12-05-2018, 01:32 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-05-2018, 02:48 PM by depletedyourcranium.)
The handguard feels as stiff as the aluminum it replaced. Theres no perceivable bend or movement when pushing on it. Heat is the biggest concern since it is a thermo plastic. PLA starts getting soft around 140° F, so it wont take long to reach that, especially around the gas tube. I would say I would get have to worry about serious softening after about 10 rounds fired in short succession. So definitely not something suitable for most applications in a semi auto rifle, but for hunting I think it will do.
EDIT TO ADD: I should also mention that my ultimate goal is to print the final version in nylon which will have much greater durability and temperature resistance, something I could probably dump a mag with and not have to worry about melting. Prototyping in the PLA is just much cheaper and easier at the moment.
EDIT TO ADD: I should also mention that my ultimate goal is to print the final version in nylon which will have much greater durability and temperature resistance, something I could probably dump a mag with and not have to worry about melting. Prototyping in the PLA is just much cheaper and easier at the moment.