Summary: 3D Printing Ban in the United States 2026
In 2026, legislators in four states — California, Washington, New York, and Colorado — have introduced seven bills that could effectively ban consumer 3D printers. These bills include Washington's HB 2320 and HB 2321, New York's A2228, S.9005, and A10005, California's AB 1263 and AB-2047, and Colorado's HB26-1144. Each bill proposes unprecedented restrictions on general-purpose manufacturing tools used by millions of makers, educators, and small businesses.
California's AB-2047, the 'California Firearm Printing Prevention Act', would create a state-maintained roster of DOJ-approved 3D printer models equipped with firearm blocking technology. After March 1, 2029, it would be illegal to sell any 3D printer not on this approved list. Modifying or disabling the blocking software would be a misdemeanor.
Washington's ESHB 2320 was signed into law by Governor Ferguson on March 24, 2026 (Chapter 136, Laws of 2026). It takes effect July 1, 2026. The law bans private manufacturing of firearms with 3D printers and CNC machines, and criminalizes possession of digital firearm manufacturing code. HB 2321, which would require all 3D printers sold in Washington to include firearm blueprint detection algorithms, remains stalled in committee.
Colorado's HB26-1144 would ban 3D printing of firearms, frames, receivers, large-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire trigger activators. It criminalizes possessing digital design files (CAD files) for these components, making it a class 1 misdemeanor with subsequent violations becoming a class 5 felony.
Technology experts, including Adafruit, the Firearms Policy Coalition, and numerous engineers, have pointed out that the proposed blocking software is technically impossible to implement effectively. Desktop printers lack the processing power to run geometry analysis, open-source firmware makes any blocking requirement trivially easy to bypass, and a simple geometric shape like a cylinder or spring cannot reveal its intended use.
To take action: call or email the legislators sponsoring these bills. Phone calls are the most effective. Be polite and assume they are misinformed, not malicious. Sign the Change.org petition 'Protecting Printing' and share this page on social media to spread awareness.