I think if they get the combination right for materials, this is the future. Holster makers would also benefit because they can "print" on demand for whatever handgun is selling hot at the time. and this also works for firearm and attachment problems. Good article Tom.
Manufacturers are already using 3D laser scanning to scan a new gun. Then that info goes right into a CAD machine to design the holster. Then to the 3d Printer for prototypes. Roy
I love good leather as much as the next guy, but here in the SC summer humidity carrying IWB, a synthetic is a little more resistant to the moisture. - TM
This was fascinating! And for some reason I couldn't help but think of Terminator 2 and how Ahhnold described that the new model could assume (print?!) the shape of basic things, but nothing complicated. I absolutely love the concept - I have guns with certain sights, lasers or whatever, and I'm left-handed, so I usually can't find holsters for these guns.
This will not only help with hard to fit gun/light/sight combos, but it will also eventually lower the cost of the holsters by allowing makers to avoid having to stock hundreds of models of guns to make the holster. I can anticipate that they will come up with materials that have a slight bit of stretch, making the holster act like leather. With laser modelling you will likely be able to take a picture of your gun and send it to the manufacture and they can custom print your holster to your exact specifications.
One fact of life is that technology can't be uninvented. It's pretty clear the 3D printed holster is not only here to stay, but is bound to improve. I do not think 3D printing will make the leather holster market disappear, but just from price point, I fear leather crafting will become more rare and we will see a commensurate rise in prices. It's a pity, especially for those of us who prefer leather for OWB carry.
This -> "One fact of life is that technology can't be uninvented. It's pretty clear the 3D printed holster is not only here to stay, but is bound to improve." - TM
Great timing, Massachusetts just passed more gun laws , one is concerning printing gun parts and guns….more wonderful restrictions ,,,,,we must need them.
Heh, if you only knew. These things have been in development for years. I have a few early versions myself. Carbon fiber nylon is the way to go for holsters. Another great option is 3D printing your base model for kydex vacuum forming holsters.
Indeed. I've toured some factories in the industry and they virtually all use 3D modeling with lasers, then import that into their CAD programs, then export that to their CNCs or 3D printers. Ain't like the old days! Roy
Im sure that sample is some kind of carbon fiber nylon. Looks too rigid for carbon fiber PET/PEG. They probably do some kind of annealing too after printing, and Im sure they are using an industrial grade printer with heated chamber for better layer adhesion.
I've not had great success with Universal fit either... I do prefer carry holsters be able to pass the "shake upside down" test (with an empty gun!) - TM
@@fmgpubsAbsolutely because if it won't stay empty it won't be secure with anywhere from 8 to 20 - on average - little friends along for the ride. Especially if little friends are 147gr & up 👍.
This is something different, something you can do at home. Granted the concept really only works with .22lr at the moment, but what may be possible with future technology the possibilities are endless. I've even been casting some of my own parts using 3D printing and "lost wax casting". They sell spools of material that burns out similar to the lost wax method.
As a solution for optics on top of slides, sure. I never saw the usefulness (outside some tactical division of law enforcement or military) of lights hanging onto the snout of handguns. The ethical issues that arise pointing your muzzle at something you haven't yet identified? Tell me people actually process this in their minds...
When I was a cop and about to retire lights on guns were just beginning to be a thing. And sure enough, cops would point their guns at people and turn on the light to see what they were doing. Get a flashlight! Roy
@@fmgpubs Because we know every firearms handler (police or not) ALWAYS keeps their finger off the trigger, and NEVER gets startled by anything. And NO firearms EVER mechanically fail, nor EVER put into unknown firing readiness (my sarcasm just pegged today).
Compared to the "home" 3D printed things, I was very pleasantly surprised by the sturdiness of this holster. It's rock solid. All in the material and as the tech continues to evolve, output will just get better and better. - TM
I've self learned leather work. It's been gratifying to make one of a kind holsters for my guns. It takes approx. 4 days from layout to wet moulding to rivet & staining . Just saying. Just a little pride in making something.
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I think if they get the combination right for materials, this is the future. Holster makers would also benefit because they can "print" on demand for whatever handgun is selling hot at the time. and this also works for firearm and attachment problems. Good article Tom.
Manufacturers are already using 3D laser scanning to scan a new gun. Then that info goes right into a CAD machine to design the holster. Then to the 3d Printer for prototypes. Roy
This seems like a excellent solution for hard to find holsters.
Walnut, blue steel and good leather, I'm an old Fudd .
Plastic holsters are hard on a guns finish .
I love good leather as much as the next guy, but here in the SC summer humidity carrying IWB, a synthetic is a little more resistant to the moisture. - TM
with the way 3d printing is advancing i’d say it’s the future some guns it’s a real challenge to find a holster.
This was fascinating! And for some reason I couldn't help but think of Terminator 2 and how Ahhnold described that the new model could assume (print?!) the shape of basic things, but nothing complicated. I absolutely love the concept - I have guns with certain sights, lasers or whatever, and I'm left-handed, so I usually can't find holsters for these guns.
I'll ask the Falco folks if they are working on any ill-tempered liquid metal models :-) - TM
This will not only help with hard to fit gun/light/sight combos, but it will also eventually lower the cost of the holsters by allowing makers to avoid having to stock hundreds of models of guns to make the holster.
I can anticipate that they will come up with materials that have a slight bit of stretch, making the holster act like leather. With laser modelling you will likely be able to take a picture of your gun and send it to the manufacture and they can custom print your holster to your exact specifications.
How nice it would be to not have to have an inventory of holsters, simply print out one as they get ordered. Roy
One fact of life is that technology can't be uninvented. It's pretty clear the 3D printed holster is not only here to stay, but is bound to improve. I do not think 3D printing will make the leather holster market disappear, but just from price point, I fear leather crafting will become more rare and we will see a commensurate rise in prices. It's a pity, especially for those of us who prefer leather for OWB carry.
This -> "One fact of life is that technology can't be uninvented. It's pretty clear the 3D printed holster is not only here to stay, but is bound to improve." - TM
We see it as a future, but that is obvious, right? Have a nice day everyone! Especially you, Tom. :)
Great timing, Massachusetts just passed more gun laws , one is concerning printing gun parts and guns….more wonderful restrictions ,,,,,we must need them.
Heh, if you only knew. These things have been in development for years. I have a few early versions myself. Carbon fiber nylon is the way to go for holsters. Another great option is 3D printing your base model for kydex vacuum forming holsters.
Indeed. I've toured some factories in the industry and they virtually all use 3D modeling with lasers, then import that into their CAD programs, then export that to their CNCs or 3D printers. Ain't like the old days! Roy
Looking forward to more selection for less common handguns and light/gun combos.
It HAS been a pain to deal with.
I agree it has possibilities. The biggest hold for it is the cost of the printer and possibly the cost to buy or "rent" the program to print the item.
Well, the darn 3D printers are as cheap as $150 these days. And you can find the programs online, often for free now. Amazing. Roy
any updates on this???
Im sure that sample is some kind of carbon fiber nylon. Looks too rigid for carbon fiber PET/PEG. They probably do some kind of annealing too after printing, and Im sure they are using an industrial grade printer with heated chamber for better layer adhesion.
This will really help with generic imported lights & accessories attached to fit right. Universal fit is not Universal fit. Good info! 👍🙏
I've not had great success with Universal fit either... I do prefer carry holsters be able to pass the "shake upside down" test (with an empty gun!) - TM
@@fmgpubsAbsolutely because if it won't stay empty it won't be secure with anywhere from 8 to 20 - on average - little friends along for the ride. Especially if little friends are 147gr & up 👍.
It very much the future. One could laser scan most any gun and accessory combination, and then manufacture the appropriate holster.
I think it’s here to stay.
It is inevitable.
Wait until you find out about home made barrels with 3D printing lol.
I've seen the 3D printed titanium suppressors. Amazing. Roy
This is something different, something you can do at home. Granted the concept really only works with .22lr at the moment, but what may be possible with future technology the possibilities are endless. I've even been casting some of my own parts using 3D printing and "lost wax casting". They sell spools of material that burns out similar to the lost wax method.
As a solution for optics on top of slides, sure.
I never saw the usefulness (outside some tactical division of law enforcement or military) of lights hanging onto the snout of handguns. The ethical issues that arise pointing your muzzle at something you haven't yet identified? Tell me people actually process this in their minds...
When I was a cop and about to retire lights on guns were just beginning to be a thing. And sure enough, cops would point their guns at people and turn on the light to see what they were doing. Get a flashlight! Roy
@@fmgpubs Because we know every firearms handler (police or not) ALWAYS keeps their finger off the trigger, and NEVER gets startled by anything. And NO firearms EVER mechanically fail, nor EVER put into unknown firing readiness (my sarcasm just pegged today).
I’d tend to agree … Roy
;-)
I don't trust 3d printed anything.
Compared to the "home" 3D printed things, I was very pleasantly surprised by the sturdiness of this holster. It's rock solid. All in the material and as the tech continues to evolve, output will just get better and better. - TM
@@fmgpubs I would hope so.
I've self learned leather work. It's been gratifying to make one of a kind holsters for my guns. It takes approx. 4 days from layout to wet moulding to rivet & staining .
Just saying. Just a little pride in making something.
I'd agree Tommy. I do it often myself. But we can't ignore technology, eh? Roy
Hey Roy, I have a flip phone. Ah ha ha ha!!
I think I may go back to one … Roy