Assembling My Team - Brass Valley: Episode 1

Published on October 28, 2019
Duration: 7:32

Brandon Herrera launches the 'Brass Valley' project, aiming to innovate firearm design by assembling a team of young, skilled individuals. The first episode focuses on the challenges of the AK-50 V1 prototype, specifically its problematic bolt carrier design. The team is tasked with redesigning the cam lug and groove for the AK-50 V5 prototype, incorporating a roller bearing solution to address stress and deformation issues.

Quick Summary

The Brass Valley project, led by Brandon Herrera, aims to innovate firearm design by assembling a team of young talent. The AK-50 V1 faced bolt carrier issues due to excessive stress on its single lug; a roller bearing solution is proposed for the AK-50 V5 to enhance durability and part replacement.

Chapters

  1. 00:18Brass Valley Project Introduction
  2. 00:28Team Selection and Purpose
  3. 01:07Introducing the Candidates
  4. 01:56Starting the Design Journey at Mad Custom Arms
  5. 02:43AK-50 V1 Prototype Overview
  6. 03:08AK-50 Design Flaws and Fixes
  7. 03:45AK-47 vs. AK-50 Bolt Mechanics
  8. 04:12Roller Bearing Solution
  9. 04:39Test Firing the AK-50 V1
  10. 05:05First Team Challenge: Cam Lug Design
  11. 06:21Episode Conclusion and Future

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Brass Valley project?

Brass Valley is a project initiated by Brandon Herrera, inspired by Silicon Valley, but focused on innovation in the firearm industry. It aims to provide opportunities for young, talented individuals in firearm design and development.

What were the main design issues with the AK-50 V1?

The primary issue with the AK-50 V1 was its bolt carrier design. The single lug, identical to an AK-47's, experienced excessive stress and pressure due to the larger caliber, leading to deformation and galling, rendering it useless.

What solution is proposed for the AK-50 V5 bolt design?

The proposed solution for the AK-50 V5 involves integrating a roller bearing into the cam groove. This is intended to absorb stress, prevent deformation and galling, and make parts more easily replaceable.

What is the first design challenge for the Brass Valley team?

The team's first challenge is to design and 3D print a functional cam groove and cam lug for the AK-50 V5 prototype within 48 hours, using provided reference dimensions from various AK models.

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