this post was submitted on 19 Jul 2025
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Early studies show that 3D printers may leave behind similar toolmarks on repeated prints.

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[–] Cyv_@lemmy.blahaj.zone 37 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (6 children)

I've seen this before and I still don't entirely buy it. If you're talking about the pattern left by the nozzle rubbing the print, that will not be a reliable identifier.

Most nozzles are brass. Soft metal. It wears down and the pattern in the plastic will change. Because they wear down anybody doing regular prints is gonna replace their nozzle from time to time. New pattern in the plastic.

This is assuming they don't change a new $2 brass nozzle, print a gun part, then toss the nozzle in the trash. Or the whole printer. My printer right now is probably $150 used at this point, if I was to sell it.

Imo this isn't gonna do much, and for the people who would do nefarious things it will be easily avoided.

(This is ignoring changing print settings, nozzle diameter, filament type, print temp, etc)

[–] CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works 20 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

You don't have to buy it for them to convince 12 average citizens that they used wizardry and science to definitively prove it's 'real.' See bite mark analysis, fiber analysis, hair analysis, etc, etc, etc. Court rooms are full of pseudoscience because it helps convict more people.

[–] Arghblarg@lemmy.ca 9 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

And 'Lie detectors' (polygraphs). Don't forget those frauds.

[–] ArcaneSlime@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 week ago

Afaik those aren't admissible as evidence in court.

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