Forbidden by software: are 3D printing restrictions on firearms good or bad?
The Atomic Layers: S4E10 (00096)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
At the end of October, the Spanish company Print&Go introduced a new software called 3D GUN’T that uses AI and pattern matching to detect firearm components and block them from being printed. Now, the American platform 3DPrinterOS has announced a similar project in collaboration with MIX Lab at Montclair State University to develop an algorithm for identifying 3D-printed gun parts, aiming to achieve the same goal.
The question is—is this a good idea?
The first response that comes to mind is OF COURSE! Unregulated production of firearms or their parts poses a serious risk. A clear example is the issue surrounding MCDs (Machine Control Devices) that I have previously discussed—small components used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic ones. The problem has reportedly become so widespread that The City of Chicago filed a complaint against Glock, one of the world’s largest firearms manufacturers, accusing them of not adequately addressing the threat posed by 3D-printed MCDs.
However, if we approach the matter more broadly, it’s not necessarily so straightforward. To benefit from these protective systems, they first need to be installed and configured. A 3D printer that is blocked from printing firearms or their components must be connected to the Print&Go system (or 3DPrinterOS when that becomes available). This setup will likely apply mainly in educational institutions, universities, or other large organizations where access to 3D printers is already restricted.
But there’s another aspect. If history has taught us anything, it’s that any restriction can be circumvented, and any limitations can be expanded. Today, it’s about gun production—what about tomorrow?
Moreover, correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t there currently no similar AI-based systems for CNC technology to block the production of unauthorized or illegal gun parts? And CNC machines are typically where firearms are manufactured every day.
We'll see if these projects are just PR products or something that will be developed in a further (and broader) way...
Atomic Layer from the Past:
11-10-2015: Roboze introduced the Roboze One+400—its first high-temperature 3D printer.
Atomic News & Gossips:
Xometry had great week on stock exchange, growing +35% in value. Company recorded very positive quorter, increasing its revenue +19%, year over year, to record levels.
On the other hand, the value of Nano Dimension and Desktop Metal has dropped, while Markforged stayed still (meaning low).
Just today, Marc Ludwig announced that he has taken on a new position—since November, he has been serving as CFO Germany at Conscia, Europe’s leading IT specialists in networks, cybersecurity, and cloud. Who is Marc Ludwig? Well, for the past 10 years, he held the position of CFO at Stratasys in Germany (where Stratasys has its European headquarters). Interesting, isn’t it...?