Extending the Ban on 3D Printed Weapons

By on December 5th, 2013 in Event, Ideas

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A story in the Guardian describes the work by New York Senator Chuck Schumer to extend the ban on “undetectable guns” before it expires on December the 9th of this year. 
 
Obviously this work was inspired by recent events where working guns were produced on 3D printers – although the weapons produced were by no means particularly usable. In fact, they are more likely to be dangerous as bombs rather than weapons due to their penchant for exploding in the operator’s hands. 
 
We’re OK with the notion of banning undetectable weapons. We’re not OK with banning the means of producing them – you can’t shut down 3D printers simply because they can print weapons. If you’re going to do that, you’d best also shut down any metal shop and many personal garages with the rudimentary tools that can make actual, metal weapons. 
 
3D printers are tools and can be used for good or bad. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater! 
 

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!