Researchers embed digital 'fingerprints' into 3D printed parts — tech may make future ghost guns more traceable

https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/researchers-embed-digital-fingerprints-into-3d-printed-parts-tech-may-make-future-ghost-guns-more-traceable

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/35997313

58 points · 15 comments · view on lemmy.world

15 Comments

cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de · 80 pts · 341d

Luckily we have open source firmware and we can build our own printers.

Most ghost guns are not 3D printed so this is nothing but security theater and an invasion of privacy.

kayzeekayzee@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 43 pts · 341d (2 replies)

Given the diy-nature of almost every 3d printer, I can't see this being very useful for identifying prints.

Postmortal_Pop@lemmy.world · 16 pts · 341d (1 reply)

Exactly my thoughts. I got my machine in 2017 and have replaced enough parts to make a ship of Theseus argument. Most of them weren't even due to wear, I just like rebuilding her. On top of that, every other printer I know is either all diy or kit built. I can't imagine this will stop anyone who genuinely wants to do harm.

Coleslaw4145@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 339d

This.

My first and only 3D printer to this day is an Ender 5.

But that Ender 5 is now partially converted to a ZeroG Mercury and the only thing that will be left original at the end will be the frame and some screws.

zipsglacier@lemmy.world · 28 pts · 341d (11 replies)
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B0rax@feddit.org · 25 pts · 340d (2 replies)

Fluctuations in layer height that are not visible? Dude, most printers are not even able to achieve a layer height consistency that would be invisible to the naked eye if they wanted to.

CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 340d (1 reply)

Plus what about adaptive layer heights that automatically change based on the features of each layer?

dual_sport_dork@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 338d

Or just acetone/MEK/whatever smoothing your parts?

ThePantser@sh.itjust.works · 19 pts · 341d (4 replies)

So when I turn on variable layer height this whole thing goes out the window. Or if I post process and sand the parts. Oh I know what if I use a slicer and firmware like klipper to bypass everything. No 3d printer that isn't locked down already by closed ecosystem will never have this "code" in the parts.

Decq@lemmy.world · 12 pts · 341d (3 replies)

Sand paper wouldn't really help. They could just cut a part in half. But yeah no way in hell this will ever end up in any of the open source printer firmwares. So it's a moot point.

zipsglacier@lemmy.world · 10 pts · 341d (2 replies)
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golgorath@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 341d (1 reply)

Why would you cut it into pieces. Just burn it i'd say...

BuboScandiacus@mander.xyz · 2 pts · 340d

mctoasterson@reddthat.com · 18 pts · 340d (1 reply)

This has to be borderline useless as a positive identification tool, given that people can...

  1. Make their own models
  2. Run open source slicing software
  3. Inspect their own gcode
  4. Print from flashcard on a 100% offline printer with known clean firmware, such as the most common Ender 3.

How about they just focus on other methods of apprehending violent criminals and leave hobbyists alone.

zipsglacier@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 340d
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BuboScandiacus@mander.xyz · 3 pts · 340d

Alloi@lemmy.world · 14 pts · 340d

you know how easy it is to circumvent this?

relatively easy, its relatively easy. now you know.

Rolive@discuss.tchncs.de · 2 pts · 313d

Okay so if I want to print a gun I'll just tighten an eccentric nut or belt tensioner. Lol