Curtin University researchers develop method to trace 3D-printed firearms

Researchers at Curtin University in Australia, working with specialists from ChemCentre, have identified a new method to trace 3D-printed firearms by analyzing the behavior of the plastic used in their construction. This technique aims to address the security challenges posed by “ghost guns,” which are often manufactured privately without serial numbers or conventional ballistic markings.

The study, published in Forensic Science International, focused on polylactic acid (PLA), a common 3D printing material. By using differential scanning calorimetry to monitor how plastic samples respond to controlled temperature changes, the team successfully differentiated 26 out of 28 PLA filament samples tested. This capability allowed researchers to distinguish between different brands of filament, even when the materials were identical in color, providing a potential forensic link between seized weapons and specific manufacturing materials.