New Measures to Combat 3D-Printed Firearms
In response to growing concerns about the availability of 3D-printed firearms, one of the world’s largest digital design platforms, Thingiverse, has taken significant steps to block access to design files for 3D-printed guns and gun parts. This move follows investigations by law enforcement in New York that uncovered a troubling number of downloadable files for such weapons.
Thingiverse has begun implementing automated technology to quickly identify and remove digital files associated with 3D-printed firearms. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for its global community. As part of this effort, they regularly review and update their policies to prevent the sharing of unlawful and harmful content, including weapons and illegal materials.
The decision comes after discussions with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office regarding the dangers posed by untraceable firearms. The district attorney’s office has been particularly concerned about the rise of ghost guns—weapons that can be assembled without serial numbers or background checks.
The Rise of Ghost Guns
Ghost guns have become an increasing problem in recent years. In 2020, 150 ghost guns were seized in New York City, and by 2024, that number had tripled. These weapons are now being made using nothing more than a 3D printer and a computer. A user can download a design file for a Glock and print it within a few hours, often without detection.
Earlier this year, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg sent letters to 3D printing companies urging them to help combat the spread of homemade guns, which he described as a “growing threat.” One high-profile case involved Luigi Mangione, who allegedly used a 3D-printed gun and silencer in the assassination-style killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges.
Bragg called on companies to remove online blueprints, known as CAD files, that could be used to print firearms and gun parts without a background check. These files are essential for users who want to manufacture products using a 3D printer. Common file formats include “STL,” “3MF,” and “OBJ.”
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
Investigations by the district attorney’s office and the NYPD found hundreds of CAD files for 3D-printed weapons on Thingiverse. As the platform grew, its existing security measures struggled to keep up with the volume of weapons-related files. Engineers at Thingiverse upgraded their systems, and recent tests showed a significant reduction in the availability of these files.
Bragg praised Thingiverse for its efforts to address the issue, calling it a model for other companies in the digital design space. He stated that the company’s actions should encourage others to take similar steps to prevent the spread of 3D-printed weapons into communities.
This week, Bragg sent a similar letter to Bambu Lab, a China-based manufacturer of 3D printers. In the letter, he expressed concern over the risks posed by the increasing use of 3D printers in schools and homes. He urged Bambu Lab to adopt security measures that check print jobs against a database of gun blueprints and use AI to recognize common gun parts.
When a user opts into this program, it blocks prints of detected firearms. Bragg also encouraged Bambu Lab to explicitly ban the creation of illegal weapons in its user agreement.
Ongoing Challenges
While the measures taken by companies like Thingiverse and Bambu Lab may not completely stop the proliferation of ghost guns, the goal is to make it harder for people to find the designs needed to create them. By implementing stricter policies and advanced technologies, these companies aim to reduce the accessibility of 3D-printed firearms and protect public safety.