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Drug Printers

PostPosted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 7:38 am
by SpidersWeb
http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/gadge ... aking-guns

Article is about being able to print plastic guns. But what I'm posting about is what NZ Customs said:

Three-dimensional printers can already make guns, and may soon allow people to create gold, gems, food or drugs in their living rooms, the Customs Service has warned.


I'd love to know exactly how they expect a printer that squirts plastic, will soon be developed to the point it can make gold, gems, or drugs.
"Oh yes love, can you pop some more PVC in my machine, I need a fresh batch of meth"

Sorry just felt like a mini-rant, almost spat out my coffee when I read this, my objection is that fact that we're nowhere near molecular printing as a DIY kit and even then you still need raw materials. It won't be a case of coming home and printing meth on the printer.

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 2:16 pm
by Gibsaw
Well, it wouldn't be the first time that customs have shown themselves to be overbearing morons who will bark up any tree at random... trouble is those same overbearing morons seem to be above the law.

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 3:45 pm
by Radar

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:54 pm
by SpidersWeb
haha I was waiting for someone to point that out :) But It still requires chemical ingredients and there is nothing stopping somebody from doing it by hand as it is. So the focus should be on the chemicals (if new special drug mixes come out) - like how we restrict things like Pseudoephedrine rather than RVs and glassware.

I just felt their comments painted a picture that didn't line up with reality.

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 7:38 pm
by Gibsaw
The most misleading part was the nonsense about 3d printing a working card skimmer.... No. It printed the FACEPLATE of a card skimmer.

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:10 pm
by cjr
It's stuff, the first mistake is expecting quality journalism.

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 6:27 am
by SpidersWeb
cjr wrote:It's stuff, the first mistake is expecting quality journalism.

It was front page Dominion Post, I read it grabbing my morning coffee at BP!

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 11:00 am
by RonTurner
The shouldn't print stuff like that, people will end up in A&E after grinding up there printed guns and snorting it :x

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 12:42 pm
by SpidersWeb
Out of curiosity I had a look at the authors twitter, which is covered with "#dontshootthemessenger", so I suspect I'm not the only person having a moan lol

Re: Drug Printers

PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 2:53 pm
by manuka
Research is a wonderful tool.