3D-printed phantom firearms: Authenticity or Alarm Inciting?
In the world of technology, 3D printing has revolutionised various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. However, its impact extends beyond professional applications, reaching into the realm of firearm production. This technology has enabled the creation of "ghost guns," firearms produced privately without serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.
3D printing lowers the barriers to manufacturing firearms, contributing to the increase in untraceable guns in circulation, which law enforcement struggles to track due to the absence of serial numbers. These firearms may contain metal parts to comply with laws like the Undetectable Firearms Act, but the polymer components produced by 3D printing complicate detection and regulation.
The impact on illegal firearms circulation is significant. Ghost guns are easier to produce without official oversight or records, can be made using widely accessible 3D printers and digital blueprints, some of which have been shared online, and lack serial numbers, inhibiting tracing and law enforcement investigations.
In response, new technical measures such as AI detection algorithms on file-sharing platforms and novel forensic fingerprinting in 3D-printed parts are being developed to combat untraceable firearms. These advancements aim to link items to specific printers and help law enforcement track down illegal firearms.
The FGC-9, developed by Jacob D. from Hannover in 2020, is a notable example of a 3D-printed ghost gun. Made using exclusively freely available elements, the FGC-9 is currently beyond the control of high-pressure processes involved in professional gun manufacturing. Its unique selling point lies in its price, with investment costs under 500 euros and piece costs under 200 euros, making it an appealing option for hobbyists.
The development and spread of 3D printing technology have presented new challenges to regulatory authorities, who are struggling to keep pace with the technology's rapid advancement and general availability. This technology has the ability to create complex structures, making it a potent tool in the hands of those seeking to circumvent traditional gun control measures.
The expiration of Crump's licenses in 2009 led to many small businesses entering the market, offering affordable 3D printers for home use. Today, the 3D printing industry is a multi-billion dollar market, selling millions of 3D printers annually.
However, the rise of ghost guns presents challenges to gun control and law enforcement efforts to stem illegal firearm circulation. As the technology continues to evolve, it is essential for regulatory authorities to adapt and develop strategies to combat the production and distribution of untraceable firearms.
The rising popularity of 3D printers, once only accessible to professionals, now sold in the masses, has significantly contributed to the production of untraceable firearms, known as ghost guns. These firearms, created using digital blueprints shared online, complicate law enforcement efforts due to their lack of serial numbers.
As the members of the general public become increasingly employed in firearm production, advancements in technology like AI detection algorithms and forensic fingerprinting in 3D-printed parts are crucial to combat the proliferation of untraceable firearms and aid in investigations of associated crimes.
