>Talking about 3D printing: I don't understand the hype of having 3D printers produce
>plastic guns which are not detectable by metal detectors. You could have produced
>plastic guns in large quantities in China already for a much lower price, they would
>not have been detectable either.
>Now that you can print them yourself, what is the big difference. It would have been
>easy for any organization to produce those without a 3D printer.


I think the issue of concern is the proof of concept. It's been done. Someone now has built a weapon using only a 3D printer and their own ingenuity. So ... once people have next-gen "advanced replicator" technology (beyond what 3D printing can do today, possibly incorporating materials beyond plastic alone), what will they use it for? The concern is some people will build 18" knives, guns, and bomb parts. While other people will make use it to make boots, soap dishes, bowls, and drinking cups. I think concerns exist because while the latter is both possible and useful, the former possibility exists also.