3D Printing Ethical Dilemmas

With the advent of inexpensive consumer 3D printing technology, many new ethical dilemmas have begun to surface. Within the next decade many countries around the world will need to implement new legislation to keep up with the rapidly increasing capabilities of 3D printing.

Intellectual Property

Consumer Grade 3D Printer

Image by: Creative Tools via Flickr

Commercially Available 3D Scanner

Image by: Creative Tools via Flickr

New filesharing platforms such as Thingiverse, or My Mini Factory give users the power to share creations and download other peoples designs. This ability is extremely useful to help spread, and create innovative ideas. The downside of such power is creative licensing. Most CAD file sharing websites are self governing and have their own terms and policies on what can be downloaded and what can be shared. While this works well in theory, we have seen this issues in online distribution of other digital media types such as music, or videos. Like music and video, CAD files are very susceptible to illegal downloads. 

Another concern shared by many is the use of 3D scanners, which make it possible to scan a physical object to create a CAD file that can then be 3D printed. Currently the performance limitations of 3D printers make it so that it is not possible, or not economically viable to recreate most consumer products. Although right now these limitations keep 3D printers from reaching their full potential, it is likely that 3d printing technology will soon reach extreme heights of manufacturing capability to produce a wide range of goods.

Image by: Inhabitat Blog via Flickr

It is important to consider how 3D scanners/printers will affect our society. Protection of intellectual property is imperative to preserving the rights of citizens. Preserving this right for the future will likely require new legislation.

Public Safety

With innovations in material design, 3D printers are becoming more flexible in the products they manufacture. This capability is great for consumers, but it could lead to the creation of strictly regulated items such as firearms, or knives. This opens up a whole new set of issues that our current laws on weapons regulations do not cover. What kind of regulations do we need to maintain public safety in a world where firearms could be downloaded and printed by anyone of any background or age? This is very controversial topic, because some would argue that government regulations of 3D printers and downloadable media would be an unconstitutional act. Others would argue that without regulations weapons fall into the wrong hands, putting citizens in danger. In any case it is likely to be an issue that will remain disputed for some time. The video below by DNews explores these issues more and shows a live firing of a 3D printed handgun.

First Firing of "Liberator" 3D Printed Gun

Video by: DNews via YouTube

Another threat to public safety worth mentioning is product design. Most industries in America that produce consumer products have to adhere to strict standards regarding product safety. If a company sells a faulty product that injuries a consumer, or causes property damage that company can then become responsible for these consequences. Compared to a system of file sharing, There is no system of responsibility for product failures. Proposed regulations to control or limit the distribution of designs for safety purposes will likely trigger many questions of 1st amendment rights infringement.

The Future of 3D printing

3D printers are likely to have an enormous impact society, most of which will be very positive. It is imperative that the necessary due diligence done to explore ethical dilemmas and protect the public.