Supporters of the bill say it's necessary to thwart convicted felons who use 3D printers to develop untraceable "ghost guns."

I understand the intent, but feel that there are so many other loopholes that put much worse weapons on the street than a printer. Besides, my prints can barely sustain normal use, much less a bullet being fired from them. I would think that this is more of a risk to the person holding the gun than who it’s pointing at.

  • SuperbEnglish
    76·
    1 year ago

    Do I need a background check to buy a CNC? Or a lathe?

    • YourAvgDuckHead@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      22·
      1 year ago

      I mean, kind of, yes. CNCs have been one of the big items for export controls. Especially if they can be used to build weapons, parts for nuclear subs, etc.

      Generally speaking, lathes and milling machines must be licensed for export if their accuracy exceeds six microns. Grinding machines are controlled at four microns. The Wassenaar Arrangement controls all machine tools capable of simultaneous, five-axis motion, regardless of machining accuracy.

      Source

      • FireTower@lemmy.worldEnglish
        26·
        1 year ago

        In the US you don’t need a license to purchase a CNC. Even items with export restrictions like night vision goggles (Under ITAR) can be bought by anyone and shipped to your door. The export controls would only come into effect upon you exporting them.

      • Amaltheamannen@lemmy.mlEnglish
        14·
        1 year ago

        Besides not needing a license for export controlled items within the country, you don’t need a 6 micron precision lathe

      • SuperbEnglish
        6·
        1 year ago

        Oh wow, TIL! I guess I’m not surprised, consumer GPS is kneecapped at a lower accuracy for similar reasons

        • phrogpilot73@lemmy.worldEnglish
          4·
          1 year ago

          It used to be. It was called selective availability, where the DoD could dial up/down the accuracy for commercial receivers. However, it was discontinued in 2000.

      • FearTheCron@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        1 year ago

        six microns

        Given that human chromosomes are on the order of 5 to 10 microns, I am thinking this export regulation doesn’t apply to the hobby market. This is “use the machine in a clean room” level precision.