3D printing – or additive manufacturing – is a challenging dual-use technology: One and the same device can be used for printing toys and guns. Marco Fey assesses the risks of this emerging technology in the new PRIF Report No. 144 “3D Printing and International Security: Risks and Challenges of an Emerging Technology”.
Marco Fey explains the basics of the technology, describes its current applications, and provides an overview of its global diffusion. He shows the potential and opportunities of additive manufacturing and analyzes its possible risks with respect to the proliferation of small weapons, major weapon systems, and even weapons of mass destruction. The author investigates how 3D printing might pose serious challenges to national and international security. He discusses first proposals of risk mitigation through safeguards, export controls, cyber security, awareness raising, and industry self-regulation.
Download (pdf, 560kb): Fey, Marco (2017): 3D Printing and International Security: Risks and Challenges of an Emerging Technology, PRIF Report No. 144, Frankfurt/M.
The Report can be ordered at PRIF for 10 €.