Researchers embed digital 'fingerprints' into 3D printed parts — tech may make future ghost guns more traceable

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a method to embed traceable digital 'fingerprints' into 3D-printed objects, making them more easily identifiable even if broken. This technology, known as Secure Information Embedding and Extraction (SIDE), can reveal details like the printer used and creation date. The primary application is in forensics to track ghost gun manufacturing. The approach builds on previous work by Netanel Raviv, focusing on placing intentional markers in 3D prints for future interpretation. While the specifics of the process remain undisclosed, the goal is to enhance traceability in 3D printing.