"The danger of 3D printing is the ease of manufacturing."

Improvised weapons are as old a topic as humanity itself. But a new technology is changing access to weapons: 3D printing can turn any kitchen into a weapons workshop. Kristóf Nagy's new book “3D - Weapons from the Printer” provides a compact technical history of this new phenomenon and draws attention to the security risks. 

SPARTANAT: Kristóf, you are the author of the first German-language book on 3D printed weapons. How did you come up with such a topic? Do you print yourself?

Indeed, 3D printing technology has surrounded me for years. In my profession, I constantly deal with it, particularly in the context of rapid prototyping. However, the motivation to write a book about the use in the context of firearms came from numerous discussions with authorities from a broad, international spectrum. Even though I don't have the famous printer on my kitchen table at home, the topic fascinated me and it quickly became clear to me that it deserved a compact summary and exploration.

SPARTANAT: Firearms and 3D printing create mild panic in many people. How dangerous is the topic really?

Initially, 3D printed weapons posed the greatest danger to the shooter. This phenomenon still partially exists today. Individuals who illegally produce weapons with criminal intent may not always meet the highest quality standards. Nevertheless, both the technology and the constructions have become significantly more mature. Even the topic of quality assurance is present on the scene and is being driven forward by the community. The fact is that with freely available, modern 3D printing technology, and comparatively simple additional manufacturing processes, durable hand weapons can actually be mass-produced in series. The requirements for craftsmanship knowledge are steadily decreasing - and this point is of particular importance.

SPARTANAT: The requirement is a new technology: 3D printing. What can it do? What will it change?

A lot! If we look at the rapid development of recent years, this is just a taste. Components for the most complex systems are now being printed, even in industrial mass production. In terms of firearms and their criminal use, law enforcement agencies must adjust accordingly. If in the future even the ammunition can also be printed, then this will pose a completely new challenge for investigators.

SPARTANAT: Improvised weapons have always existed. What makes 3D printing different, more dangerous?

In my book, I posit that improvised weapons are older than Homo sapiens. From this perspective, the problem is far from new. The particular quality of the threat lies in the relatively simple and, in particular, easily scalable production mentioned earlier. This can lead to an uncontrolled proliferation of weapons within a relatively short time. The fact that organized crime has already recognized the possibilities is demonstrated by several international examples.

SPARTANAT: How do you think internal security should respond to this challenge?

More is already being done than the average citizen thinks. Numerous national and international initiatives are addressing the phenomenon. I have highlighted these in a separate chapter in the book. It is important that these projects do not remain isolated and can spread widely. It should not just remain a special topic in forensic science, for example. Awareness of the problem must reach those executing the measures. However, as mentioned earlier, there are promising approaches.

KRISTÓF NAGY is a former infantryman of the Bundeswehr. In addition to his work in the defense industry, he has been working as a freelance specialist author for over a decade. His interest lies in kinetic effectors of all kinds, as well as military historical topics. Since 2012, he has also been dealing with unmanned aerial vehicles and ground systems and their defense. He is a co-author and editor of SPARTANAT Black Book 10 "Drone Defense". 

NAGY online: https://x.com/KristfNagy19

THE BOOK

“3D - Weapons from the Printer” by Kristóf Nagy introduces the reader to the new world of firearms construction.

• The development of 3D printers
• The history of modern improvised weapons
• The most important models from the 3D printer
• What the police must do against it

A technical revolution shows its effects in the real world: everyone can build a weapon. The book explains the history of improvised weapons, elucidates the emergence of modern 3D printing methods, describes the most important weapon models. Plus, the current challenges for criminologists and counterterrorism.

“3D - Weapons from the Printer” by Kristóf Nagy, SPARTANAT Green Book 1, pocket-sized paperback, 148 pages, Euro 15.90 - Order HERE from the SPARTANAT SHOP*.

* currently only available in German language, English edition will be coming soon.