3D printed weapons warning and protection. Illegal printer farms and blueprints banned. Flemish companies innovation and investments in the defense industry 

3D printed weapons have begun a rapid rise worldwide. Illegal printer farms are also emerging in Belgium and the Netherlands. For now, there is still a lot of fuss in the media, but it is already a major concern for the security services in America. 3D printers that print drones are a blessing and are saving Ukraine from ruin.  

3D printed weapons in a negative light

Illegal 3D printed firearms

Illegal 3D printed weapons are more commonly found in circles where ideology is the driving force behind the urge to possess weapons. Usually politically motivated in opposition to oppression, rebellion, or ideologies of the far right, far left, or religion extremism. The greater availability of 3D printed weapons is also reaching the criminal underworld.  

Toy version of the FGC-9 3D printed weapon. No 3D printed weapons or plastic parts are available, and no computer files or blueprints for 3D printers are released on this webshop.

Illegal 3D printing of weapons is a violation of the weapons law!

There are two types of 3D printed firearms.

• The first type of 3D printed firearm is made almost entirely of plastic including the barrel.
• The two types of 3D printed firearms are hybrid 3D printed firearms that contain both 3D printed plastic parts and metal parts that are commercially available, such as the barrel and a metal firing mechanism. 

3D printed firearms with plastic barrels currently have a very limited lifespan and can only withstand a few shots. They usually use a small caliber such as .22LR, but larger calibers are also possible. Even standard light class 2 - SK1 bulletproof vests provide protection against them.

Hybrid 3D printed firearms are harder to find in Europe due to strict weapons laws, under which most firearm parts require a permit. However, it is possible to make metal weapon parts yourself for hybrid 3D printed firearms. In this case, it is immediately clear that you actually need much more than just a 3D printer. People who make such hybrid firearms have a complete workshop with 3D printers, a mini lathe, a milling machine, and many other tools. (it is illegal to produce weapons illegally, regardless of how you do it). These hybrid printed weapons are usually in the 9x19mm caliber

 against which all NIJ-3A bulletproof vests provide protection. 

Popular models in Europe are the German FGC-9 mk2 and the Brazilian Urutau hybrid 3D printed semi-automatic or fully automatic weapons in the 9x19mm caliber. However, several models of 3D printed firearms are available on a number of open source networks. In several countries, it is illegal to post blueprints for 3D printing weapons online, but not in all countries. There are quite a few blueprints available that are not real weapon parts but toys! 

However, do not be fooled into thinking that everything is easy and works without problems. It takes a great deal of technical knowledge to make a 3D printed firearm work reliably.  

Disclaimer: we cannot be held responsible for the legal provisions on this page. Existing laws may be linked to software used to make illegal weapons and thus be punishable for 3D printing. The evolution of 3D weapons is extremely rapid, and changes in the law can be imposed or introduced very quickly!   

The police warn

• 3D printed weapons are made in all colors and look like toys, which can be dangerous for children. The fact is that firearms must always be kept out of reach of children, regardless of the color of the firearm! 
• 3D printed firearms can take any form, even without anyone immediately seeing that it is a firearm. They can look like toys, but they are real weapons. 
• Some 3D printed weapons are not detected by the metal detectors of security services.
• The manufacture of 3D printed weapons or weapon parts is prohibited by the weapons law and is punishable by imprisonment. Enthusiastic hobbyists can end up in difficult criminal situations when experimenting with 3D printed weapons.
• 3D printed weapons are not always predictable, can explode and cause injuries to the shooter. The printing material, the printing method and the density can have a major impact on the strength of the 3D printed weapon. If they work, a 9mm bullet from a 3D printed weapon is just as deadly as a 9mm bullet from a normal weapon. Link to bulletproof vests against 9mm bullets

3D printed firearms have not yet been used in crimes in Belgium or the Netherlands to date. The performance of 3D printed firearms is currently inferior, and the share of 3D printed firearms in crimes is marginal. However, there is vigilance that there will not suddenly be a technical evolution that makes 3D printed firearms a major threat to society. 

Schools and 3D printers

Technical schools teach their students to work with simple drawing programs at an early stage, such as Tinkercad, SketchUp or Fusion 360, with which these drawings can be converted quite quickly into a computer file for a 3D printer. 

• Technical drawing is part of a technical education at schools.
• Design is artistic and can be part of a lesson package.
• Design is occupational therapy, just like making puzzles.

The techniques of 3D printing are also learned quite quickly in technical schools, where knowledge of material and printer density plays an important role.

3D Space Blaster toy.

There is only a very thin line between 3D printed toys and real 3D printed firearms. 

So it is only a small trick for a technical school student to design something that looks like a weapon part or could be considered a 3D printed firearm or part. It will then also be a difficult task for the police to distinguish toys from real firearms. 

Raising awareness among children not to print parts that look like real weapons or ammunition and warnings about the explosion hazard of 3D printed weapons would certainly be in order here!  Extremism and politicalpolarization could incite children aged 14 to 15 to make 3D printed bombs and weapons to kill people. 

According to an FBI agent 

• The greatest danger comes from 3D printed bombs that can be hung under a drone. Drone terror attacks are a reality! (e.g. thwarted terror attack on Prime Minister Bart De Wever)
• 3D printed weapons are only limited by the imagination of the maker.
• 3D printed firearms look like toys, which can be dangerous for children.
• It is not the making of 3D printed weapons by someone who is legally allowed to possess a weapon that is the big problem, but that some people use such 3D printed firearms with criminal intentions. 

 

The Netherlands under the spell of 3D printed weapon parts (2025)

Dutch volunteers are making weapon parts for Ukraine at home with 3D printers.

The Netherlands is now under the spell of 3D printing parts for drones that are made for civilian support and sent to Ukraine. The concept of a weapon part is therefore much broader than just firearm parts. The cabinet confirms that the export and making of parts for weapons falls under the weapons act and is prohibited for persons who do not have a permit for it. 

There is now a revision of the Dutch Weapons Act for 3D printed firearms. (red) It is not up to a police officer to determine whether a 3D printed part is a toy or a real weapon part! This is the work of a weapons expert. Overloading the police services with 3D printed parts can be a consequence of an ill-conceived strict weapons act.  

PS. It is also something to pay attention to in Belgium when exporting something, because there is a Catch All formula that says that any product that can be used for arming armed forces can be considered as arms export! 

 

3D printed weapons in a positive light.

3D printers are a blessing for Ukraine because they are massively present 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

Nowadays there is a lot to be done about defense and the many Flemish companies that are trying to make a contribution. The number of companies that offer 3D printer services is rapidly increasing and also more and more private individuals are starting to print plastic parts themselves with 3D printers.

To date, the technology for the economical production of 3D printed weapons was still in its infancy but he cannot be denied that 3D printers are getting better and better and the raw materials offer more and more possibilities. 3D printers are already used in defense to print parts of weapon systems, are used to print cheap drones and bombs and are also already used internationally to print weapons for rebels.

The pressure from the Flemish Government, where there is only room in Flanders for Dual-Use goods or production, is prompting Flemish 3D printing companies to make attempts to produce 3D printed weapons. Flanders has enormous economic potential that can be used for defense. 3D printing of weapons is gradually taking its place in defense. 

Advantages of 3D printed weapons and ammunition.

• The production of 3D printed weapons can be organized en masse in companies, among the population or by the military itself, whereby the army can very quickly equip soldiers, reservists or volunteers with weapons and ammunition. (same as with drones in Ukraine) 
• Can be used for the manufacture of short-range defense weapons, thereby relieving standard production lines at FN-Herstal or allowing them to produce higher-quality weapons. 
• Can be made by the population with the aim of kinetic anti-drone PDW
• Limiting dependence on rare raw materials such as high-quality steel, copper, aluminum and lead. 
• Can be made on an inexpensive standard 3D printer with a build volume of 256x256x256mm. High-quality 3D printers can be used to print small parts such as ammunition.
• The plastic can be recycled to make new weapons or other parts.
• The use of colored inert 3D printed weapons in training can increase safety. How many accidents have already occurred during training where live ammunition was accidentally fired? 
• 3D printed weapons are up to 8 times cheaper, or you can buy more 3D printed weapons for the same price. 

Disadvantages of these 3D printed weapons and ammunition

• These 3D printed weapons can be made anywhere illegally without weapon registration. The number of ghost guns is increasing rapidly. 
• 3D printed weapons have not undergone technical inspection and may be unsafe due to print density and material strength. 
• The 3D printed ammunition contains a steel penetrator or projectile, with or without a sharp point, which is comparable to the performance of a 5.7x28mm cartridge. 
• Simple construction and limited power. (can be equipped with the necessary safety features such as automatic locking safety, grip safety, trigger safety)
• Some 3D printed weapons cannot be detected by metal detectors during security checks. 
• Heavier bulletproof vests are needed to stop the 3D printed ammunition. (link to our heavy bulletproof vests)

If all 3D printers in Flanders were to print weapon parts, every Fleming could have their own 3D printed weapon within a week. This would immediately solve the weapon shortage and the lag behind the Russians! 

 

Resilience and protection

Across Europe, there has been a noticeable increase in the sale of weapons to civilians. In Belgium, gun ownership is regulated by the Belgian Weapons Act. In principle, anyone with a certificate of good conduct can register with a recognized shooting club and, after some time, legally purchase a weapon.

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

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

Discreet Class III+ bulletproof vest 

Discreet 3A bulletproof vests can be equipped with thin and light Class 3 hard bulletproof plates that can stop steel projectiles from 3D printed firearms. 

 Phantomleaf WASP Z3A plate carrier Class 3 ICW + 3A bulletproof

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

Class 4 stops bullets with a hard steel core 7.62x51 NATO AP.

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

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

Dual Use discreet vest class 3 or 4 

Protection for journalists

A bulletproof vest that offers full protection is recommended for journalists. 

Protection against knife attack or stabbing

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

Several Class 4 bulletproof plate carriers are available as protection against Kalashnikov assault rifles. Multicam is the new camouflage color that is now used by the Belgian army. 

Realistic 72-hour emergency kit, portable 8kg for seniors and weaker persons

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

Conclusion?

Almost all existing machines can be used to make illegal 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.
• Nowadays, there are already special CNC-controlled mini milling machines on the market specifically for making weapon parts. (Ghost gunner by Defense Distributed)
• Many legally available weapons or parts thereof can be converted or used to make real weapons. 
• The illegal arms trade is the main supplier of illegal weapons!

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

Meanwhile, in America, the share of 3D printed (hybrid) firearms in the criminal underworld has risen significantly. The main cause is the unregistered weapons "Ghost guns" that are now popping up everywhere. The police cannot link the unregistered 3D printed firearms to a seller, to an owner or to other crimes. That is why 3D printed ghost guns have become a curse in American society. 

also read.... 

Are 3D printed and illegal weapons a curse or a blessing?