Standardized Printed Arms Resilience Testing and Assessment
SPARTA is an open, community-driven framework for the standardized testing of 3D-printed firearm components produced using filament-based additive manufacturing (FDM/FFF).
It provides structured methodologies for evaluating material durability, mechanical resilience, dimensional accuracy, environmental endurance, and live-fire operational performance.
SPARTA exists to support responsible builders, developers, and researchers in advancing the safety, reliability, and innovation of 3D-printed firearm technologies.
- Define realistic, accessible, repeatable testing standards.
- Enable credible material and design evaluations without requiring industrial equipment.
- Foster transparent, verifiable data collection and sharing.
- Support the growth of resilient additive manufacturing practices within the 3D2A community.
SPARTA defines methodologies for:
- Dimensional Accuracy Testing
- Mechanical Load Testing (Tensile, Flexural, Compression)
- Drop and Impact Resistance Testing
- Environmental Exposure Testing (UV, Heat, Cold, Humidity)
- Live-Fire Operational Testing
Each area is designed to be executable with hobbyist or prosumer-grade equipment while maintaining professional documentation standards.
SPARTA is built and maintained by the community. Contributions are welcomed and encouraged, including:
- Submission of structured testing results
- Proposals for new testing procedures
- Expansion to new materials, manufacturing methods, or component types
- Continuous improvement and refinement of the standard
To contribute, please follow the Submission Guidelines below and use the standard repository organization and file naming conventions defined in the SPARTA Charter (link to be added when published).
/SPARTA-Results
/Material-Type
/Material-Brand_and_Model
/Part-Type
/Test-Results
- Dimensional Analysis Reports
- Mechanical Testing Results
- Drop/Impact Summaries
- Environmental Exposure Results
- Live-Fire Test Results
- Supporting Photos and Videos
Example:
/SPARTA-Results
/NylonX
/MatterHackers_NylonX
/AR15_Lower
/Test-Results
- AR15Lower_MatterHackers_NylonX_DimensionalAnalysis-AUTHOR_NAME.md
- AR15Lower_MatterHackers_NylonX_LiveFire-AUTHOR_NAME.pdf
- photos/
- videos/
Important:
All submissions must follow standard file and folder naming conventions as defined in the SPARTA Charter to maintain repository organization and usability.
- Follow all SPARTA testing methodologies as described in the SPARTA Charter.
- Document your setup, equipment, material details, procedures, and results clearly.
- Submit your structured results via Pull Request to the appropriate material/part folder.
- For major changes or new proposals, please open an Issue first before submitting a Pull Request.
- Include all supporting media (photos/videos) if available.
- Clearly label SPARTA version used and any deviations from standard methods.
- Respect project structure and naming conventions to maintain repository integrity.
We welcome contributions from independent testers, development groups, material scientists, engineers, and responsible community members worldwide.
SPARTA is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Redacted Industries LLC
Redacted Industries
Contact: administrator@redactedinnovation.com
SPARTA exists thanks to the collective effort, innovation, and dedication of the broader 3D2A community, additive manufacturing researchers, and builders worldwide.
We stand on the work of those who came before us — and together, we build stronger.
SPARTA is more than a testing standard — it is a commitment to responsibility, professionalism, and collaboration in the future of 3D-printed arms.
Through open contribution, structured methodology, and shared advancement, we strengthen not only our parts — but our freedom and our community.
Welcome to SPARTA.