HANDGUNS made by a 3D printer have been seized by police on the Sunshine Coast in what officers say was an “alarming’’ but well-timed discovery.

A search of a home at Mudjimba, just north of Maroochydore, uncovered three handguns allegedly produced by 3D printers also found at the residence.

media_camera One of the guns seized by Queensland Police during a search of a Mudjimba residence. Picture: Supplied by Queensland Police

A 27-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene on Wednesday and appeared in court on Thursday.

He has been charged with 12 offences including two counts each of possessing dangerous weapons, supplying dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of fraud, manufacture weapon while not licensed, obtaining or dealing with identification information, possession of utensils, possession of anything used in the commission of crime and possession of equipment for the purpose of committing an offence.

media_camera Part of one of the printers seized. media_camera Two guns found at the property. Pictures: Supplied/Queensland Police

Detective Senior Sergeant Daren Edwards told The Courier-Mail the find was alarming and a first for the area.

Sen-Sgt Edwards said, hopefully, police had stumbled on the gun production at the right time.

He said the weapons appeared close to completion and only a few metal parts, including a firing pin, would have been required to make them operable.

3D Systems Print Everything but Money 3D Systems Print Everything but Money

The guns were not identical and the alleged offender may have been working to perfect the process.

“This is something you read about, but we have not seen around here before, so it’s rare for sure,’’ Sen-Sgt Edwards said.

There is no indication at this stage that any other printed weapons had been sold or used. The handguns were made of a hard plastic or nylon material.

Officers attending the Currawong Street address also seized false driver's licences and credit cards allegedly made using printers and scanning equipment.

They also located a knuckleduster, methylamphetamine, MDMA capsules and scales.