Can anyone see a future problem with 3D Printing? I'm talking coins, currency, and hubs. They can just about print duplicates of anything these days. Just read where they duplicated a Rhinos Horn. Going to flood the market with them, to stop poaching. If they can do that......might not our hobby be in jeopardy? Thanks!!
http://www.montereycompany.com/custom-coins/3d-coins http://3dprintboard.com/showthread.php?1526-3d-Printing-Counterfeit-Coins
I can't find gold or silver filament. Just differing types of plastic for 3D printing. One may be able to make a better cast mold from 3D printing. Now, laser engraving, that is a whole different ballgame.
Maybe the new polymer notes could be 3D printed, unless there are security markers that can not be duplicated.
Not worried at all about 3D printing. It would have to print down to the molecule to make it vaiguely undetectable.
I'm not particularly worried about 3D printing of coins either, at least not in this century. I'm sure the technology will get there eventually, but technology to identify counterfeits will have vastly improved as well. A 3D printed hub or die then used to strike coins will be no different than the stuff we are seeing now. Details may be correct, but other things about the appearance will make it identifiable.
They use a matrix of keratin ( from hair, nails, etc. ) and some Rhino DNA partial strands, so it will test like Rhino horn with spectroscopy and DNA analysis by the bad guys. Some 'witch doctors' have commented that they would use it instead of threatened Rhino horn, but not water buffalo horn which is the current substitute.
