necroing 1 year congratz
Mammoth-Wrangler6969@reddit
This is my 3rd account, I've been here since the beginning. Your better than us because your ignorant, don't know what your talking about? Fascinating concept.
NalanaVos@reddit
Are you stupid? Just because you"been here since the begginings" doesn't make you special. Sure, it seems its about your ego there 🙄. You disproved nothing but a lack of understanding in material science and proper ways to 3d print. In short you are dumb as brics, and if your arguments are revolving around, i am here longer. lol eat a sock. Imagine necroing a thread after 1 year. Man, you have a crazed gun nut.
Mammoth-Wrangler6969@reddit
🤣 I'm not the one claiming the most common material used for printing guns is not usable for printing guns. I literally sent you links that prove that. All you have is petty insults, have not been able to share a single piece of evidence that supports your argument. Quit self reflecting man, you have no clue what your talking about and it's obvious.
NalanaVos@reddit
U ok bro? U seem mad in the head.
Zealousideal_Tax8512@reddit
so deff pla+
hunkoys@reddit
I just want to add for those who will read this. Putting a + on PLA doesn’t mean it’s not going to melt under the sun. Leave it in your car on a hot day and see. At the end of the day it’s almost the same TDS.
I’m actually surprised on how common PLA+ or Pro is in gun printing. I’m not saying it’s not going to work(because apparently it does, for some reason). I’m just saying why it’s what people first consider. You can die easily with a gun. I don’t know why someone would trust their life (or hand) on a plastic that’s only usually used for knick knacks and indoor action figures. Read the TDS please.
Realistic-Airport182@reddit
Nylon either pa 12 CF or pa glass filled pa 6 nylon is so easy to print (easier then Pla ) if you have bambulab X1C or P1p just put it on the Bambu pa6 filament even tho it’s from a different brand but Bambu mastered the settings on that Fillament. Buy a drier if you don’t have it and you will dry as you print and it will be no warping , No spaghetti mess , nothing. Just pick that setting and walk away. So it’s easier than ever before.
Grizzlygrant238@reddit
Sorry for replying to your comment a year later but I just picked up a P1S and was wondering why you suggest a P1P. Doesn’t the enclosed P1S have better capability with some of the fiber reinforced filaments? And would the fact that it has a fan system help it dry as well? I’m literally a week into printing, so please go easy on me.
Witty_Gazelle2103@reddit
Any of the enclosed printers from ANY vendor will do better printing Nylons or Polycarbonate filaments. The fiber filled types will print slightly easier than the raw stuff because the fiberglass or carbon fibers help keep the warping, etc. down.
You want to have an elevated ambient temp in the print volume. 30+ deg C will help with printing and a door will help there as well as kill any drafts.
Let you in on a little secret... An Ender3 v3 CoreXZ inside of their zipper bag enclosure fed by a dryer/drybox feed will print anything just short of Tullomer on it and do it SOLIDLY. How do I know? Welll... I ended up torching off my steppers on my heavily tricked out V2 and bought my V3. It prints everything. Literally.
Yours is even better than my over the weekend cheapie.
Grizzlygrant238@reddit
It seems like a ripper so far. I’ve only done different pla and PC for now but I have a dryer so I think it’s time to start experimenting with nylon or pa6-gf
Witty_Gazelle2103@reddit
PA6 GF easier than PLA? X-D
It's hydrophillic like few other substances. Unlike PLA+. You need to have your spool in with the printer in the enclosure or have it in a drybox or dryer with a feed line. It'll get wet in the middle of a long print and GF won't save you.
Once you have that, yeah, it's nice. You want a Garolite or PEI bed with the right adhesive as bed prep. I've both Magigoo and Nano Adhesive- they work nicely on both types of the bed I mentioned if you're using an enclosure, etc. Without a dryer and knowing the evil stuff well, it's one of the most capricious of materials to print with.
No_Ad1684@reddit
What about ABS
SpartanLegend@reddit
Related question, do people use PETG at all for printing firearm parts? I recently heard that it's stronger and lasts longer than pla+ but I'm not sure.
S31ZE@reddit
I’ve used it a bit, currently printing a 5.7 frame in it.
DateRadiant8333@reddit
The 3dp90 is in 5.7 might be worth checking out.
Immediate-Worth-8271@reddit
I’ve been looking for a 5.7 file I can’t find one, could you tell me where to look?
_Bad_Company@reddit
Asa carbon fiber
No-University-9625@reddit
Pla+
Acrobatic-Bad4883@reddit
I printed a handle for M203 with PETG-CF for my friend. It has seen combat since September in Gaza and handled tens of grenades launched and thousands of bullets shot from the rifle with no problem. I should also note that it was printed on a simple ender 3 v3 se, and that I did use 100% infill just to be sure it will be the best
bigdick6677543456vd@reddit
I've watched videos on pet cf ill let yk how that goes
__lost-ram@reddit
I've squirted 8 Glock frames so far using pet-cf. Only problem has been moisture so far. I've got Abt 600 rds through 2 of them
DeliciousCheck391@reddit
I plan to use PPS-CF10 in the fiberon lineup. I just want a nice finish that is close to the strength of aluminum
despot_zemu@reddit
I use eSun PLA+
Zastruguh@reddit
Yeah.. I'm 300 rounds in on my printed frame and the barrel pins are already melting backwards into the frame, causing my barrel to move. Esun is strong but PLA melts so fast its unreal, I've gone out and shot it a total of 3 times and its already starting to melt. (9mm Lopoint)
SiNiStEr666BlAcK@reddit
I believe PETG has a higher melting point. That is what i used on mine. I have yet to test it .. when i do i will post the results.
Zastruguh@reddit
The problems with PETG are that it's harder to print with than PLA and shatters like glass if it fails. Let us know how it goes. Personally, I know that 3d printed guns don't last forever and have numbered days, so eventually, when it does give out and break, I would rather not have a face full of sharp PETG shards and just a standard break at the compromised spot, common with PLA.
AdApprehensive5286@reddit
Who told you PETG shatter like glass??? It's the exact (almost) recipe used to make water bottles it is NOT brittle and under no circumstances will it "shatter" when dropped
Zastruguh@reddit
It's brittle when exposed to fast, massive shock, for instance, a firearm blast.
hunkoys@reddit
Interesting. PETG is not even brittle. Anyway why don’t you use PACF instead? Glock polymers uses some kind of Nylon too.
Averagecid@reddit
But glocks nylon is a secret “recipe”
Positive-Panic8697@reddit
No, it's just Nylon 6+ carbon
No magic other than it's "wetter' than many other production Nylon 6 products despite the added carbon
ShipsForPirates@reddit
Nylon is a companies brand name, it likely is just pa6 cf same thing though
DankmanSFV@reddit
Ya it’s a PROPRIETARY NYLON known as NYLON 2 (PA 2) so it’s not PA6/PA6.6/PA612/PA12 or any combo…
FunAcanthocephala381@reddit
Even if you had the recipe it wouldn't be as strong because it will always be weak across the z-axis because of it being printed in layers. The way Glocks are made, the materials in the mix are going all different directions and will be strong in all axis'
Averagecid@reddit
True
AdApprehensive5286@reddit
Sorry I misread your post…..I read “fails” as “falls”…. I thought you were saying it shatters when it falls ;)
CDAWGG2022@reddit
Printed in low temp I notice it's brittle
Own-Currency3985@reddit
have you tested it in the past 2 years?
That-Air2639@reddit
how about Carbon fiber nylon filament?
Ok_Profit1131@reddit
That's what I'm being told GF or CF Nylon.
AfraidSatisfaction67@reddit
Prusa filament cf blend pc. Easy to print and insanely strong after a simple anneal.
Grizzlygrant238@reddit
I know what a annealing is for metal is it the same thing with plastic? Basically purposely heating it up or curing it in a way? Sorry for responding to a two year old comment. I’m a week into printing and trying to learn as much as possible and not surprisingly Reddit posts have the most in-depth discussion
tictacfungus@reddit
Yes, it is the same concept as far as annealing metal. If you have a heated chamber and heated printbed, you just do it through there with what is recommended. Usually, it is around 6-8 hours, depending on the material used.
Visual_Equivalent969@reddit
I'm new to printing, I need help pri bring a lower reciever for. Taurus nine
Tiny_Measurement7068@reddit
I've printed multiple Glock frames now on my BCN3d Epsilon W50 using NylonX and once I fine-tuned my print settings, I eliminated most all of the warping issues, as well as horizontal print lines being overly visible. The frames are incredibly durable & very light weight. Requires hardened nozzles and heated beds and slower print temps to achieve a properly tolerance frame with minimal post process cleanup. I think I printed at 270c, 80c bed temp, .1mm line height, .5mm width, 25mms speed, 15mms outer wall speed, %100 infill, printing the frame from its bottom up using tree supports & ironing the top. This way the top & inside where all the internals go, will be straight & clean for easy fitment. Prints took a day, but when it comes to printing a handgun frame, you don't want to sacrifice quality/strength over speed/material cost. I also sand blasted & cerakoted mine to anneal & seal the nylon from absorbing ambient moisture. The Nylon soaked up a good bit of cerakote before it was saturated and cured. Resulting in an even more stable and strong 3d printed Glock 43x frame. The PLA+ of course will print easier with more details, but at the cost of softening under less friction/heat. My NylonX frames are still going strong after a thousand rounds. I think the cerakote helps solve the post print issues with moisture absorption/warping & annealing for better strength/flexibility and thermal stability, since the cerakote bakes into the nylonX effectively sealing it as well as adding abrasion/chemical/UV resistance when using C series air cured for uv stability or H series oven cured to effectively anneal the part, while stopping its moisture absorption properties.
Visual_Equivalent969@reddit
What's the easiest kit for me to buy , I live in Canada, I want to print any type of 9mm. What's my best option , and the best site to ship it to me
neverninetofive@reddit
What about printing parts that should be resistent and robust but not used as mechanical parts inside the gun? For example I want to print myself some parts like muzzle flash hiders, fake silencers, magazines or optic rails for a FSC First Strike Co2 gun.. any recommendation would be great! Price does not matter but it should be long lasting and not breaking after two games on the paintball field.
SubstantialLow3000@reddit
I'm sure there are even more that we may not even be aware of.
Outrageous_Round_219@reddit
it sucls yall fail to answer the fking question giving to many fking options
No-Angle4628@reddit
Stronghold PLA Pro by far best pla plus that I have printed with! AAA+++
Dipshitdoozy@reddit
Do you still think this ???
Normal-Importance374@reddit
You make a hanging lower outta pla pro
FunAcanthocephala381@reddit
PolyLite PLA Pro.......
FunAcanthocephala381@reddit
Hands down Polymaker's "Polylite PLA Pro" for me.....
True_Apricot724@reddit
I'm just getting into it so I need some pointers
True_Apricot724@reddit
I heard that carbon firebear ninja on works
BigFatPirate@reddit
Dude I agree with some of your opinion but not making it easy to listen as people don't want to listen to an asshole maybe grow up and learn how an adult can have a friendly debate without coming to blows. I don't know you from Adam but your attitude is making me only want to see you get your ass beat.
Brown_eye99@reddit
cf nylon,1000 rds and counting,make sure you have hot tip and a dryer as long as your setting are good temp wise and speed and keeping free of moisture is a must you can't beat unless you want to spend the money on polycabonate but thats a whole learning curve itself.Using ender s1 pro with cover and dryer and using nylonx from matterhackers with a Swiss hotend and gotta be the strongest I've tried yet
nd
Brown_eye99@reddit
cf nylon,1000 rds and counting,make sure you have hot tip and a dryer as long as your setting are good temp wise and speed and keeping free of moisture is a must you can't beat unless you want to spend the money on polycabonate but thats a whole learning curve itself.Using ender s1 pro with cover and dryer and using nylonx from matterhackers with a Swiss hotend and gotta be the strongest I've tried yet
nd
bmorepirate@reddit
I just picked up some Filacube HTPLA+ for my Mac DB9 build. Printd as easily (imo) as PLA+ and once annealed (literally just heat your oven to 80C, turn it off, pop it in, and wait for it to cool to room temp) it'll withstand up to 85C before deformation.
I did a little non-scientific test with a couple of fuck up parts (unannealed) of leaving them in my black car on the dash on a 95F day. They were a little floppy and the meat thermometer next to them was showing 170F. Took them into the house and let them cool to ambient (essentially annealing them) then put them back in the car. This time, same temp on the thermometer, but no deformation.
Ngl I was not expecting it to live up to the advertised specs but I guess that's the difference with USA-made filament vs. random chinesium.
nolano_1@reddit
I would love to know how it held up, I'm thinking about using it, but I need to know if it would be good for strength and temp.
deeproots01@reddit
Industry standard is e-sun PLA+
MerlinTheWhite@reddit
That stuff is so brittle and I've never had good luck with it.
JapaneseCharacters@reddit
The problem probably isn't the filament then
MerlinTheWhite@reddit
idk you can read loads of reviews on amazon where people have the same problem with the PLA+ breaking as it unspools. I've had a lot of prints fail because of that.
look at the reviews and search for "brittle" https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs-Diameter/dp/B01EKFV4RS
https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-Printer-Filament-2-2lbs/dp/B01EKEMDA6
Chevey0@reddit
i had this happen just yesterday, broke in three places between the reel and the extruder. Having sat still for a few days, very strange.
NalanaVos@reddit
you mean retard standard is PLA+
lol "industry". go with at least abs+cf
deeproots01@reddit
Every mainstream 3d2a designer recommends pla+, not abs, so no, you're wrong
NalanaVos@reddit
every one is retarded then. Its the most improper material to use. They do not have your safety in mind but a quick buck. Nylon or nothing else, wtf is wrong with you people?
deeproots01@reddit
Designs are nearly always released for free. This community has been around for years and you seem pretty new to the idea. Maybe to talk to some actual designers and test out some designs before claiming they're all trying to injure people for a quick buck
NalanaVos@reddit
You seem pretty new to additive manufacturing and material design.
Maybe educate yourself when someone tells you what you are doing is dangerous. Idk maybe you like your hands.
kek lol imagine defending PLA
deeproots01@reddit
You're not arguing with me, you're arguing with the entire community and years of it testing materials..is pla+ inherently the best all the time? Not necessarily, but it's the industry standard, which is what I said
NalanaVos@reddit
oh years of "testing" , oh de community you mean the 90% that print once every 6 months and then go on reddit and be like reee its not sticking to the bed? OH NO. what ever shall i do.
Industry standard? what industry? what standard? quote the standard what is the ISO number? IF the standard is using dangerously weak materials i guess that is a standard.
Please go ahead list the properties of pla and compare to heat when firing a bullet and its tensile strength and impact resistance. Now dare to tell me its safe when i see posts my gun melted a bit after the third bullet. WHAT ? You dare defend that? LOL
edit: i will ABSOLUTELY argue with the whole community until you get it in your thick skulls PLA is not a safe material for this use case. Or idk you are 1 misprint away from no fingers, 1 wall too thinly designed and one use case too far from safe. ;
Don't be all high and mighty with the comuNITy when y'all print bad materials on 200$ junkers while understanding little about printing.
Or in your case about the properties of materials.
Soul_Split@reddit
dude, you are getting super aggressive for no reason... how many firearms have you printed? I'm genuinely asking you... most of the parts for the guns we are printing arent high-heat applications. most of them are used on lowers which do not have much heat to manage. also, most of them are pretty low-risk failure parts... it's not like if it fails it will immediately switch to full auto and begin shooting back at the operator... you arent actually really arguing the point, you are just claiming people are wrong...?
NalanaVos@reddit
you just necroed a 6 month troll thread. Well done genius.
LOL LMAO
CraigslistMorty@reddit
Get a life
NalanaVos@reddit
you managed to necro a 3 + 6 month old post. You get a life. LOL
Dick__Marathon@reddit
Get a life
NalanaVos@reddit
2 month necro, what a amateur. U stalking creep?
Dick__Marathon@reddit
Just found this thread while doing some research for my first fgc-9 build lol
NalanaVos@reddit
cool enjoi your dick marathon lol
blackSivic@reddit
The reres saying pla + is bad for printing frames 🤣🤣🤣 🤦♂️