[ottah]

3d printing is also a creative expression and part of free speech. However principles don't matter to authoritarians, and really the only defense is constant political pressure and civil disobedience.

[kube-system]

The model files and designs are protected speech, yes.... but free speech doesn't really follow the transitive property. Just because you can have a copy of the Anarchists Cookbook doesn't mean that building the things in the book are protected speech.

[SauciestGNU]

Not in California but generally 3d printing or otherwise self-manufacturing firearms is legal per the 2nd amendment, and publishing files is protected expressive activity (I bet there are some ITAR cutouts for weapons but I suspect that doesn't come into play here).

[ottah]

The state applying strict scrutiny is an intimidation tactic that infringes legitimate speech. We also know very well that none of these systems will work well and that the DOJ will be happy to apply bans as far as they can get away with. It will be the no fly list for physical objects, and we won't even be told what is explicitly banned. We'll just not be able to print something. It will be very hard to argue to argue to the courts and at that point the harm is done, and there is no real effective remedy. They've already blocked and discouraged a legitimate right.