Orca V5.3.X

Orca V5.3.X Features

The Orca V5.3.X stands out as a pinnacle of 3D-printed firearm design with its AR-15-inspired functionality tailored for home fabrication. This update integrates all prior improvements, ensuring you get the most refined version yet.

• New Pistol Brace: Enhances stability and control, offering a modern tactical edge.
• Short Tactical Handguard: Provides a compact, ergonomic grip for improved handling.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Includes a detailed manual compiled by Tim Hoffman, ensuring clarity during assembly.

This design prioritizes accessibility, allowing users to create a reliable firearm using standard 3D printing setups. Its focus on modularity means you can adapt and customize components to suit your preferences, making it a favorite among 3D printing and firearms communities.

Difficulty & Build Time

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Estimated Build Time: 2-3 days
• Required Experience: Familiarity with 3D printing, basic machining (for bushings), and firearm assembly basics recommended

Hardware and Tools Required

Required Hardware

• Bushings: Made from 0.375" diameter brass stock
• Bushing Installation Tool Components:
  • 6-32 brass insert (McMaster-Carr #97171A140)
  • 6-32 x 1/2 screw with 0.250" wide hex head (McMaster-Carr #92314A148)
• Additional hardware as specified in the Orca V5.3.X manual

Recommended Tools

• Lathe (for crafting bushings)
• 5/32 drill bit
• Cut-off bit
• Standard 3D printer for tool and component fabrication
• Tools for cold pressing inserts and assembling screws

Orca V5.3.X Parts

The Orca V5.3.X package includes critical STL files for components like the bushing installation tool, designed to streamline assembly. The recommended print settings for these parts mirror the standard settings in the main documentation, featuring three walls and 25% honeycomb infill for durability. Hoffman Tactical advises using PLA+ for printing the tool to ensure sufficient strength during use.

Special considerations include ensuring precise calibration of your printer to avoid dimensional inaccuracies. The bushings, detailed in an included PDF drawing, require separate fabrication on a lathe but are integral to the build. Refer to the comprehensive manual for additional parts and assembly nuances.

Printer Compatibility & Settings

The Orca V5.3.X is compatible with most consumer-grade FDM 3D printers capable of handling detailed designs and consistent output. Recommended materials include PLA+ for tools and select components, though other parts may require stronger filaments like PETG or ABS depending on stress requirements outlined in the manual.

Print settings should adhere to the standard configurations provided in the documentation, with an emphasis on three walls and 25% honeycomb infill for optimal balance between strength and material use. Ensure your printer bed is leveled and adhesion is strong to prevent warping during long prints. High-resolution settings (0.2mm layer height or lower) are suggested for intricate components to maintain precision.

Conclusion

The Orca V5.3.X is a game-changer for 3D printing and firearms enthusiasts, offering a meticulously updated design packed with tactical features like the new pistol brace and handguard. With detailed documentation and community support, this project empowers builders to create a functional AR-15 variant from the comfort of their workshop. Download the files, review the manual at the provided link, and join the Hoffman Tactical community to share your build journey!