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Hey folks. Yes, that’s right Facebook have decided to lift the 3D Printed Gun Ban. This, however, may not have been the best decision, but I’m sure Facebook has their reasons.
What is a 3D printed or “Downloadable” Gun?
A 3D Printed gun, otherwise known as a “downloadable” gun is exactly what it sounds like. Anyone with a printer and a bit of knowledge could simply go online buy a blueprint and print a weapon. Doesn’t sound very good, does it? Now some of you might be thinking plastic gun, plastic bullets, right? Wrong very wrong. These printed guns can shoot live ammunition. This is why Facebook banned them back in August 2018.
What was the ban?
The ban was initially implemented in August 2018, and it stopped people from being able to trade blueprints and models for 3D printed guns. This was the first ban as it was able to control the distribution of homemade guns and weapons. Printed guns are otherwise known as “downloadable guns” are also counted as unlicensed firearms and untraceable as once used they could be melted back down. However, for some reason, Facebook is deciding to lift the ban.
Why are they allowing this?
Well, to be honest, it’s not completely bad. Facebook isn’t allowing any Joe just to download a gun. The 3D printed gun ban will remain for all countries except America. They are enabling legitimate gun stores to sell the blueprints online but will only allow the sale if all applicable laws are followed. For example, the guns sold must have a serial number printed on the side and a metal strip installed within the weapon, so they are detected by metal detectors. So it’s not all bad that Facebook is going through with this.
Should we worry about 3D printed guns?
I’m not too worried as the blueprints and guns will only be available in America and currently can only be printed with large precise industrial printers using ABS. The company, however, are now creating a slightly better one usable for home printers.
What do you make of all this? Do you agree the ban should be lifted? Or do you think the ban should remain? I’d like to hear what your thoughts are in the comments below!
Must check out this 3D printed Lamborghini made by a father and son!
Brandon
It does not, and has not been only able to be printed via “large, precise, industrial printers using ABS”. The plans have been circulating around since 2015. As home 3D printers are becoming more affordable, this has shifted the market availability on printing any model. ABS has been around long enough that most home 3D Printers can use that material. However the capabilities of these printers are able to print more durable material such as Nylon, Carbon Fiber, and PEEK. Any of which would be better for this application.
“Requiring proper sale : of which shall include a serial number and metal rod” how are the shops going to enforce that? What about all of the “non-facebook” locations that share the files?
I find it very irresponsible to make “claims of understanding “ of the situation without proper investigation.
admin
Thank you for the comment, our author er scott will respond to you, where he got the information from.
Thank you lyn
Scott Masson
Hi Brandon, printers have come along way and are able to print in ABS with high precision however they are still very different from the printers that will be used to manufacture these guns. The original creator of the “Liberator” has stated that although the gun can be printed on home printers it is not advised as small miss-prints can cause the device to explode.
To enforce the serial number and metal rod Facebook will only be allowing genuine gun stores to sell these weapons. They will have to hold a license for them to sell the weapon. Other sites can share and sell the files as they please and have been doing so for a while now but this article focuses on solely Facebooks ban.