3D Printing & CNC Manufacturing Laws, Research Digest

Date saved: 2026-10-19 18:00 (PDT)

Sources: KOTA TV, PCMag UK, Washington State Legislature, Colorado General Assembly

Key findings

KOTA TV (Jun 13, 2026): At least six states this year have outlawed or imposed regulations on 3D-printed guns: Colorado, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington. The new laws include restrictions on manufacturing untraceable firearms, limits on distribution of digital gun-design files, and requirements aimed at preventing the use of 3D printers to produce gun parts. Maine's law prohibits sale of guns without serial numbers and requires serial numbers on all privately manufactured firearms. New Jersey prohibits unlicensed individuals from possessing digital instructions used to 3D-print firearms. (Source)
Colorado General Assembly (2026): Colorado's HB26-1144 makes it a criminal offense for private citizens to manufacture firearms or firearm components using 3D printers or CNC machines unless they are federally licensed manufacturers. The bill also criminalizes possessing or distributing digital instructions if circumstances indicate intent to manufacture or distribute unlawfully. (Source)

Washington State Legislature (2026): Washington's HB 2320 (Chapter 203, Laws of 2026) prohibits manufacturing (including by 3D printer, CNC milling machine, or other means), any machine gun, bump-fire stock, undetectable firearm, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, or parts designed for converting weapons into such. It bans manufacturing untraceable firearms with intent to sell, and prohibits possessing or distributing 'digital firearm manufacturing code', defined as any CAD files or digital instructions that may be used to program a 3D printer or CNC machine to manufacture a firearm or parts. (Source)
PCMag UK (Mar 2026): With the passage of HB 2320, Washington State crossed a significant line by reaching upstream into the ecosystem that makes untraceable firearms possible, regulating digital firearm files, restricting their distribution, and explicitly pulling 3D printers and CNC machines into the legal framework. California has moved similarly with AB 1263 (expanding liability for digital firearm code distribution) and proposed AB 2047 (requiring 3D printers sold in the state to include blocking technology). New York's state budget includes a law requiring 3D printers sold in the state to include blocking technology if technologically feasible. (Source)

KOTA TV (Jun 13, 2026): New York's new law, passed as part of the state budget, will require 3D printers sold in the state to include blocking technology (if a state working group determines it technologically feasible) that prevents production of firearms and illegal gun parts. California's proposed AB 2047 takes a similar approach, requiring printers to recognize and refuse to produce weapon components. These printer-level mandates represent a significant escalation beyond banning the weapons themselves. (Source)
PCMag UK (Mar 2026): The trend of mandating content-filtering in consumer 3D printers is spreading: both California and New York are exploring proposals that would require printers themselves to detect and block attempts to print firearms, gun parts, and machine-gun conversion devices, effectively turning consumer manufacturing tools into government-regulated gatekeepers. (Source)