9mm Segmented Belt Links

thingiverse

I designed 3D printable 9mm links for a belt fed firearm, aiming to build my own belt fed rifle that shoots them. I chose 9mm because it's the cheapest centerfire ammunition available. I encourage anyone interested to attempt their design and collaborate with me. Make the belt segments as long or short as you prefer, connect the break away links at both ends. This hybrid design combines the benefits of American machine gun disintegrating links and European machine gun 50/100 round belts. I like 10-round segments because they're easy to pick up and load but won't hang out more than 6 inches before dropping off. To assemble your belts, print your links and connect them using 1.75mm filament of your choice. I use PETG due to its strength, durability, flexibility, and printability. Pins may be fixed in place by melting the ends with a soldering iron. When assembling two-piece female break away links, ensure the piece with the ridge is at the back so it clips into the round's rim, holding it in place. When loading belts, rounds can be snapped into place from the link opening instead of being slid in from the back. This design advantage surpasses existing American and European belts and links. Belts can be linked together to connect as many rounds as desired. Try printing break away links in a different color to easily count how many rounds are in your belts.