Silly thought, 3D printing cases?

[DenisA]

Just throwing it out there.

3D printers and different materials are getting pretty affordable and common.

I know nothing about 3D printing, but I've been in awe of what I have seen.

With the right material developed one day (if it allowed manipulation and resizing, etc) it would be great for hard to get cartridges and make all cases as close to identical as possible in terms of dimensions and weight..

Could it be done now with current materials in one off firings seeing as cardboard cases have been used in the past...... I think ???

Are there any current 3D printing materials that would be close to usable for rifle cases? I know in a commercial situation stainless steel compounds and aluminium compounds are available, so maybe something else?

[Longranger]

You will need a spare million to purchase a laser sintering printer.

The precision and quality that these things are capable of is incredible.

[AlanF]

Denis,

Brass is used for cases because of its unique properties (for spring-back etc etc). And it needs heat treating so that head is harder than the neck etc. What you're proposing may happen one day, but it would not be easy. Interesting thought though.

Alan

[dummos]

For a single firing of oddball cartridges, i see no reason why a plastic shell printed to size inside brass base, ala shogun catridges wouldn't work. Not cost effective, but it theoretically at least could be done.