Washington State Proposes 3D Printer ‘Ban’.

Washington State’s House Bill 2321 (HB 2321) has sparked debate, but it is not an outright ban on 3D printing technology. Instead, the bill proposes a regulation requiring 3D printer manufacturers to incorporate “blocking technologies” into their devices. These technologies would prevent users from printing specific files, such as firearm parts, that are deemed illegal or unsafe.

The primary goal of the bill is to address growing concerns over “ghost guns”—firearms that are assembled from parts produced with 3D printers and lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. By requiring printers to block files that could be used to manufacture such firearms, HB 2321 aims to increase safety and prevent illegal gun manufacturing.

However, the bill has sparked criticism. Some argue that it could infringe on personal freedoms and the right to print legally permitted objects. Others question the effectiveness of the blocking technology, noting that tech-savvy users might find ways to bypass it. There are also concerns that the bill could stifle innovation in the broader 3D printing industry, which is used for a wide range of applications in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. While HB 2321 doesn’t target 3D printing as a whole, its focus on restricting the production of certain items like firearms could have significant implications for both the 3D printing community and consumers in Washington State.