The Homeland Defense and Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) received an inquiry regarding a report that the German Federal Police was made aware of a new kind of ammunition available on the market—9-mm hollow-point ammunition produced via three-dimensional (3-D) printing. HDIAC conducted a search using keywords relevant to the inquiry and reviewed appropriate online and peer-reviewed sources when available. No information regarding this specific threat was found; however, the search did identify relevant existing technologies and a high affinity among user communities to support the notion that it is possible to create 9-mm hollow-point rounds using 3-D-printing techniques. ATF-C3 also inquired about security risks related to 3-D printed rounds at airport security checkpoints. At this time, existing technology at many airports includes computed tomography scanners, which appear to be adequate in detecting 3-D printed weapons and will suffice in detecting most materials like metals and polymer composites, which are the primary source materials for 3-D-printed ammunition.
What are the possibilities and security risks with 3-D printed ammunition?
These M781 components were 3D-printed during a six-month collaborative effort that involved RDECOM, ManTech and America Makes, the national accelerator for additive manufacturing and 3D printing. They cost tens of thousands of dollars less than identical components created with standard production methods. (U.S. Army photo by Sunny Burns, ARDEC)
Posted on June 13, 2025 | Completed on April 24, 2025
What are the possibilities and security risks with 3-D printed ammunition?
Want to find out more about this topic?
Request a FREE Technical Inquiry!