FN M240 General Purpose Machine Gun

[TazMan2000]

Looking good for sure Was there any engineering tricks to strengthen the bipod? You know, with additional triangles inside the slotted legs to make it sturdier.

I've found a lot of the strength in PLA comes from the orientation it's printed at. With the bipod, it was critical. I suppose I could have made a part of the bipod thicker at some points. It seems to be ok as it is as long as it doesn't go into combat.

TazMan2000

 

[Godspeed]

How TF are you designing this in tinkercad haha. I struggle in fusion if something isnt cylindrical based and youre running circles around me with just booleans. Great job on this, its been cool to see the progress.

 

[TazMan2000]

How TF are you designing this in tinkercad haha. I struggle in fusion if something isnt cylindrical based and youre running circles around me with just booleans. Great job on this, its been cool to see the progress.

Thanks.

I started with Tinkercad a few years ago. Initially it's a simple (almost children oriented) program with limited tools. I used it to create simple stuff for 3d printing. There is no chamfer or fillet tools so you have to be creative with boolean subtractions and additions of other parts but that is limiting. I use some other programs to try and compensate on a few parts and them import them into Tinkercad, which doesn't always go well.

I like the program, since a history is kept on each part you create of all of the modifications you did, so if you notice an error, you can just select that part and undo the object until you get to the place where you modify. I've picked up quite a few tricks and workarounds and I've found it's quite a powerful program if you get you mind around doing stuff unconventionally.

I've tried to learn more powerful programs, but seem to always come back to Tinkercad since I can probably create things quicker and more accurately....for my needs at least.

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

The 'slide' will move up and down but will not lock into position. Still for a display/prop it should be good enough to look fairly realistic from a distance.

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

I tried AK Interactive True Metal Steel on my feed tray. I had to modify the design slightly for it to fit into the top cover assembly so it could be closed and also for the design to be printed out with the least amount of support.

Real one.

Mine. Obviously taken in the sunshine so the glare is greater.

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

I'm jumping between projects. I get bored easily, especially when sanding.
However, I am finally finished the design phase of the M240 and about 90 percent done an instruction set.

The M240 Bravo

Just remove both heat guards and now you have a USMC M240 Golf

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

A small update on the bipod assembly...it now latches into the front of the receiver assembly.

TazMan2000

 

[joberg]

Looking sharp

 

[TazMan2000]

Continuing on to model the other variations of the weapons.

M240D

MAG 58, which is very similar to the Canadian C6 and the UK L7A2

The wooden buttstock has a bit of a different shape.

It seems like every country has their own iteration of this weapons with slight changes. Searching the internet the the models seems to reveal several modifications of the weapons with polymer components, different carry handles and such.

TazMan2000

 

[TazMan2000]

I finally designed the last conversion package for the M240 designated the M240 L. The major difference is the trigger group, front sight attachment, flash hider and the optional collapsible buttstock. I designed the buttstock to actually have 5 different positions that it can lock into via an internal spring. The real buttstock has a curved piece of steel rod that folds upwards and rests on the soldier's shoulder. I designed that part, but I'm unsure if that will print out successfully and have any strength in PLA. I suppose I could hollow it out and split it down the middle and bend a piece of piano wire and glue it in the cavity.

TazMan2000

 

[joberg]

Great rendering Taz

 

[paulsboutique]

Brilliant as usual !! looks like you have shift cad programs too. What are you using ?

 

[TazMan2000]

Brilliant as usual !! looks like you have shift cad programs too. What are you using ?

AutoDesk123D Design. It still works! The fillet and chamfer tools are sometimes finicky though. I need to get something that still has support. Fusion360 with it's limits are irritating. I'm thinking about Moi 3D or Alibre. Reasonably priced and powerful with a familiar and intuitive interface. Any recommendations for an amateur?

TazMan2000

 

[paulsboutique]

LOL your hardly an amateur!! I only use fusion360. Lucky to work in education to get the full deal, otherwise I'm not sure what avenue I would follow ...

 

[TazMan2000]

LOL your hardly an amateur!! I only use fusion360. Lucky to work in education to get the full deal, otherwise I'm not sure what avenue I would follow.

am·a·teur
[ˈamədər, ˈaməˌtər, ˈaməˌCHər]

NOUN
amateur (noun) · amateurs (plural noun)

1. a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid rather than a professional basis:
   "it takes five years for a top amateur to become a real Tour de France rider" · "his last fight as an amateur"
2. a person who is incompetent or inept at a particular activity:
   "that bunch of stumbling amateurs"

I'm a little bit of number 1 and a little bit of number 2. What is one step up from amateur?

TazMan2000

 

[ZeroSum]

Committed amateur

 

[TazMan2000]

Committed amateur

Committed. Exactly.

TazMan2000