It is pointed out that the introduction of a blocking measure that prohibits the production of firearms using 3D printers is meaningless

New York State's 2026-2027 executive budget bill includes a provision requiring all 3D printers sold or delivered in the state to be equipped with block technology that prevents the 3D printing of guns. Hardware company Adafruit has pointed out that this bill would be meaningless.

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Blocking technology is defined as 'software/firmware that scans all print files with a firearms blueprint detection algorithm and rejects any that it determines to be a potential firearm or firearm part.' 3D printers and similar machines without this technology may be prohibited from sale or transport within New York State.

According to Adafruit, New York's definition covers a wide range of equipment, from typical fusion 3D printers to industrial equipment such as CNC milling machines.

The state has convened a working group to consider the bill. Experts in 3D printing, firearms regulation, and public safety will define 'minimum safety standards.' If the working group determines that a 3D printer is 'technically infeasible,' no regulations will be implemented. However, Adafruit warned that 'there is a risk that standards will be drawn up by non-experts and become vague.' Furthermore, the bill requires that 'all 3D printer sales must be conducted in person,' potentially prohibiting online purchases.

Additionally, the key firearm blueprint detection algorithm may not work properly. This algorithm must identify all firearm parts from the STL/GCODE files fed to the 3D printer, while passing millions of shapes that 'match the geometric characteristics of firearm parts but are not firearm parts,' such as pipes, tubes, blocks, brackets, gears, etc. Adafruit points out that this 'has an extremely high rate of false positives and false negatives.'

Adafruit proposed improvements such as 'limiting regulation to the intent of the user, not the tool,' 'eliminating mandatory file scanning, which can ultimately be circumvented by open source systems and offline 3D printers,' and 'exempting open source licensed software and completely offline manufacturing tools from the blocking technology requirements, so as to protect educational institutions and small developers while not weakening enforcement.' The group called on the 3D printer community to spread the word, fearing that other states besides New York might adopt the new law if left unchecked.