3D Printing - new follower design

[codegeek]

in researching the nose diving first round issue, the thought came to me... why not incorporate Greg's and Harrylee's manual design into a 3D printable design? We could then get somebody nice with a 3D printer to make us a few followers for field testing.

I realize this may not be a popular idea with the powers that be, but it certainly would not be any worse than sanding down the existing followers, would it?

Anybody have any 3D software/CAD experience? I'm willing to take it on myself, but I have zero software experience.

btw: this is the link that gave me the idea:

http://www.uzitalk.com/forums/showthread.php?71565-CAD-3D-printer-Mag-follower

If we could pull this off, this could make some frustrated people happy....

[CB3]

Great idea. I don't know that 3D printers are in wide enough use as yet for the few individuals who have access to them to jump on this now, but I support the idea. I would buy a dozen followers and pay a higher price to help get the project rolling.

[LorenzoB]

I have designed some parts and had them 3D printed. There are so many different material types and different printing processes it's crazy. Some of the ABS parts I did were very strong, but the resolution of the printer was not that great. I have been wanting to machine a follower instead because 3D printing has its own set of challenges. But I may change my mind because we are thinking about buying a high end printer to offset taxes the end of this year. Or another CNC, still up in the air on this, but I have some time.

[RevRay]

Here's an article on The Blaze on 3D printers by next year being down to about $500.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/06/05/heres-how-you-can-own-your-own-3d-printer-for-less-than-500/

[codegeek]

I have designed some parts and had them 3D printed. There are so many different material types and different printing processes it's crazy. Some of the ABS parts I did were very strong, but the resolution of the printer was not that great. I have been wanting to machine a follower instead because 3D printing has its own set of challenges. But I may change my mind because we are thinking about buying a high end printer to offset taxes the end of this year. Or another CNC, still up in the air on this, but I have some time.

I downloaded Bender to start doing the design work. If you are more skilled than I, please give it a go. There is a company on the web that will take your printable 3D files and allow people to order the part in whatever material we choose. I forget the name of it, but it wouldn't be hard to track down again. The hard part is going to be getting the prototype done and tested.

[JFootin]

Brain fart here. Has anyone tried using a follower from another brand in a Kahr mag? In other words, a follower from another brand of single stack 9mm in a 9mm Kahr mag? People have had success using 1911 mags in the P/CW45 guns. So? If someone can find one that will feed the bullets successfully, even on a slow rack, and lock the slide back on last round, we'd be in business. And followers are not expensive parts to purchase. Of course, Greg's mod isn't difficult to do either.

Ehh, I haven't had a problem with the 6 rounders in my CM9. Had 1 or 2 nose down ftfs with 115 gr WWB early on (probably limp wristing), but never with stronger ammo. And my CM9 loves Speer Gold Dot ammo. I can hear and feel how positively it cycles that ammo. So that is my carry ammo in that pistol. (I haven't gotten any of the Short Barrel GD ammo, yet. I want to give it a try.)