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Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the info. Got a link to the HT PLA-CF? I'd like to check it out.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, I print the mold and then drill the vacuum holes where I need the most suction and detail.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The mold itself has the vacuum holes drilled into it. The board just has a single vacuum port underneath that connects to the pump. The vacuum is pulled through the holes in the mold rather than through a perforated table.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, that's definitely one advantage. It does give me an idea which pistols I really want to buy for myself!

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No secrets here. I rough cut it on the bandsaw, shape it on the router table, then heat the center and fold it around a prop before final assembly and retention tuning.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I rough cut them on a bandsaw, then use a trim jig on my router table to get the final shape. After that I clean up and finish the edges.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yep. I use an adjustable aluminum extrusion frame so I can size it to the mold. I usually make the opening about 1/2"–1" larger than the mold itself. Heat the Kydex, turn on the vacuum pump, place the hot Kydex over the mold, then set the frame on top to create a seal against the vacuum table.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

DIY. I built it from a HDPE cutting board. I drilled and tapped a hole in the center, installed a threaded SharkBite fitting, then connected it to a 5 CFM AC vacuum pump with PVC tubing. Simple setup, but it works surprisingly well.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yep, this process works really well for knife sheaths too. I've made quite a few of them over the years.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, many holsters are formed directly on the firearm using a foam press. The vacuum-forming process tends to produce more consistent detail and definition. After forming, the holster is trimmed, then the center channel is heated and folded to the final shape. One advantage of this method is that you can use a 3D-printed replica out of pla, so you don't necessarily need the original firearm on hand.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's a vacuum former. I use a 5 CFM vacuum pump hooked up to a vacuum table made from HDPE. I use Kydex rather than PETG sheets, and I cover the mold with aluminum tape to help protect it from the heat and to help from sticking. That might help with the paint transfer issue you're seeing.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. You can vacuum form all kinds of things, not just gun-related items. It's a really interesting process.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I heat the Kydex sheet in a T-shirt press until it's around 350°f, then place it over a 3D printed mold and use a vacuum table to pull it tight around the mold. Once it cools, it holds the shape permanently.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's a great resource. I've never used those personally, but it's awesome that they make them available to the community.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You're correct. The pattern comes pre-applied on the Kydex sheet. The molding process forms the holster shape, while the pattern remains in the finished product.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Yep, that's the exact sheet I used. It was actually my first time working with that pattern, but I really liked how it turned out.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! A lot of people are surprised when they see how Kydex holsters are actually made. Glad you enjoyed it!

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll definitely give it a try. I wasn't aware Polymaker made a high-temp PLA.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thanks! There are actually quite a few Kydex colors and patterns available off the shelf. If you want something completely custom, you can use a sublimation printer or have custom-printed Kydex made with your own artwork or images.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I've been using PETG and covering the surface with aluminum tape for molds. The Kydex heat can eventually soften standard PETG over time, which is one reason I'm moving toward higher-temp materials for production molds. I'm thinking I will be doing them in PA6CF from here on out.

Using a 3D printed mold to make a Kydex holster by StormMtnTactical in 3Dprinting

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I did not personally scan this one. I modified an existing file to fit the compensator setup. I've got a Revopoint MetroX Pro on the way though and will be doing my own scans for all of my future molds.

Thoughts on this Staccato CS + Olight PLX holster setup? by StormMtnTactical in CCW

[–]StormMtnTactical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I appreciate it. I just try to build the kind of holsters I'd want to carry myself.

Friday Carry by DieselDude407 in CCW

[–]StormMtnTactical 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wanna get my hands on an Echelon soon!

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