3D Printed Firearms and Prospects for Their Forensic Examination

Abstract

The article discusses the possibility of firearm manufacturing with the help of 3D printing technologies. It provides an overview of principles and technologies of 3D printing, and analyzes the design features of known samples of firearms made using additive printers. The analysis helps to identify potential problematic aspects of their forensic examination: the issue of classifying items of evidence as firearms; firearm identification by toolmarks on bullets and cartridge cases; evaluation of performance and serviceability; examination of individual parts and components of 3D printed firearms.

Keywords

• firearms
• 3d printing
• additive printer