This
article, by Doug Gross, profiles the extremely quickly improving technology of
the 3-D printer. A while ago, a company called Solid Concepts created the first
working metal gun from a 3-D printer. Many are worried about what this could
mean for people manufacturing their own firearms at home, but the article
states that the 3-D printers that are available to the general public cost
around $2,000, while the one that made the gun is far out of the price range of
most. The 3-D printer used is helping to convince people of the viability of
3-D printing as a major manufacturing tool in the future. Solid Concepts says
they may begin using the technique to make handgun replacement parts.
The
advancements in 3-D printing are amazing. I cannot believe that a fully
functioning metal gun was made with one. I am glad that the machine used is not
one available to the general public at this time. Once machines of this caliber
become more commonplace and affordable, it will be crucial for regulations to
be put in place so people are kept safe. Looking forward to the future, many
items found in stores could be made using a printer, a truly incredible
concept. The 3-D printer holds great potential and will almost inevitably be a
huge part of our lives in the years to come.
I agree that it will be interesting to see what restrictions will be put on these printers in the future. While a metal 3-D printer may be out of the price range of most, in fact, it is possible to make a functional gun out of a regular 3-D printer.
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