Disruptions: With a 3-D Printer, Building a Gun With the Push of a Button

The New York Times ^ | 8 October, 2012 | Nick Bilton

[marktwain]

It has long been possible to make a gun at home. But what happens when it no longer takes knowledge and skill to build one?

It won't be long before a felon, unable to buy a gun legally, can print one at home. Teenagers could make them in their bedroom while their parents think they are "playing on their computer." I'm talking about a fully functional gun, where the schematic is downloaded free from the Internet and built on a 3-D printer, all with the click of a button.

Hit print, walk away, and a few hours later, you have a firearm. There are no background checks. No age limits. No serial numbers etched on the barrel or sales receipts to track the gun.

It might sound like science fiction, but 3-D printers are quickly becoming a consumer product. These printers, which now cost about $1,000, can print objects by spraying thin layers of plastic, metal or ceramics that are built up into shapes. Long used by industrial companies to make prototypes and parts, 3-D printers are becoming faster and less expensive almost weekly. One manufacturer, MakerBot, has set up a retail store in Manhattan. Chinese companies have started making them, and prices are falling to about $500.

Hobbyists have printed fairly rudimentary objects: prosthetics, iPhone cases, cat statues and missing luggage clasps.

[LouAvul]

I'm thinking of a Glock. Only the frame isn't available via mail order. But it's made of composite and from the article, this 3D printing device could easily duplicate it. All the other parts are available as aftermarket items.

I don't know what the big deal is. Only law abiding citizens have to jump through any hoops to buy a weapon, and they're not likely to do the 3D thing.

[mountainlion]

http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/10/09/america-s-first-mega-church-was-congress

Titanium printer, I guess if they can build aircraft they can build guns.

http://www.designnews.com/author.asp?section_id=1392&doc_id=251754&cid=NL_Newsletters+-+DN+Daily&dfpPParams=ind_183,industry_aero,industry_gov,bid_27,aid_251754&dfpLayout=blog

[marktwain]

This shows some 3D printing in impressive metals:

Additive Manufacturing using metals

http://3dprintingsystems.com/additive-manufacturing-using-metals/