3D-printed and illegal weapons: a curse or a blessing?

3D printed weapons curse or blessing printer farms illegal firearms Flemish companies investments in defense industry with 3D printers blueprints and innovation.

Illegally manufactured, converted, and 3D printed weapons have begun a rapid rise worldwide. Illegally 3D printed unregistered weapons (ghost guns) are a curse in America, but illegal printer farms are already popping up in Belgium and the Netherlands as well. 3D printers that print drone parts are a blessing and are saving Ukraine from collapse. The 3D printing of firearms is still in its infancy, but as soon as special ammunition for 3D printed weapons hits the market, this will become the technical evolution of the future, just like with drones.  

3D printed weapons a curse.

Illegally 3D printed firearms

Previously, one would find illegally 3D printed weapons more often in circles where ideology drives the desire for weapon ownership. Usually politically oriented in the struggle against oppression, or the ideology of extreme right, left, or religious extremism. Now in America, illegally 3D printed hybrid unregistered weapons (ghost guns) are taking on an important role among the weapons used in criminal circles.

Toy version in color of the FGC-9 3D printed weapon. There are no 3D printed weapons or plastic parts available, and no 3D printer files or blueprints for 3D printers are being released on this webshop. The illegal printing of 3D weapons is a violation of the weapons law and is punishable by law!

There are three types of 3D printed firearms:

1) 3D printed firearms with a plastic barrel are the first type of 3D printed firearms where almost all parts are manufactured from plastic, including the barrel. Only the firing pin and the springs are made of metal. The wear of the bullet in the barrel and the heat from gunpowder combustion are the main technical limitations, causing the lifespan of these traditional plastic barrels to be limited to about ten shots per barrel. This limitation on the lifespan of 3D printed weapons can be extended by using a revolver cylinder, which contains multiple chambers (each with its own barrel). The lifespan of 1 barrel is 10 shots, and a cylinder with 6 barrels can therefore fire 60 shots before the cylinder is worn out.

2) Hybrid 3D printed firearms that contain both 3D printed plastic parts and commercially available metal parts, such as the barrel, a metal trigger mechanism, and special metal springs. For this, one uses existing weapon parts that are available separately on the market. In most European countries, these separate weapon parts require a permit; however, with considerable skill, one can also manufacture a rifled barrel oneself.

3) The third type of 3D printed firearms are an extension of the first type, where the plastic barrel is also 3D printed, but using the principle of 3D printed revolver cylinders where each chamber has its own barrel. This type of 3D printed weapon is still in full development.

America offers the possibilities

In most US states, every citizen has the right to make their own weapon for personal defense; however, one may not sell that weapon. Hence, American legislation is different from Europe, where there is strict regulation and registration of weapon parts and manufacturing.

Hybrid 3D printed firearms are more difficult to find in Europe due to the strict weapons law, where most firearm parts require a permit. Nevertheless, it is possible to make metal weapon parts oneself, such as the barrel for hybrid 3D printed firearms, whether mechanically or through an electrochemical process.

Popular models in Europe are the German FGC-9 mk2, which was developed by the German-Kurdish weapon designer Jacob Duygu, and the BrazilianUrutau which was developed by a weapon designer with the pseudonym "Joseph The Parrot". Both are hybrid 3D printed semi- or fully automatic weapons in 9x19mm caliber. However, various models of 3D printed firearms are available on a number of open-source networks such as Deterrence Dispensed, DEFCAD, and many others where the 3D printer files (called blueprints) can be downloaded online for free. In some countries, including Belgium, downloading weapon blueprints is prohibited, but in most countries worldwide, this is not the case. There are also many blueprints available that are not actual weapon parts, but toys or replicas of real weapons! However, do not be under the illusion that everything is easy and works without problems. A 3D printed part is not a finished product! It takes a lot of technical knowledge and post-processing to make a 3D printed firearm work reliably.

Disclaimer: we cannot be held responsible for legal provisions, as the evolution in 3D weapons is extremely rapid, and changes in the law can arise very quickly, be implemented, or be linked to existing laws!

Downloading and possessing blueprints for the illegal 3D printing of weapons, effectively preparing for illegal 3D printed weapon production, and the illegal manufacturing of 3D printed weapons is prohibited by law and is a punishable offense in Belgium!

Only recognized gunsmiths can, in principle, legally 3D print a weapon / part!

Crime and 3D printed firearms

To date, 3D printed firearms have not been used in crimes in Belgium or the Netherlands. The performance of 3D printed firearms is still inferior, and the share of 3D printed firearms in crimes is marginal. Nevertheless, there is vigilance to ensure that there is not suddenly a technical evolution that makes 3D printed firearms a major threat to society. Although a technical evolution of 3D printed weapons is no longer avoidable. Firearms, whether 3D printed or not, do not belong in crimes committed by criminals, however, the question remains: will 3D printed firearms become as revolutionary as the rise of 3D printed drones?

3D printed parts for attack drones as weapons

volunteers are making drone parts at home with 3D printers as weapons for Ukraine.

In various European countries, parts are currently being printed for drones used on the battlefield in Ukraine. This has caused an uproar in a number of countries because it conflicts with the weapons law in most European countries. The concept of a weapon part is therefore much broader than just firearm parts. The Dutch cabinet confirms that exporting and making parts for drones as weapons falls under the weapons law and is prohibited for persons who do not have a permit for it.

Parts for drones are also being made in Belgium as local support for Ukraine; however, one must be careful when exporting anything, because there is a "Catch All" formula that says any product that can be used for arming armed forces can be considered weapon export!

Illegal weapons

The illegal manufacturing of weapons has existed throughout time and is not a new phenomenon caused by 3D printers!

Illegal bladed weapons

Bladed weapons are still the main cause of most lethal incidents involving civilians. The carrying and possession of bladed weapons is determined by Belgian weapons law and differs somewhat from that of Dutch weapons law. Pocket knives, kitchen knives, and sharpened screwdrivers are common and are illegally carried by young people. Link to protective clothing and stab-resistant vests. 

Pen guns and Zip guns

In the past, illegal pen guns and zip guns were made in metalworking workshops. In short, these are a few steel tubes that can fire a cartridge. Pen gun info  and Zip Gun info. In Flanders too, mass numbers of illegal pen guns were confiscated in the past.  

Alarm pistols

The alarm pistols freely available at gun shops in Belgium cannot simply be easily converted. In Belgium, the barrel of an alarm pistol must legally be equipped with a hardened obstruction that one cannot drill through. 

Converted alarm pistols are quite common among small criminal gangs. 

Specialized technicians who possess a (mini) lathe and milling machine can replace the entire barrel with one they have made themselves to install in the alarm pistol. In other countries, less stringent requirements are set for alarm pistols, and some of them can be easily converted.  

Conversion of deactivated weapons

Deactivated weapons are real weapons that have been rendered inoperable according to the law so that they can no longer fire bullets. In Belgium, this procedure is very thorough, but in a number of other European countries, it is superficial, allowing a deactivated weapon to be made active again.   

BB guns

BB guns are toy weapons that can fire plastic pellets. They look like real weapons and contain a plastic frame and a trigger mechanism. Although it is significantly more difficult to convert such a BB gun into a firing weapon, the plastic parts and the trigger mechanism can be used without first having to print them on a 3D printer.

Illegal Kalashnikov rifles

 

Criminals and organized crime do not waste time making 3D-printed firearms. The illegal arms trade is international and linked to the drug trade, which also occurs frequently in Belgium. Illegal weapons of war enter Belgium via smuggling from former Eastern Bloc countries. Illegal real firearms  make up the majority of the weapons found among criminals. It is much easier for criminals to buy well-functioning illegal weapons than to make weapons of questionable quality themselves on a 3D printer.

After the war in Ukraine, there is fear that large quantities of illegal, modern, and well-functioning weapons of war will flood Europe. 

3D-printed weapons: a blessing.

3D printers are a blessing for Ukraine because they are present in large numbers among the civilian population and are used to print drone parts. In this way, they support the needs of the army in the war against the Russians. 3D printers are also used worldwide in various companies for general applications.

Investments in defense

The number of companies providing 3D printing services in Flanders is increasing rapidly, and more and more private individuals are beginning to print plastic parts with 3D printers themselves.

For a long time, the technology for economically producing 3D-printed weapons was in its infancy, but it is undeniable that 3D printers are getting better and better, and the raw materials offer increasingly more technical possibilities. 3D printers are already being used in defense to print parts of weapon systems, are used to print cheap drones and bombs, and are also used internationally to print weapons for rebels.

The pressure from the Flemish Government, where there is only room in Flanders for a weapons industry with Dual-Use goods or production, prompts Flemish 3D printing companies to attempt the production of 3D-printed weapons. Flanders possesses enormous economic potential that could be deployed for defense; however, due to the strict weapons law, most Flemish 3D printing companies are limited in their innovation. Only a few large 3D printing companies supply products to defense. Most other 3D printing firms cannot develop their capabilities due to a lack of weapons knowledge and infrastructure for the legal production and testing of weapons or ammunition. 

Moral objections or technical evolution?

The 3D printing of weapons still faces a number of moral objections, mainly due to the lack of registration of the weapons. Unregistered weapons are popular with criminals because their crimes cannot then be linked to a specific weapon. A counterargument in favor of 3D-printed weapons is the lack of defensive weapons for civilians in times of war, pointing to the Russian FPV drones that kill unarmed civilians in Ukraine. If NATO goes to war with Russia, there is a general shortage of weapons here in Europe as well, and civilians will not be able to defend themselves against hostile FPV drones, which could lead to a large number of casualties.    

If you can think it ... you can make it! (visual model, not a real 3D weapon - no blueprint)

A serious moral question must be asked here. Does one want to bring the further development of 3D-printed weapons to a complete halt in Flanders and leave international technical evolution to foreign, unfriendly powers, or will there be adjustments made to the arms law that legally open the way to widely controlled 3D weapon printing? Ultimately, the 3D printing of weapons is a production technique that has proven that drones are efficient weapons. 3D-printed anti-drone personal defense weapons could become a solution to the massive drone problem. A global technical evolution cannot be stopped!

What is missing in Flanders?

Most 3D printers are used to print toys or general plastic parts

  • Years ago, research was conducted within the Belgian defense sector on the consequences of establishing a weapons industry in Flanders that would compete with the Walloon FN Herstal, the largest supplier of light weapons to the Belgian army. Clarity on this could form a basis for investment. If negative, meaning weapon supplies for the Belgian army would be compromised, then all Flemish firearm projects and investments are pointless.
  • A more predictable legal framework for companies that want to start in the weapons industry. The problem of difficult-to-obtain permits.
  • A Flemish proof house for firearms. Currently, all weapons in Flanders (the northern part of Belgium) must first be inspected by a Walloon proof house (in the southern part of Belgium). That may be a typical Belgian solution, but it is not economic.
  • Registration options for 3D-printed weapons, as is the case for drones weighing more than 250g.
  • Weapon-technical knowledge regarding firearms is limited within the industry in Flanders. Flemish firms specializing in 3D-printed solutions scan existing weapons or weapon parts to then 3D print them. A 3D-printed replica of a weapon may seem impressive, but it means absolutely nothing from a technical weapons perspective. There is no technical blueprint for 3D-printed weapons in Flanders.
    • Flemish companies have no firearm developments of their own and cannot present or offer any products.
    • Test procedures and C.I.P. registration of 3D-printed ammunition. (International Permanent Commission for the Proof of Small Arms)
    • Which materials, which print density, which print orientation, which inner and outer dimensions for a standard 3D-printed barrel?
    • Which 3D-printed ammunition? What is the proof pressure of the chamber? What is the maximum peak pressure / test pressure according to the C.I.P. test protocol (1.5x the working pressure)?
    • What is the working pressure for specific 3D-printed ammunition?
  • The only way for Flemish 3D printing companies to make 3D weapons or ammunition is to hire an Authorized person as a gunsmith/arms dealer or to collaborate with one. Then development can start, and only the problem of infrastructure for mass production remains. Keep in mind that developing a new weapon system is a full-time job!

Why do 3D-printed weapons explode?

Warnings that 3D-printed weapons can explode and cause injuries to the shooter or bystanders are justified.

When firing a cartridge, the primer ignites the powder charge, causing the combustion gases to create high pressure (chamber pressure) and push the projectile out of the barrel at high speed. Several factors play a role in this.

The main reasons for an exploding 3D-printed weapon can be:

  • The use of weak raw material (PLA), meaning 3D-printed parts are not strong enough.
  • Faults in the feed or quality of the 3D printer filament.
  • Incorrect temperature setting of the 3D printer, meaning the printed workpiece is not properly bonded and comes apart easily.
  • Incorrect print orientation, meaning maximum strength is not achieved.
  • Wall thickness and material strength not proportional to the high chamber pressure of the cartridge.
  • Failure to respect exact dimensions, causing the bullet to jam and the pressure to rise abnormally high.
  • Design not resistant to the forces of recoil when firing the cartridge.

Advantages of 3D-printed weapons and ammunition.

  • The production of 3D-printed weapons can be organized in mass by companies, by the population, or by the military itself, allowing the army to very quickly equip soldiers, reservists, or volunteers with weapons and ammunition. (Same as with drones in Ukraine)
  • Can be used for manufacturing short-range defense weapons, which eases the load on standard production lines at FN-Herstal so they can produce more high-end weapons.
  • Reduction of dependency on rare raw materials such as high-grade steel, copper, aluminum, and lead.
  • Weapon technology and strategic knowledge can make the population more resilient.
  • 3D-printed weapons can be made on a cheap, standard 3D printer. High-end 3D printers can be used to print small parts such as ammunition.
  • The plastic can be recycled to make new weapons or other parts.
  • A form of technical inspection and registration can be developed, just as with drones weighing over 250g.

Disadvantages of these 3D-printed weapons and ammunition

  • These 3D-printed weapons can be made illegally anywhere without registration. The number of ghost guns is increasing rapidly.
  • Some 3D-printed weapons cannot be detected by metal detectors at security checkpoints.
  • 3D-printed parts for weapons are made from special raw materials that release toxic gases when printed. This cannot be done in every living room and only in specially equipped workshops.

It is no secret that the US Army is researching the possibilities of 3D printing plastic weapon parts. However, in Europe, designers were legally constrained compared to the American "Daddy" weapon paradise. Because of the threat of war, we are living in different times where restricting weapons research is equivalent to a technical and strategic regression compared to the rest of the world. Flanders has a number of possibilities, and there is a large 3D printer industry present in Belgium. The future with 3D-printed solutions is here to stay.

Given that Europe has allowed itself to be completely sidelined in terms of weapons technology, has lost large parts of its strategic industry, has become militarily irrelevant, and is now facing a new technology that can no longer be stopped, many are already raising concerns about European arms law to legally prosecute not the possession of a weapon, but the crime committed with a weapon. A European arms law modeled more on the Swiss or American model to avoid a tidal wave of criminality, lawsuits, and incidents with 3D printers and weapons.

Resilience and protection

Due to the geopolitical situation, there is an understandable increase in the sale of weapons to civilians across Europe. In Belgium, weapon possession is regulated by the Belgian Arms Act. In principle, anyone with a certificate of good conduct and moral character for weapon possession and a medical check-up can sign up at an authorized shooting club and, after training and the passage of time, purchase a weapon in accordance with regulations.

In addition to civilian weapon possession, it is also possible to protect oneself against the threat of war. All types of bulletproof vests are permitted in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Most Level 3 bulletproof vests or plate carriers can stop projectiles from 3D-printed ammunition. For even heavier weapons, there is a Level 4.

Leopard tactical bulletproof vest Level 4 bullet-resistant Molle Engarde ICW

Class 3 stops, among others, 7.62x36 MSC AK47 soft steel core bullets


Deluxe bulletproof/ballistic vest 3a MT-PRO-GEN7 black Engarde + 7.62x25mm Tokarev

   Discreet ballistic vests against shootings and knife attacks, designed to be worn invisibly under clothing. For men and women.

Dual Use discrete vest class 3 or 4 

 

Protection against knife attacks or stabbings

DCS Multicam AK 7.62 plate carrier + side plates NIJ4+(04)

Various Class 4 bulletproof plate carriers are available as protection against Kalashnikov war rifles. Multicam is the new camouflage color currently used by the Belgian army. 

Modern emergency kit escape backpack 2026 - 17kg with sleeping bag 72-hour survival + tactical first aid

 

In several European countries, it is recommended to have an emergency kit. Various types of emergency kits are available.   

Conclusion?

Virtually all existing machines can be used to illegally manufacture weapons.

  • Weapons can be made on 3D printers
  • Weapons can be made on mini hobby lathes and milling machines
  • Plastic or aluminum weapon parts can be made on CNC-controlled mini woodworking machines
  • Many legally available weapons or parts thereof can be converted or used as real weapons.
  • The illegal arms trade is the primary supplier of illegal weapons

The Belgian arms law is sufficiently clear and comprehensive enough, and prohibits all production of weapons and parts for persons who do not have a license for it, regardless of how they are manufactured!