3D printed grips

[braik]

I, like a lot of people on here, needed to change out my grips. I tried the coco bolo and while they looked fantastic, my smaller hands didn't like the distance to the trigger. So I gave them up and went back to stock. I'd like to try the aluminum grips to see how they would feel, but the price is a huge turn off.

Has anyone here had designed or printed out their own grips? Would you want to? I know there are websites that you can send CAD files to and they print it in a lot of different materials... seems cheaper, and more customizable too.

[armoredman]

It's the access to the 3D printer that seems to be the big problem. I understand they have come down in price from when I first heard of 3D printing some 15 years ago, but still a wee bit out of reach for us normal schlubs. I can't see how a CAD 3D grip wouldn't work if the parameters are right, but how the plastic would actually turn out might be interesting.

[CZ173]

and probably not cost effective unless its a large order

[Wobbly]

You don't need to buy the printer. There are prototype houses that already have banks of printers running. All you do is send them your 3D CAD file.

 

[braik]

Yeah, I didn't want to name anyone in particular because I'm new around here. But considering how relatively simple something like this would be, I wouldn't think it would be over $20 for a set.

[AZ_CZ]

Not sure how thin you can make plastic grips and maintain the structural integrity. The original hard plastic CZ grips were not that much thinner than wood. The AL grips are very thin but have the material strength around the edge to fit to the frame and not crack over time.

[MDIWeapon]

It's the access to the 3D printer that seems to be the big problem. I understand they have come down in price from when I first heard of 3D printing some 15 years ago, but still a wee bit out of reach for us normal schlubs. I can't see how a CAD 3D grip wouldn't work if the parameters are right, but how the plastic would actually turn out might be interesting.

newegg.com had a 7.8" x 7.8" x 7.8" build size 3D printer on sale for about $400 the other day. I noticed it because one of the reviewers said it could print reliable AR15 lowers. Of course that got my attention. 

found it. link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828840001&leaderboard=1

[burlycz]

I have a 3D printer at work that I use mostly for side projects. Grips should be fairly easy to print up once a CAD drawing is made. I will look around and see if I can find a model online. The options for materials are fairly limited, consisting of various plastics for my printer. A friend of mine has a metal printer, which would be interesting to try.

[milq]

I've got access to one at work also, ABS plastic only. As mentioned, getting the model drawn up properly is the big hurdle. I've never looked for a drawing of CZ grips, I suspect they're out there somewhere though.

[Wobbly]

So if the flat metal grips are optimal, what's so dang complicated about reproducing that in a 3D file ? You guys make it sound like something hard.

[milq]

The flats of the grips are easy, making the grips match the frame at front and rear straps is more difficult.

It can certainly be done, I've just never measured the frame or looked for a set of prints.

[MetalGravy]

I've got access to one at work also, ABS plastic only. As mentioned, getting the model drawn up properly is the big hurdle. I've never looked for a drawing of CZ grips, I suspect they're out there somewhere though.

Is ABS plastics tough enough to be used on gun grips?

[stretch2]

I watched a demo of this CNC mill at Rockler a while back:

http://www.rockler.com/cnc-piranha

My first thought was that it would be perfect for milling custom grips and stocks.  It'll mill aluminum also, so could possibly be used for lowers as well.

[burlycz]

Quick update - I found a model now and will print these this week to test the fit.  I am printing them on a Stratasys uPrint SE Plus in ABS. I will report back here with pics once they are done. I am also thinking of using the same model and printing an inverse mold to make some carbon fiber versions.

[BGlas]

I watched a demo of this CNC mill at Rockler a while back:

http://www.rockler.com/cnc-piranha

My first thought was that it would be perfect for milling custom grips and stocks.  It'll mill aluminum also, so could possibly be used for lowers as well.

Why oh why did you have to post that?  I was happily going about my day thinking that the cheapest CNC machine I could get to make grips was 4-5k....    .

Hmmmm.......