Case Study: Wicked Grips achieves fast, low-cost small-batch customizable metal parts with ExOne

ExOne produces small, nonfunctional parts for firearm applications

Wicked Grips, a manufacturer of firearm back panel covers and recoil spring plugs, needed small-batch, customizable parts with faster turnaround and lower manufacturing costs than traditional stamping, casting or CNC methods, which typically require $10,000–$15,000 in start-up fees and minimum orders of 2,000–5,000 pieces. They partnered with ExOne and its metal 3D printing service (Binder Jetting) using industry-grade stainless steel (300-series/316L) to address this challenge.

ExOne printed intricate, personalized back panel covers and recoil spring plugs via its Binder Jetting process, eliminating tooling and set-up fees and removing minimum order requirements. As a result, Wicked Grips achieved much faster prototyping and low-volume production at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional methods—reducing start-up costs from ~$10k–$15k to zero and enabling on-demand access to parts—demonstrating clear lead-time and cost improvements delivered by ExOne.

Wicked Grips

Ed Strange