As with any advancing technology, regulation often has to play catch-up, and 3D printing is no exception. The rise of 3D printing has increased over the last couple of years, and the government and the legal world are figuring out how to approach the regulation of manufacturing certain items that are more controversial, such as firearms. The intersection of 3D printing, guns and constitutional rights has yet to truly play out as a result of the spread of 3D technology; in fact, the debate is slowly gaining steam.

There are huge legal implications for the 3D printing of guns, especially as the U.S. is currently embroiled in debate over how to regulate the sale of guns that haven’t been manufactured by a 3D printer. Speaking to Legaltech News, Allan Gabriel, Los Angeles-based director of the intellectual property practice at Dykema, said, “3D printing technologies have been noted for their abilities to help create largely polymer and ceramic firearms. Various groups of makers and tech enthusiasts have experimented with the technology in this capacity as well, leading to widespread speculation that traditional methods of gun control will become increasingly inoperable.”

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