Ghost Guns and 3D Printers: A Deadly Combination
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold a federal rule treating ghost gun parts, including those made with 3D printers, like regular firearms, has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community. This ruling has significant implications for the growing trend of 3D printed guns, which have become a bigger part of the ghost gun conversation. In this article, we’ll explore the latest developments in the use of 3D printers for both illegal and regulated purposes.
Manhattan DA Targets 3D Printer Makers
Just one day after the Supreme Court decision, Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg called on 3D printer manufacturers to take action. In a letter to popular 3D printing brand Creality, Bragg urged the company to install software that detects and blocks the printing of common gun parts. He also asked the company to remove gun blueprints from its online cloud service and update its user agreement to ban illegal weapon creation.
- Manhattan DA’s Office will send similar requests to other 3D printer brands
- The DA’s Office will invest in local programs to prevent youth violence
- Bragg pointed out that Creality printers have been seized in multiple criminal investigations in New York City
Colorado Men Charged with Selling 3D Printed Machine Gun Parts
In Colorado Springs, two men are facing serious federal charges after authorities say they used 3D printers to make and sell illegal machine gun conversion devices across the country. According to court records, Christian Granat and Aiden Fritz created hundreds of these parts and shipped them in toy LEGO boxes to avoid detection.
| Key Details | Investigation |
|---|---|
| Christian Granat and Aiden Fritz | Used 3D printers to make and sell illegal machine gun conversion devices |
| Hundreds of conversion devices created and shipped | Sold for as little as $40 each |
| Undercover agents from the ATF made purchases and discovered the operation | Found nearly 330 Glock-style conversion devices, several 3D printers and printer filament |
Canadian Man Arrested for Possession of 3D Printed Gun Parts
In Prince Edward Island, Canada, 50-year-old Daniel Desmond Crowder was arrested after reportedly making threats online. When police searched his home, they found weapons and 3D printed gun parts. The investigation involved the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP’s) digital forensics team, a drone operator, police dogs, and organized crime units.
“The nature of the crimes in this incident, including the use of a 3D printer to manufacture weapons, is of great concern,” said Sergeant Chris Goodwin from the Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC).
Guns, Drugs, and 3D Printers Found in California Raid
In Salinas, California, a search warrant led to the arrest of a suspect connected to firearms and drug trafficking. Authorities seized two assault weapons, four handguns, a privately made firearm, two 3D printers, a high-capacity magazine, and firearm parts. Fentanyl, a drug linked to thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S., was found in large amounts, along with other illegal substances.
ATF Approves 3D Printed, Serialized AR-15 Lower Receiver
On the other end of the spectrum, a 3D printing company in Michigan has received a rare approval from the ATF for a fully serialized AR-15 lower receiver made with polymer and HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology. The company, Forerunner 3D Printing, uses MJF and Nylon 12 to create firearm parts with clear markings, serial numbers, and a unique design. “Standard gun laws, which until recently were written only to regulate traditionally manufactured guns, aren’t always 100% clear in how they apply to 3D printed firearms. Moreover, the firearm community is historically known for its skill in pushing the boundaries of regulations. Because of this, we have had to move very carefully as we start to work more and more with serialized firearms components.”
- Forerunner 3D Printing has received an approval from the ATF for a fully serialized AR-15 lower receiver made with polymer and HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology
- The company uses MJF and Nylon 12 to create firearm parts with clear markings, serial numbers, and a unique design
- Paul DeWys, founder of Forerunner 3D Printing, works closely with the ATF to ensure compliance with regulations
Whether it’s arrests tied to 3D printed machine gun parts or a legal milestone like ATF approval for a printed firearm component, 3D printing is now a very important part of the gun conversation. As law enforcement continues to grapple with the challenges posed by 3D printed guns, it’s clear that the trend will only continue to evolve in the coming months and years.
