%0 Journal Article
%T Printing Insecurity? The Security Implications of 3D-Printing of Weapons.
%A Walther G
%J Sci Eng Ethics
%V 21
%N 6
%D Dec 2015
%M 25520257
%F 3.777
%R 10.1007/s11948-014-9617-x
%X In 2013, the first gun printed out of plastic by a 3D-printer was successfully fired in the U.S. This event caused a major media hype about the dangers of being able to print a gun. Law enforcement agencies worldwide were concerned about this development and the potentially huge security implications of these functional plastic guns. As a result, politicians called for a ban of these weapons and a control of 3D-printing technology. This paper reviews the security implications of 3D-printing technology and 3D guns. It argues that current arms control and transfer policies are adequate to cover 3D-printed guns as well. However, while this analysis may hold up currently, progress in printing technology needs to be monitored to deal with future dangers pre-emptively.