3D print ONE PIECE handle?

[Fireman]

I have seen 3D prints where the print is stopped and something added then the print continues, capturing the object. Being that the dimensions are a known thing, couldn’t you print a one piece handle? The break would happen after all the hole voids were printed, the Mule placed in, then the rest of the handle. It could also completely wrap over the handle if one did not mind the larger dimensions to add strength. Also I could see printed scales that are designed to lock in place permanently through the larger holes. I love the 3D printed sheath I have. Makes it easy to EDC in your pocket. I think the 3D printing still has more potential and just limited by our creativity.

[LazyOutdoorsman]

I know close to nothing about 3d printing. But, I personally wouldn't like an unremovable handle because I would like to remove my scales for cleaning, move to another mule, and/or keep my options open for different styles of scales.

[bob-atlatl]

possible, but one piece handle is overly complicated.
the blade would need to be in exact 6D alignment at the "pause" for the immediate covering layer
to adhere to metal (0.2mm in Z), but not so close to cause nozzle collision/damage on super-metal edges.
I've embedded magnets during a pause, but not going to try a mule blade due to risk of nozzle/head damage.

Depending on the type motion of the 3D printer (bedslinger), the mule would need to be well anchored
to the platter at the "pause".

Also, most scales are rounded, so that varying amounts of additional support may be needed.

(6D = Z,Y,Z,pitch,roll,yaw)

[Fireman]

So you could add magnets in the large holes on both sides or just leave a hole for the magnets and glue them in so you get magnet to magnet contact like my epoxy handle project?

[mooniesdl3]

As someone that has done 3d printing for a long time I believe this is a terrible idea, partly because of the issue with getting the filament to stick to the steel but also from the fact that the failure rate will be very high and when prints fail weird things can happen and I wouldn't want to have the print head dragging around a blade tearing stuff up.

Not to mention the issue with moisture getting inside the handle and removing the handle after the fact, assuming a good print and everything went perfectly, would be rather difficult to do safely.