3D printed eggs

[Super Nova]

So like most people’s eggs, all of mine save maybe one have broken lids and/or battery doors and it got me thinking, has anyone 3D printed new bodies to drop the egg guts into? I know PBDNA has a 3D printed hopper (the Mojo) that takes revy guts but seems like if someone did that for egg guts it could save some volume in the landfills.

[Psycho91]

I would deffinatly buy one if someone started making them

[zinger565]

I wonder how the circuitry handles being slightly over-volted. 11.1v LiPo batteries are very common in the RC and FPV Drone world, are very reliable, and pack a lot of power in a smaller form factor than 2 9v's. Could lead to some interesting configurations.

[JeeperCreeper]

If someone printed a smaller egg, I'd be down.

[Super Nova]

I emailed PBDNA to see if they would be interested in doing something right after I posted the original post and did mention making it 100 or 150 rd capacity but I just got his response. He said most eggs are in the dump already and he doesn't think he would make his design time back. So I responded asking how many he would need to sell and maybe we could do a pre-order type thing, ill keep ya updated but anyone know someone else that could tackle this project?

[Super Nova]

He replied and said maybe in the future but right now hes got too many irons in the fire...

[JeeperCreeper]

Stockclass Heroes

[Grendel]

Eggs always fed great but had problem "lids" that broke and a shell/neck that is very fragile. If it was updated to use standard lids/speedfeeds and made of a more durable material........

[Grendel]

I do like the V-Max I have one in my collection of loaders. It is super tough and works well.

[Psycho91]

I loved the lid on it, yeah it wasn't the best to get paint into but with practice I had no problems and it was so satisfying to fill it let go of the pod and slide/slam the lid shut, I took it apart to clean it and it never worked right after that I ended up punting it across the field one day and left it 😂

[William the Third]

V-Max also fit in Warp Feeds really well.

[pghp8ntballer]

I’ve never had an egg, but often wondered what everyone thought about the balance. It’s the only “normal” loader (not q-loader and other unique designs) that isn’t relatively centered over the feedneck.

[Psycho91]

The empire magna hopper wasn't centered over the neck either it hung over the back of the marker like an eggy, honestly it's not that bad you don't really notice it when you sounder the marker cause all the weight is towards the back

[Grendel]

They always looked a little awkward to me because how they sit in relationship to the neck but in actuality on a vert feed this helps bring the weight over the grip and helps with forward weight.

[SR_matt]

To be fair, while the egg is an extreme outlier (especially for its time) hoppers have shifted the balanced farther back over time as a whole. Of course you have the oil can and all that but on a 200 round hopper you start with the almost centered revy (and the predecessor that I am blanking on right now). The halo slightly shifts the paint distribution back, then the rotors/spires/etc show the hoppers being rather biased to the back.

The big thing with a lot of the hoppers biased to the back is that they end up being lower just from the design changes of the time so the balance feels a bit better simply because you don't have something as tall. Honestly thought I think tank weight provides a larger perceived weight difference as even a ninja lite vs SL2 tank feel massively different even though its only a few ounces.

[Quickling]

I’ve never had an egg, but often wondered what everyone thought about the balance. It’s the only “normal” loader (not q-loader and other unique designs) that isn’t relatively centered over the feedneck.

I never noticed the balance feeling off when I was running my egg, but I also was feeding the marker with an air america apocalypse and that chunk of stainless was the heaviest part of the whole setup and kept the balance under my hands.

*edit* If someone made a 100rnd eggy that took any type of internals I would enjoy running it.

[pghp8ntballer]

That’s what I always thought about them… balancing a bit better. Thanks folks.

I don’t necessarily have the time or design skill to do it but I have thought about taking a crack at designing a printable hopper. I only have ye olde revvys and a Vlocity Jr though.

[TinCan1154]

Someone can buy mine? I’m not overly attached.

https://www.mcarterbrown.com/forum/buy-sell-trade/misc-paintball-items/566020-misc-dye-grips-empire-kush-bolt-pe-egg-evlution-icd-feedneck-stuff

[SignOfZeta]

The idea that 3D printing would save something from the landfill is hilarious to me. I would confidently say that %95 of every kilogram of filament ever made went into the trash not long after it was used…many times also the printer. It’s the opposite of an ecological hobby.

While the eggs are famously fragile they were still more durable than most 3D prints. Hoppers in particular aren’t that easy to do with the FDM most people have access to. Hoppers are thin and have to be strong. FDM sucks at thin and strong. It’s hard to make something you can’t shoot straight through whereas the cheapest passive Viewloder can take 100s of hits.

[JonM]

This 100%. I'd say it's a fair bet that most people have a somewhat flawed understanding of what 3D printing is really capable of. Even the crappiest injection molded items will be stronger than an equivalent object printed using FDM. Unless it's something that can be printed solid or nearly solid, it's not likely going to hold up well for paintball.

[pghp8ntballer]

I agree with you completely. The durability of even the crappiest loader will outlast FDM and many other types of printed loaders.

I also agree that printing as the general populace sees it is the exact opposite of waste reduction and pollution. We are several steps away from truly reducing waste with printing if ever really possible.

It does provide the ability to change designs that were flawed. It requires an understanding of durability, reliability, serviceability of the item in question as well as the understanding of optimal printing requirements and processes.

It’s simply the challenge and opportunity. Even if a heavier replication of the egg can be printed that is close to the original durability but meets the same functionality, it provides an opportunity for some people to keep a favorite loader running.

I personally just use revvys and have a few spare shells, so ultimately I’m good for at least another decade.