News - 3D printer tech can make guns and drugs

[HEXUS]

Become a geek crime lord?

Read more.

[OilSheikh]

Hello gun crime!

[Lord Midas]

Looks like the US Consitution might need to be amended to read "The right to Print firearms"

[DrillSgt]

Just FYI, this guy has produced a plastic receiver component (pistol grip, magazine well, chassis), which while impressive is still a long way from a full firearm. Although US law does suggest that the receiver IS the gun and is subject to distribution control. I don't dispute you could 3d print something crude that could fire bullets, but nothing like the assembly in image you've posted. While it's technically possible to 3D print a steel rifle barrel, it wont be usable without post-machining and the grade of steel in question is likely to be extremely unsuitable for the application. Google 'shapeways' for an idea of what's possible with today's technology.

[IronWarrior]

Bound to happen soon or later, really our world is not that far away from seeing and using technology that we saw in Star Trek, in-fact we are already using a lot that was Sci-Fi in the TV series, but real today.

[Platinum]

/Geek, Oh look an Akasa fan, quality kit

[crossy]

The inks are simple organic molecules which can be used to make up different, more complex, organic molecules.

I read this bit and - to my shame - the first though that popped into my head was "ooh, a simple version of the Star Trek food dispenser" (the one from the original series where you slapped card things into a slot and the meal was produced). I've got a couple of the Star Trek novels and they do say that the food dispensers work off a stock of component matter.

And yes, I know the TNG replicator uses energy instead - but is that next years innovation?

EDIT: sorry "IronWarrior" I hadn't read your post when I wrote mine - nice to know it's not just me then!

[mmh]

This reads like sensationalist drivel.

as DrillSgt mentioned he only printed the lower receiver, he went on to make an upper, but if you read about it he says that he wouldn't use it, certainly not with a .223 round (5.56) as the plastic used would not be of high enough quality.

Usually I enjoy reading about stuff on Hexus, bu this leaves me disappointed

[DDY]

Associating the 3D printing of firearm parts with crime is sensationalist and irresponsible, I just hope the mass media doesn't kick up a hysterical mess over the 'dangers' of 3D printing.

[IronWarrior]

Associating the 3D printing of firearm parts with crime is sensationalist and irresponsible, I just hope the mass media doesn't kick up a hysterical mess over the 'dangers' of 3D printing.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can print myself an loli.

[Agent]

I'm looking forward to the day when I can print myself an loli.

Wish I hadn't Googled that.

[IronWarrior]

Wish I hadn't Googled that.

Corrupting your mind slowly day by day.