The rise of 3D printed guns has sparked a lot of debate recently around security, legislation, and the future of firearms. With the increasing accessibility of 3D printers, many people are asking can you 3D print a gun, and if so, how to 3D print a gun? More importantly, is it legal to 3D print guns? These are not just theoretical questions, but critical concerns that governments, law enforcement agencies, and the public are facing today.
As technology advances, it’s crucial to understand its implications for public safety and legal frameworks. In this post, we’ll dive into the essentials and the broader challenges it brings to communities worldwide. We’ll also examine the different perspectives and discuss potential solutions, from legislation to technological safeguards like 3D GUN’T, an innovative solution developed by Print&Go that prevents 3D guns from being printed.
What is a 3D printed gun?
A 3D gun is a firearm that is made using a 3D printer, either in part or in whole. These printers use plastic or sometimes metal to create the parts that make up a fully functioning weapon. While it might seem to many of you like something out of a sci-fi movie, the technology to manufacture your own gun from a machine in your home has actually been around for a while already.
One of the earliest and most well-known examples of a 3D printed gun is the Liberator, which was designed by Cody Wilson in 2013. This plastic single-shot pistol was made available online. Despite its simple design, it symbolized a shift in how weapons could be manufactured. The Liberator was a wake-up call for a lot of governments, forcing them to think again about how they regulate 3D printing technology.
Another example is the FGC-9, which is a more sophisticated 3D printed firearm. The name stands for “F*** Gun Control 9mm”, and it’s designed to be built with easily accessible materials. The FGC-9 gets around a lot of the restrictions on firearms by avoiding regulated parts, which makes it pretty controversial in countries with strict gun control laws.
Security risks and threats of 3D printed guns
The main worry about printing guns is that this kind of ‘DIY weapons’ can get around normal gun control measures. Such firearms can’t be traced because they don’t have serial numbers, which is why they’re called “ghost guns”. This makes them especially attractive to criminals or people who can’t legally get a gun.
On top of that, the fact that online blueprints are so easily accessible raises some serious ethical and security concerns. With just a quick online search, anyone could easily find instructions on how to 3D print a gun, giving them access to firearms like never before.
Besides the potential harm to others and the misuse for crime, there’s also the safety issue to consider. Many 3D printed guns are made from plastic, which can fail under the pressure of firing a bullet. This could be dangerous for any user trying it at home and could lead to unfortunate domestic accidents.
There is another side of the coin
As we mentioned, there are important risks involved, but some people believe that 3D printed guns represent the ultimate expression of individual freedom, especially in countries where firearms are highly regulated.
People who support the right to 3D print a gun, say it’s a way to protect yourself in places where it’s hard to buy a gun. This goes to show how the whole issue of a 3D printer making a working gun raises complex questions about the future of firearm regulations, individual freedoms, and public safety.
Do 3D printed guns actually work?
For those still wondering if a 3D printed gun can shoot as a firearm, there have been actual reports documenting cases of printed weapons. These cases show that unregulated production poses a threat, even in countries with tight restrictions on firearms.
- In 2014, a man in Japan was the first person in world history to receive a 2-year jail sentence for making 3D guns after posting videos and blueprints of his 3D-printed weapons online. [BBC]
- In 2021, German police arrested a man who killed two bystanders using weapons he had 3D printed in a targeted attack on a synagogue. [Deutsche Welle]
- In 2024, Australian authorities arrested a man found guilty of producing and distributing 3D-printed firearms to individuals with violent criminal records. [The National Tribune]
Is there any holistic solution to address 3D guns?
Governments around the world are still grappling with how to address this emerging technology, as it presents a unique challenge to existing gun control laws. As technology evolves, the legal frameworks must adapt with it. The problem is that tech shifts way faster than legislation.
To effectively address this emerging risk, the company Print&Go has developed for its software a cutting-edge solution that prevents the unauthorized production of 3D printed guns: 3D GUN’T.
Print&Go is a market-leading software solution for the 3D printing industry, offering centralized management and optimization of diverse 3D printer workflows across a wide range of models and brands.
With 3D GUN’T, Print&Go offers the first measure available that intercepts potential firearm components at multiple detection stages, from file analysis to real-time monitoring.
3D GUN’T adds a vital layer of security, enabling 3D printing to continue safely within controlled environments. This innovative approach allows businesses, schools, and makers to integrate advanced detection within their 3D printing operations, keeping them compliant, secure, and aligned with global safety initiatives.
Solutions like 3D GUN’T represent a step forward, enabling safe and productive use of 3D printing while helping prevent misuse. As we continue to harness the potential of this transformative technology, a commitment to secure practices and responsible usage will ensure that 3D printing remains a force for positive change, empowering industries while safeguarding communities.
