Defense Distributed, a project for open-sourced 3D-printable guns, obtained a federal license to manufacture and sell firearms. The organization made the announcement on its Facebook page Saturday with a picture of the license and a caption saying, “The work begins!”
With the approval from the U.S. Government, Defense Distributed head Cory Wilson can sell and transport the pieces they’ve been making, but is required to keep records of all production and transactions. The nonprofit has created prototypes over the past few months, including the most recent: a 3D-printed semi-automatic that fires more than 600 rounds.
Wilson submitted the application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in Oct., 2012, Ars Technica reports. However, he won’t be manufacturing or selling until he’s approved for an add-on to his federal license, which would enable him to create a broader range of guns such as automatic rifles.
The add-on, called Class 2 Special Occupational Taxpayer, would allow the organization to sell guns to offset the costs for printers and other materials.
Source : Mashable