The US Department of Justice is scrutinizing the 3D printing sector for its role in creating components that turn semi-automatic firearms into automatic ones.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco made the announcement last Friday, calling on the DOJ and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to address the increasing circulation of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). The ATF reports a surge of over 500% in these devices from 2017 to 2021. Monaco has directed the formation of new groups focused on monitoring and curbing the spread of MCDs.
Monaco has reached out to the 3D printing community, software developers, and tech experts, urging them to collaborate on finding solutions, emphasizing that “you know your industries and this technology better than anyone.“. She mentioned the potential small size of these devices, comparable to a USB drive, which could be constructed from a single sheet of plastic.
“We need to engage software developers, technology experts, and leaders in the 3D printing industry to identify solutions in this fight,” stated Monaco. “You know your industries and this technology better than anyone. We will keep at this work – trying to stop the proliferation of MCDs. Our ask is … that you do the same.“