The technology of today is incredible. A 3D printed lower, manufactured and tested by Defense Distributed has successfully survived a +600 round firing test. Essentially, the guys over at Defense Distributed fired the lower (called the AR lower v5) until they depleted their stock of testing ammunition. The 3D printed lower does not constitute a complete rifle, but it was fired in conjunction with standard rifle components without deformation or malfunction. I have to say, the lower is pretty cool, but what is more exciting to me is its implications for potential technology in the not-so-distant future.
3D printing requires expensive equipment and software to run it. However, the costs to operate and manufacture using a 3D printer could offer a much lower-cost alternative to the manufactured aluminum rifles that currently dominate the AR market. Where do you think technology will take firearms manufacturing next?
[H/T to Charlie and to John Biggs of TechCrunch.]
