3D printing is viewed by the Department of Homeland Security as a new technology that the government agency is attempting to understand, according to James Ricchiuti, managing director of Needham & Co.

"Their initial reaction is to view it … potentially as a threat … that those devices will still fire bullets that are metal," he told Newsmax TV in an exclusive interview.

"You are not getting [on] an airplane with a 3D printed gun with ammunition."

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A Homeland Security intelligence bulletin warns it could be "impossible" to stop 3D-printed guns from being made, not to mention getting past security checkpoints.

Editor's Note: The ‘Unthinkable’ Could Happen — Wall Street Journal. Prepare for Meltdown

A May 21 bulletin distributed to state and federal law enforcement agencies and obtained by FoxNews.com states that the guns, which can be made by downloading blueprints into cutting edge computers that mold three-dimensional items from melted plastic, "poses public safety risks" and are likely beyond the current reach of regulators.

The guns threaten to render 3D gun control efforts useless if their manufacture becomes more widespread.

"Significant advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing capabilities, availability of free digital 3D printer files for firearms components, and difficulty regulating file sharing may present public safety risks from unqualified gun seekers who obtain or manufacture 3D printed guns," warns the bulletin compiled by the Joint Regional Intelligence Center. "Limiting access may be impossible," concludes the three-page bulletin.

"There have been a lot of reports about what you can and can’t do with 3D printing and I think some of it tends to get exaggerated," he said. "Bringing up the case of printing out a 3D printed gun, you can manufacture your own gun using traditional manufacturing process, parts and assembly. I don’t think this is a situation where we’re going to see a whole variety of 3D printed guns."

He also pointed out practical uses for the technology.

"In the past, the designer would have to go to a machine shop to get some parts and assemble the prototype," he said.

"With this technology, he can design or she can design using a 3D cad program and then output it on a 3D printed device. In some cases, you can even take that plastic device and insert electronics and have a working prototype. That’s what the technology has primarily been used for."

He added that the technology has been used in the healthcare market for hearing aids and in the dental market for dental implants.

"You are talking about small parts that are easily … customizable," he said.

Editor's Note: The ‘Unthinkable’ Could Happen — Wall Street Journal. Prepare for Meltdown