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Researchers have developed a novel method for embedding traceable data directly into 3D-printed parts, a development aimed at curbing the misuse of additive manufacturing for illicit purposes—particularly the production of untraceable firearms.
The technique, called Secure Information Embedding and Extraction (SIDE), enables 3D-printed objects to carry identifying data such as the time, location, and printer ID used during fabrication. Importantly, the embedded information is designed to remain intact even if the printed object is deliberately broken or tampered with, according to TechXplore.
This approach addresses a critical gap in forensic tracking. While previous methods have explored how to mark 3D-printed parts, few have ensured those identifiers survive attempts to destroy evidence. The SIDE framework introduces break-resilient, loss-tolerant coding techniques that preserve key data across fragmented parts.
The concept was developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, led by assistant professor Netanel Raviv. The research was presented at the USENIX Security Symposium in Seattle this August and builds on prior work introduced at the 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory.
SIDE works by embedding mathematically encoded data into the physical structure of the printed object. These codes are resistant to partial destruction, meaning that forensic teams could still recover identifying information from remaining fragments. The system also includes security mechanisms to enforce that 3D printers actively embed these fingerprints, limiting the chance of users bypassing the process.
While the technology cannot fully prevent a skilled adversary with extensive 3D printing knowledge from attempting to remove or obscure the codes, it raises the technical barrier significantly. This could make the manufacture and use of illicit printed objects more traceable, particularly in criminal investigations where traditional serial numbers or identifiers are absent.
The rise of so-called “ghost guns”—homemade firearms without serial numbers—has highlighted the urgent need for technologies that can introduce traceability into decentralized manufacturing. Solutions like SIDE represent a step toward balancing the benefits of 3D printing with security measures designed to prevent its abuse.
