by Steve » Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:53 am
Proof of concept barrel extension. I was testing whether or not Autodesk Inventor's threading actually printed or if it was just a visual pretty that you could add to a file.
Turns out that it doesn't actually print threads (bummer), however, if you catch it right when the print finishes, the ABS is still warm enough that the threaded outer barrel will cut the right thread pattern in. Now that I know it works, I can look at doing spiky projections from the end of the "can", and doing an inset so that it slides further over the barrel while still threading on.
May even look at using translucent ABS for the inner core wall, a threaded cap, and some LEDs to do a tracer unit. Also on the plate: designing a Crane-style stock that is slightly oversized to accept larger dimension batteries. One that doesn't EAT f***ing BEARDS.
This took all of about 3 minutes to knock out in Autodesk, about 10 minutes to slice the .stl into gcode, and 7 hours and 9 minutes to print. The next revision will probably take a little longer to design, but not likely much.
Notes:
-Yes, this is mounted to an airsoft rifle, not a real rifle.
-The barrel extension has a solid core tube down the center of it that threads to the muzzle of most airsoft AEGs and GBBs. It is a sealed unit, with approximately 1.62mm walls. It is built so as to NOT reduce the sound of the replica if fired (as that would be a suppressor, and only the truly stupid piss off the BATFE, what with the penalty being something like 10 years federal time AND $100,000 fine).
-It is constructed of ABS plastic at a 25% fill, and would likely blow the f*** up, melt, (or both, for extra-special discomfort!) if attached to an actual firearm and used with blank or live ammunition.