Giving Compass' Take:

• Jeffrey R. Young discusses the questions raised about the potential for makerspaces to be used to 3D print guns.

• How can philanthropy support makerspaces? What is the best way to regulate the danger of 3D printed weapons? 

• Learn more about security threats presented by 3D printing. 

As a legal fight simmered over the legality of creating working guns on 3D printers, libraries and other groups offering access to the technology faced questions from local officials and reporters: Can community makerspaces now be turned into impromptu weapons factories?

In some cases, the answer came back a clear 'No' for technical reasons, as the entry-level printers available at some library makerspaces simply aren’t up to the task of fabricating a firearm. And many others who lead public makerspaces stressed that existing policies already ban the creation of weapons, and that any design is typically seen by staff members before or during the many hours it takes to print out something as complicated as a gun.

Dorothy Jones-Davis, executive director of the nonprofit group Nation of Makers, which supports makerspaces around the country, says discussion forums run by the group have been buzzing with talk of the issue, often because leaders of makerspaces are facing questions from government officials and reporters.

“Makerspaces are taking the stance of ‘no 3D printing or other creation of firearms,’” she said in an email interview. “Makerspaces that do not currently have policies and procedures in place are looking to adopt policies and procedures that enforce this stance.”

She says her organization is forming a working group to collect and share the regulations that various makerspaces have developed.

Read the full article about 3D printing guns by Jeffrey R. Young at EdSurge.