Major online 3D printing platform restrictsaccess to firearm-related designs, yet homemade firearm enthusiasts discover alternative avenues for creation
In the world of 3D printing, a new frontier for gun control is emerging. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is leading the charge, calling for stricter regulations on 3D-printed guns.
Bragg has proposed new laws that would make it a class D felony to 3D print guns and a class A misdemeanor to distribute gun design files. His approach to 3D printing sites and manufacturers is to seek voluntary cooperation, but it remains uncertain whether other sites will follow Thingiverse and YouTube in taking up his call.
Thingiverse, one of the world's largest 3D printing file platforms, has started to purge its library of downloadable gun designs. The platform has implemented automated, AI-driven detection systems to block new uploads of firearm files and regularly updates its policies to prevent unlawful content. Thingiverse works voluntarily with authorities to mitigate the proliferation of so-called "ghost guns," which lack a serial number and are untraceable.
Other platforms, such as Printables (run by Prusa), have yet to publicly respond to calls for similar actions. Law enforcement is also urging 3D printer manufacturers themselves to incorporate AI-based scanning at the printer level, aiming to block illegal weapon production at the source.
Alongside Thingiverse, sites like The Gatalog, Hoffman Tactical, and Palmetto State Armory offer downloadable gun designs and parts. The Gatalog claims to rigorously beta test its hosted files for effectiveness and safety, while Hoffman Tactical offers both design files and metal kits for guns like the AR-15. Palmetto State Armory sells gun parts but does not offer files for download.
Sean Aranda, a 3D printed gun hobbyist, advises downloading gun files from reputable sources that provide tested files and build instructions. Aranda shared a photo of an AR-15 he built using Hoffman Tactical design files for the lower part, along with parts he purchased from the company. Aranda also warns that untested designs or designs without proper build instructions on Thingiverse may not follow safety precautions.
In the US, only the lower part of a gun known as the "receiver" is regulated and requires a background check to purchase. Many 3D printed designs allow home users to print their own receivers, allowing them to print or purchase the rest of the parts without government scrutiny.
The debate over regulating 3D-printed guns is complex, with questions surrounding the First Amendment and the ATF's jurisdiction. Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun safety advocacy group, lists 208 incidents of shootings carried out with ghost guns dating back to 2013. However, it's unclear whether a law banning the availability of 3D printed gun files would violate the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has ruled that the ATF can regulate ghost guns, but hasn't had anything specific to say about 3D design files.
The ongoing efforts to regulate 3D-printed guns underscore the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between law enforcement, 3D printing platforms, and the public to ensure safety and prevent the proliferation of untraceable weapons.
| Site / Entity | Gun Designs Availability | Regulation / Measures Taken | |------------------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Thingiverse | Previously extensive but now banned and removed | AI-driven detection, automated file removal, policy updates, working with authorities | | The Gatalog | Offers tested downloadable gun files | Claims rigorous beta testing, no explicit mention of removal or moderation | | Hoffman Tactical | Offers designs and metal kits | No public moderation measures noted | | Palmetto State Armory | Sells gun parts (not files) | Standard commercial regulation | | Printables (Prusa) | Unknown (no comment) | No public measures described | | 3D Printer Manufacturers | N/A | Increasing pressure to use AI to block printing of gun parts at the print job level |
- The push towards preventive measures against 3D-printed guns is gaining momentum, with Thingiverse being one of the platforms taking action by banning gun designs and implementing AI-driven detection.
- In light of this progress, there is growing pressure on 3D printer manufacturers to incorporate AI-based scanning at the printer level, aiming to block illegal weapon production at the source.
