Update on WWSD2020 (What Would Stoner Do) Project

Published on June 18, 2020
Duration: 19:58

The WWSD2020 project's KP-15 polymer lower receiver is nearing production, with shipping estimated for July. Development faced delays due to mold complexity and COVID-19 impacting subcontractors. The design adapts aluminum concepts for polymer, reinforcing critical areas like the fire control group and buttstock. Manufacturing utilizes injection molding and vibration welding for efficiency, achieving a 60-second cycle time compared to machining aluminum.

Quick Summary

The WWSD2020 project's KP-15 polymer lower receiver is nearing production, with shipping estimated for July. It's manufactured using injection molding and vibration welding, offering efficiency over aluminum machining. The design incorporates reinforcements for durability, aiming for an MSRP around $100.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: WWSD2020 KP-15 Project Update
  2. 00:42Development Timeline & COVID Delays
  3. 01:58History: Colt's Experimental Polymer Lower
  4. 02:50Engineering the KP-15 Polymer Lower
  5. 04:21Mold Flow Analysis Explained
  6. 06:10Vibration Welding Process for KP-15
  7. 07:51Manufacturing Efficiency: Polymer vs. Aluminum
  8. 10:40PDQ Lever Compatibility & Cost
  9. 11:58Mold Status & Shrinkage Considerations
  10. 13:37Why No 80% KP-15 Lower?

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the WWSD2020 KP-15 polymer lower receiver expected to ship?

Shipping for the WWSD2020 project's KP-15 polymer lower receiver is currently estimated for July. Development faced delays due to complex mold creation and subcontractor availability issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What manufacturing process is used for the KP-15 polymer lower receiver?

The KP-15 is manufactured using a two-part injection molding process followed by vibration welding. This method joins the two halves into a strong, monolithic unit and offers significant production speed advantages over machining aluminum.

Why is the KP-15 designed with a polymer receiver instead of traditional aluminum?

The KP-15 utilizes a glass-filled nylon polymer for its lower receiver to achieve a lightweight design and potentially lower manufacturing costs. This approach builds upon lessons learned from historical polymer firearm experiments, incorporating modern material science and engineering.

Can I build an 80% version of the KP-15 polymer lower receiver at home?

No, an 80% version of the KP-15 is not feasible for home builders. This is due to ATF regulations concerning polymer receivers with seams and the specialized vibration welding equipment required to properly assemble the two-part design.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →