Re: WA to ban 3D printers
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2026 7:08 am
HB 2321 does not ban the sale of 3D Printers.
What it does is require 3D Printers to have software that detects when someone is trying to 3D print a firearm. And if you go into the weeds on what they are actually mandating it wouldn't really stop a determined person from using a 3D printer to manufacture an improvised weapon. It mainly describes a system where a predefined set of designs will be blocked, either by firmware in the printer or software on your pc that controls the printer. The latter is more likely and more practical.
Anyway the real action in homemade firearms all involves CNC milling machines, which I do not think are covered by this law.
Keep in mind that all actual dead tree printers you see have similar software that blocks the printing (and/or scanning) of unlawful materials, mostly currency.
What it does is require 3D Printers to have software that detects when someone is trying to 3D print a firearm. And if you go into the weeds on what they are actually mandating it wouldn't really stop a determined person from using a 3D printer to manufacture an improvised weapon. It mainly describes a system where a predefined set of designs will be blocked, either by firmware in the printer or software on your pc that controls the printer. The latter is more likely and more practical.
Anyway the real action in homemade firearms all involves CNC milling machines, which I do not think are covered by this law.
Keep in mind that all actual dead tree printers you see have similar software that blocks the printing (and/or scanning) of unlawful materials, mostly currency.