World’s First 3D-Printable Gun Almost Ready For Prototyping

What’s the Latest Development?

Defense Distributed has applied for a US federal firearms license so that it can begin manufacturing prototypes of its “Wiki Weapon,” a gun created entirely from plastic parts made with a 3D printer. Spokesman Cody Wilson says the license is the only thing preventing them from going forward. “We’re ready…We’re sitting on the logistics, time, resources and money.” Once the license comes in, he plans to use blueprints from several independent designers to produce prototypes for testing.

What’s the Big Idea?

One of Defense Distributed’s primary goals is to be able to provide weapons design schematics over the Internet. Understandably, many questions, legal and otherwise, arise from the ability for anyone with a 3D printer to manufacture their own weapons, especially as printer costs continue to drop. In September, the company’s Indiegogo account was frozen, and last month, 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys repossessed the printer it was leasing and planning to use for the prototypes. Since then, at least two unnamed Texas companies have come to the company’s rescue, providing the resources needed for the project to continue. Despite interest from other investors, Wilson says Defense Distributed won’t accept new funding until the first prototype is printed.

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