CIAO DATE: 12/2014
October 2014
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy
3D-printing is likely to have a substantial impact on manufacturing processes and society at large over the coming decades. According to a 2013 McKinsey study, 3D-printing could generate an economic impact of $230 to $550 billion per year by 2025. Advantages offered by 3D-printing include opportunities for rapid prototyping, product customization, and a more efficient use of input materials. In addition, 3D-printing can be applied to a range of sectors, spanning healthcare to defense. 3D-printing gives rise to at least four security implications. These are: 1) Printers can be used to print hard-to-trace non-metallic weapons and weapons components; 2) Groups with malicious intent may rely on 3D-printers to print customized platforms, such as unmanned aerial vehicles; 3) Countries of concern may rely on 3D-printers or associated commercial services to by-pass international sanctions; and 4) 3D-printing may give rise to several unintended consequences, for example unauthorised access to sensitive design and modeling software. Given its wide ranging potential, policymakers delving with security and defence issues should begin to gauge the potential security implications of 3D-printing.
Resource link: Why should we care about 3D-printing and what are potential security implications? [PDF] - 384K