3D Printing Industry – News

3D Printed Ghost Guns Are Hard to Trace. Researchers May Have Found a Way In

Australian researchers at Curtin University have demonstrated that infrared spectroscopy can reliably differentiate the three most common 3D‑printing polymers—PLA, ABS and PETG—used in ghost‑gun production. By analyzing 67 filament samples, they showed distinct chemical signatures for each polymer type, though the technique could not separate brands, colors, or raw versus printed material. The study also identified additive‑driven variations, such as carbon‑fiber blends, and highlighted how surface coatings and printer‑nozzle residue can skew results. While not a complete forensic solution, the method adds a new layer of material‑based evidence for investigators.