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Post here if you have general questions concerning GunCAD, printing, or otherwise fabricating DIY firearms. Newbies are welcome, but users are encouraged to read Ctrl+PEW's Getting Started Guide if they haven't already.

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Adding Metal Plates for Serialization - Methods & Materials? (self.help)

submitted 2 months ago by Engineer to c/help

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I'm in the planning stages for a new pistol build a want to make sure I'm squared away legally, which in my area means getting it serialized.

I've already found a local FFL who is willing to do the laser engraving for me, which is great. However, their one condition is that I bring them the completed frame with a suitable metal plate already permanently embedded in the polymer. They'll handle the engraving to the required depth, but I need to figure out the best way to prep the frame for them.

This is where I could use the community's experience. For those of you who have added serialization plates to your prints, I'm looking for solutions:

What are you using for the plates? Are people just using blank stainless steel dog tags? Or are you sourcing small pre-cut plates of a specific thickness or material (like aluminum or steel) from somewhere?

How are you permanently embedding them? I assume the most common method is modeling a recessed pocket into the file before printing and then using an adhesive.

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[–] printpeace 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Just never never never put a fucking plate on a FGC-9. I dont will repeat it.

Regarding your question: Yes stainless steel the most companies are using. You can laser cut them from a small company for example. Its not expensive. Or you buy a laser cutter and cut them self in the shape you want. The numbers can be engraved or printed on it. And you can JB Weld it into the frame.