Handle 3D printing with care

3D printing technology is also likely to trigger a competition in the military field. Implementation of this emerging technology can help reduce costs substantially and enhance safety in aerospace and weapons' manufacturing. And though the cost of eliminating the old technology may be higher than the profit in the short term, the situation will be reversed in the long run, making 3D printing very important for aeronautics, astronautics and weapon manufacturing.

In August, the US Department of Defense announced that it would allocate $60 million for R&D in 3D printing in scientific institutions and companies to accelerate the development of its aerospace and weapons industries. This should make China expedite the application of 3D printing technology to its defense industry.

One example of how 3D printing has influenced the arms industry is that, after the technology was used to make guns, they became more easily available. So countries have to take every possible measure to ensure that criminal gangs don't get access to the technology, because they can wreak havoc in society. Though China has a strict gun-control policy, the fact is that implementing the policy would become very difficult if it is easy for people to download gun designs and forge them with the help of 3D printing technology.

Given the transnational nature and reach of the Internet, governments of all countries have to deepen cooperation to overcome potential challenges. And China and the US should join hands with other countries to prevent free access to gun designs.

The author is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development.