fp.

Yep all these states are pushing copies of the same legislation, seeking to ban printers. Allegedly for gun control reasons, but that doesn’t make sense since it is very rare for crimes to be committed using 3d printed guns. Even if they were, the second amendment protects the right to bear arms unconditionally.

gnosis67•1h ago

The perceived problem may have more to do with the mass production of arms, rather than lone incidents.

AngryData•1h ago

But that same problem has existed since the 60s when machine tools became common and cheap enough for people to put in their garages. Table top CNC machines existed in the 90s and that wasn't some looming threat.

To me this is all fearmongering to try and restrict people from making their own stuff instead of buying it all or fixing old stuff.

esseph•50m ago

That one guy just needed some plumbing pipe to get Shinzo Abe.

This is an overreaction by some, and a chance to exploit by others.

ehnto•5m ago

The country is filled with regular guns, legal and illegal, this seems like a really pointless avenue of restriction.

It's also already illegal to manufacture weapons without the required licenses, so if someone is okay breaking that law, they would probably be okay making their own 3D printer or CNC machine from the commodity parts they are made from.

What next, ban aluminium profile and stepper motors? Let's not forget hex head screws! I hear CNC machines have a lot of wiring, maybe they will ban the element copper.

All that to say, this would be both ineffective at changing the problem and extremely frustrating to law abiding citizens. Stifling innovation is one thing, squashing small businesses regular operations would be another outcome. CNC machines have been around for decades, powering small industries that have pumping out bespoke parts for years.