Biggest downside of these particular prints (in PLA+) is that the frame will melt if you leave it in a hot car.
Otherwise they are good for thousands of rounds and 30rd mag dumps though, and if you do melt a frame it's not like they are expensive or difficult to replace.
I'd like to learn more about this if you have more info. Not really set up to do aluminum casting but I expect it's not too difficult and the idea of turning beer cans into a handgun is appealing to me.
^ This.
Biggest downside of these particular prints (in PLA+) is that the frame will melt if you leave it in a hot car.
Otherwise they are good for thousands of rounds and 30rd mag dumps though, and if you do melt a frame it's not like they are expensive or difficult to replace.
How much more would it cost to do them in polycarbonate? Much stronger, great temperature resistance.
It requires higher temperature than PLA, but is doable with a few printer upgrades. Nylon also.
Not sure about polycarbonate, but it is possible (but harder) to print with glass-filled zytel for more durable frames.
Lost PLA casting can be used to “turn it” into aluminum
I'd like to learn more about this if you have more info. Not really set up to do aluminum casting but I expect it's not too difficult and the idea of turning beer cans into a handgun is appealing to me.