Adolf Hamster

Yeah you're probably right, it is quite a 'load bearing' part, especially at the point at which the clutch essentially disengages when the magazine is full. Having said that, in this design you probably want these replaceable weak points to be able to break, so that you can easily and functionally replace them when need be.

Been thinking about purchasing a 3d printer actually, not really looked into it in much detail or know where to start and at what kinda price point. 

tbf that is what the slipper clutch is for, reckon i had mine just set too tight.

tbh my experience with the home 3d printers is especially the pla stuff isn't the greatest, but then i'm looking at it compared to the proper industrial grade stuff.

Right, so my brother works at a place which used to be the UKs biggest rapid prototyping / industrial scale 3d printing labs...  technically not anymore as they have been taken over by Siemens, so I guess their German now 😅.
They can print with powders of pretty much any material you want, both metals and polymers. Big massive rapid prototypers half the size of rooms. So yeah anything I suggest to him, he throws some elitist shade at .