High-Security Key

One downside of the proliferation of 3D scanners and printers is that even high-security keys can be rather easily duplicated. Electronic keys provide added security, but require regular battery maintenance and can be quite costly. Now, a high-security lock-and-key combination called Stealth Key essentially turns the common mechanical key inside out, concealing the security features to make the key not only unscannable but nearly impossible to copy.

The locksets and keys are shaped like a half-cylinder, with all of the grooves, teeth and indentations hidden inside. They are manufactured out of titanium using (ironically) a 3D metal printer, employing a technique known as selective laser welding (SLM) in which layers of metal powder are fused together with lasers. The level of complexity is virtually unlimited, but the process is time-consuming — taking the better part of a day to make one key.

A lockset-key combination costs about $200; however, replacing one requires a security check, and only the manufacturer will have access to the digital files.