3D printing has really arrived and is making its impact in DIY projects. Whereas before, we'll have to rely on vendors to supplies parts to replace broken ones, or we do make some project ideas with CAD software, only to leave them in printouts or just in the computer, since it's expensive and time consuming to create prototypes, 3D printing has moved design ideas faster with rapid prototyping in a cheaper way.

In gun design, it's also getting important. Even some DIY gun projects are going the 3D printer way. If you haven't heard it yet, one person have made an AR-15 lower and was able to fire live rounds with just a 3D printer. You can read the full story here.

This means that with 3D printer prices going down, it's easier for the masses to make their own parts and modifications to their own projects. In airsoft, this means that if you can replace broken parts without waiting for the manufacturer or a third-party supplier. However, it is not an end-all mini-factory for all replacement parts, since metal parts will needed to be done by heavy duty machines such a CNC-machines or the good old workshop milling tools.

For now, what you can do is create ABS parts for airsoft guns and accessories especially ABS airsoft AR receivers, grips, stocks. For certain models that do not have parts being made anymore, then 3D printers are a godsend, since you can do the parts yourself, provided that you can do 3D modeling with computer software.

It’s also a wise investment, if you can create certain parts need by airsoft players, then you can provide 3D printing services for them. This way, you can recover the costs of the 3D printer and earn some profit, which you can set aside until you’re ready for some bigger machines and be able to do some metal parts.

What's also good about 3D printers is the rapid prototyping capabilities that it can provide for any budding airsoft gun design maker. We have some fantastic airsoft gunsmiths who I'm sure have some gun designs in their minds that they want to create prototypes of. This way, you can propose airsoft designs to airsoft manufacturers with the prototype and if they are interested, they can provide their mass production facilities to put your airsoft gun design into the market.

There has been an explosion of creative activities with 3D printing as more and more people are creating products faster with it. A lot of crowdfunding projects that you see at Kickstarter or some crowdfunding websites, a good number of the prototypes you see that are asking for your pledge are made from 3D printers.

What we need right now is someone who will be diligent enough to put up a website for downloadable designs that can be shared to others. With the need to have replacement parts or experiment on some designs, it would be nice to have such 3D designs available and we are able to tinker with. If certain improvements are done to the 3D designs, then they should be shared as well. Just like the open source movement, it's nice to have open airsoft design project. But if you want to sell your designs or ask for some donations for your efforts just like how CNC Guns does, then by all means sell your designs. Killbuckets and Kuba actually make 3D designs for the airsoft community.

As to where find 3D printers, there are many models found online, even on eBay.  The more famous 3D Printer, Makerbot, is a preferred model, but you can check those being auctioned off on eBay, they may just do enough for you.

Hopefully, we can see more airsoft guns being made enthusiasts and shared to the community. Rare parts are also very much welcome.