When a new technology is introduced into society it goes through an initial stage of acceptance into the market. Once it begins to take hold and the society begins to understand the technology problems can arise. People can use the technology in inappropriate or harmful ways. These issues are usually not black and white, and multiple opinions conflict over the proper response to issues. There are many policy concerns associated with additive manufacturing. The concerns fall into two general categories; the protection of intellectual property and prevention of harm. Since anyone can purchase a 3D printer and manufacture almost anything from their home, how can people who create the templates that are printed ensure that their designs are not stolen? In addition, the freedom to produce almost anything can have dangerous consequences. A design for a 3D printed gun was made publicly available in 2012. The gun could pass through a metal detector which posed a security risk. The U.S. government decided that the gun design needed to be taken down, but did they have that right? While additive manufacturing brings many possibilities, there are also many concerns.
The videos below describes some of the issues with 3D printed guns.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DconsfGsXyA]
[youtube=http://youtu.be/NF9kmPQCH98]
The videos below talk about patent issues with 3D printing.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/iLbEV7zq4xY]
[youtube=http://youtu.be/Z84r26492ns]
Related articles
- House Votes to Extend Law Banning 3D-Printed Guns for 10 Years (mashable.com)
- World’s first 3D-printed metal gun successfully fired (dezeen.com)
- Energy savings in 3-D (rdmag.com)
- Additive Manufacturing Can Save Aircraft Makers Energy (dailyfusion.net)
- Manufacturing sees new revolution triggered by 3D printers (thegazette.com)