Solid Concepts has unveiled the first 3d-printed metal gun, and it can fire without issue. In the latest test, this firearm fired off over 50 rounds, thanks to its sturdy design via laser sintering, „which helped them manufacture over 30 individual components for the gun – and various powdered metals.“
But to be clear, and likely to the relief of law enforcement, this isn’t something you can run out and do yourself. „There are barriers to entry that will keep the public away from this technology for years,“ said Scott McGowan, the company’s VP of marketing, In a statement to The Verge.
Those include a prohibitively high cost for the equipment involved and the expertise required to actually pull off the printing.
Official Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ZYKMBDm4M#t=0
http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/7/5077718/worlds-first-3d-printed-metal-gun-fires-over-50-rounds