On firearms created from a 3 dimensional printer ?
So as far as I know, Poly 80 wouldn’t need a metal plate. Just engraving.
That’s how I read it.
Not arguing, just trying to clarify.
Not a Lawyer.
A) You MUST have the serial number on the lower when it's shipped to your FFL.
B) You have no say in how the serial number is affixed to an 80% lower by the manufacturer or retailer. They will use a stainless steel plate because that's how the ATF requires it to be done:
ATF has required manufacturers and importers who use polymer plastic frames to
mark serial numbers in a steel plate embedded within the plastic.
https://www.atf.gov/file/57906/downloadC) The new Hawaii "Ghost Gun" law was created by people with no clue about 80% lowers. They likely copied the ATF rules for 3D printed frames, but they overlooked it when drafting the Ghost Gun bill.
A > B> C So, easy ... etc, etc.
If you have an 80% lower without a serial number, it's illegal as it sits. If you want to put a serial number on it, and you think scratching it into the polymer material will be acceptable, that's up to you. The ATF describes their rationale as one that recognizes a deliberate person can remove the serial number off of any material no matter how deeply it's engraved. What they are concerned with is having the serial removed through cleaning, normal use or accidental damage.
Since we no longer have to take firearms in for inspection to register, I imagine at least some people will try to engrave the polymer frame thinking the letter of the law is what it says. But anyone buying an 80% lower/frame now will receive it with the plate. That's the standard and the ATF rule.
Why would you think a gun manufactured on a 3D printer would have different rules re: serialization than a polymer gun produced by any other method? Plastic is plastic.