Using 3D printers as weapons

This paper analyzes the ability of an adversary to “weaponize” compromised additive manufacturing equipment in order to cause kinetic, nuclear/biological/chemical or cyber damage. In particular, the paper presents categories (taxonomies) of the elements in an additive manufacturing workflow that can be compromised by successful attacks, the manipulations that the compromised elements can exercise and the weapon-like effects resulting from these manipulations. The relationships between these taxonomies are discussed. Finally, the weaponization capabilities of 3D printers are characterized.