Today, he’s relying on a similar process to develop Sintercore, a business gaining notice in weapons manufacturing circles for its debut product - a tiny gun accessory that represents a big leap for a controversial technology that experts think may revolutionize the way goods are made and delivered.

Called the Auxetik (aug-ZE-tic), the small part, which fits on the barrel of an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, features intricate internal geometry that helps reduce the recoil on one of America’s most common firearms, a commercial application highly desirable by police departments as well as gun enthusiasts.