How to recognise the traces left on a crime scene by a 3D-printed Liberator? Part 2. Elements of ammunition, marks on the weapons and polymer fragments

Honsberger, Hanna; Werner, Denis; Rhumorbarbe, Damien; Riva, Fabiano; Glardon, Matthieu; Gallusser, Alain; Delémont, Olivier

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.12.010

Cited by 12 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Even though some parts were fragile and had to be reprinted, no part took incredibly long to re‐print. Honsberger's two‐part paper indicated a similar level of breakage using a high‐end 3D printer [2, 22]. This indicates that the quality of 3D printer is not as crucial to the functionality and success of 3D printed firearms as previously thought.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

The relevance of current forensic firearms examination techniques when applied to 3D printed firearms

Wenzinger,

Wetzel,

Bernarding

et al. 2024

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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This research project had two major objectives. The first was to successfully print and fire the Liberator, a 3D‐printed firearm, to assess its feasibility as a lethal weapon. The second objective was to identify any individual characteristics that might be deposited during the firing process by the firearm. The Liberator was printed using unchanged files downloaded from the internet using PLA and ABS filament. The Liberator was fired remotely into newspapers at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office. The printing of the Liberator was both inexpensive and relatively quick with only minor hand modifications made after printing. The Liberator fractured beyond repair after firing but successfully fired and penetrated three newspapers. Neither the bullet nor the cartridge case exhibited any individual characteristics that could be used for identification purposes. Suspected thermoplastic deposits were identified on both the bullet and cartridge case, but additional testing must be done for confirmation purposes. In conclusion, the Liberator can be used reliably for one shot and will not yield any evidence for Firearms and Toolmark Examination.Highlights It is crucial to understand if markings caused by 3D printing are relevant to the firearm examination. Understanding the impact of absent rifling and firing pin impressions is critical in firearms examination. It is important to understand the feasibility of manufacturing completely 3D‐printed firearms.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

The relevance of current forensic firearms examination techniques when applied to 3D printed firearms

Wenzinger,

Wetzel,

Bernarding

et al. 2024

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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show abstract

“…Despite the damage sustained by the Liberator and a disrupted trajectory of the fired projectile, the wounding potential of these guns is undeniable. In a second paper, the authors focus on the physical traces which can be found and used from a forensic point of view after discharging 3D-printed Liberators [ 66 ]. The results showed that bullets and cartridge cases fired by Liberators carried polymer traces transferred during the firing process.…”

Section: Firearms and Ammunition Miscellaneous Reportsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interpol review of forensic firearm examination 2019–2022

Mattijssen

Kerkhoff

Hermsen

et al. 2023

Forensic Science International: Synergy

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“…Weapons seem to be a rare application for 3D printing that one may still want to keep on the radar, but with little apparent practical impact so far. The Liberator is a partly 3D printed firearm that, when fired, also appears to widely spread polymer splinters across the scene [18,19].…”

Section: Biomechanical Models and Weaponsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overview of the use of 3D printing in forensic medicine

et al. 2020

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In forensic medicine the use of so-called 3D printing is a niche application, whereas developments elsewhere in this field are rapidly advancing worldwide. The most common and widespread technology is fusion deposit modelling with polylactic acids (PLA). Although the equipment and materials may be relatively inexpensive and 3D printing relatively fast, the resulting end products tend to also have negative properties, such as poor durability and mechanical anisotropy, which may be an issue depending on the application. In forensic medicine, applications in the field of weapons technology and biomechanical models are realistic and 3D printing is already being used for demonstrations at court hearings and in teaching and also as a technique for building spare parts or accessories. Having a low-cost option for rapid prototyping on-site is particularly useful for the development phase. For finished 3D designs more expensive manufacturing options with a choice of materials with significantly broader mechanical or thermal properties are available. As the technology is undergoing major changes, one should carefully consider whether to enter the field oneself, buy own hardware, use a 3D printing service or seek cooperation possibly with a nearby partner.

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How to recognise the traces left on a crime scene by a 3D-printed Liberator? Part 2. Elements of ammunition, marks on the weapons and polymer fragments

Cited by 12 publications

References 5 publications

The relevance of current forensic firearms examination techniques when applied to 3D printed firearms

The relevance of current forensic firearms examination techniques when applied to 3D printed firearms

Interpol review of forensic firearm examination 2019–2022

Overview of the use of 3D printing in forensic medicine

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