I continue to see doom and gloom regarding Stratasys’ patent infringement lawsuit against Bambu Lab, but most of the commentary is nonsense.
patent
Are Big Discounts on Bambu Lab 3D Printers Hinting at New Product Launches?
There are considerable discounts being offered on Bambu Lab 3D printers. What’s going on?
Markforged Loses Patent Case to Continuous Composites: $25M Settlement Agreed
Bad news for Markforged: They’ve lost their patent lawsuit with Continuous Composites.
Stratasys Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Bambu Lab and Tiertime: What You Need to Know
The news of Stratasys’ lawsuit has generated much commentary, but how much of it is accurate, and what’s really going on?
AnkerMake and Slice Engineering Settle Patent Infringement Lawsuit
A lawsuit between Anker and Slice Engineering has been settled.
Sprybuild Addresses Patent Concerns, Confirms Progress on Pioneering Resin 3D Printing Patents
I have a further update on the situation involving Sprybuild, a startup company offering a unique resin 3D printing system.
Sprybuild’s Innovative Resin 3D Printer Faces Potential Patent Dispute
Controversy has erupted over Sprybuild’s new continuously operating resin 3D printer.
Research Uncovers Patent Violations in 3D Printing Industry
A new research paper investigates the claim that some 3D printer companies have violated open source licenses.
Court rejects Continuous Composites’ Patent Claims Against Markforged
One recently added infringement claim, comprising two patents, still remains.
Exploring the Foamy 3D Printing Revolution: PrintFoam’s Innovative Process
PrintFoam is a unique form of 3D printing that uses, as you might guess, actual foam.
Government Contracting Venture Rips Off an Open Source 3D Printer Design
The Hangprinter project seems to have been ripped off by a U.S. government contractor.
Rotary Piston Extruder Head Patented
A very unusual design for a 3D print extruder has been patented.
Thermwood’s Astonishing Patent Portfolio
Thermwood announced they’ve received another 32 patents for additive manufacturing methods, adding to their massive pile.
Question of the Week: PolyJet Patents
This week’s question focuses on the expiration of Stratasys-owned PolyJet patents.
Action At Continuous Composites
This month has been busy for Continuous Composites.
Three New Patents For Sakuu
Mysterious 3D print startup Sakuu reveals they have obtained not one, but three new intriguing patents.
Exploring Relativity Space’s Machine Learning 3D Printing Patent
Relativity Space owns what could become a key patent for additive manufacturing.
Tethon 3D Obtains Key Ceramic 3D Printing Patent
Tethon 3D obtained a patent for a key 3D printing feature in the resin process.
Desktop Metal Trademarks “FLEXCERA” And More
A search of the USPTO database reveals a new trademark by Desktop Metal: “FLEXCERA”.
ExOne’s X1 160Pro Metal 3D Printer Can Now Use Reactive Metals
ExOne announced a new atmosphere-controlled version of their massive X1 160Pro metal 3D printer, opening up the possibility of using many different metals.
New Volumetric 3D Printing Patent Granted
The developments in volumetric 3D printing continue with a new patent being recently granted by the USPTO.
The Unusual Rotary Piston Extruder Needs To Be Used
It’s been brought to our attention there is a patent on a very unusual 3D printer extruder design.
Examining European Additive Manufacturing Patents
A report from the European Patent Office shows a wealth of data regarding innovative activity.
Patenting Pandemic Designs?
3D printing has really stepped up to the plate in pandemic response — but what happens with those designs post-pandemic?
Is Stratasys Feeling The Pressure From Below?
Stratasys launched an unusual marketing campaign that for the first time targets users of low-cost alternative 3D printing equipment. Why did they do this?
The Challenge And Opportunity of 3D Printing Patent 684116B2
A key patent assigned to 3D Systems expires in 2022. What will this mean for 3D Systems and everyone else? We have some thoughts.
Possible Patent Infringement By Non-Planar Slic3r Development?
Non-planar 3D printing is a massive improvement, but it seems that it could be patented by a company, possibly leaving it difficult for the open source community.
FATHOM Patents Method of Quoting 3D Print Services
FATHOM has patented a method for pricing 3D print service quotes for molds. What does this mean for designers and engineers?
The Real Value of 3D Printing Patents
It’s not always about revenue; sometimes patents are worth it to prove larger positioning.
3D Printing and Smart Fabrics
Charles Goulding and Andressa Bonafe discuss innovations in smart fabrics that might be impacted by 3D printing.
The Patent War Between Formlabs and DWS
There’s a silent war being waged between two giants of 3D printing: DWS and Formlabs.
Final Word: The First 3D Printer
Since we published a story about the invention of 3D printing a few weeks ago, we have had much feedback.
The First 3D Printer: A Followup
When was the first 3D printer invented again?
Who Really Invented 3D Printing?
We all know that 3D printing was conceived in the mid-1980s, but the person who did so first is probably someone you’ve never heard of.
Solidscape Mystery Solved
An anonymous tipster has provided the solution to last week’s Solidscape event.
Look Who’s Patented 3D Printable Concrete
We were directed to a patent describing a composition for 3D printable concrete. This would certainly be a very useful capability, as the many attempts at 3D printed buildings using concrete extruders have had mixed success. However, most, if not all, of them have been using standard concrete materials. We know from experience with thermoplastic… Continue reading Look Who’s Patented 3D Printable Concrete
Book of the Week: 3D Printer: Patents & Innovations
This week’s selection is the instructive “3D Printer: Patents & Innovations” by M. A. Buth.
Apple’s New 3D Printing Patent Makes No Sense
I’m reading a story on a new patent Apple just received and I can’t figure out what they will do with it.
Interesting 3D Printing Patent from Desktop Metal
I’m trolling through patents and found an interesting application from Desktop Metal, who propose a way to perform real time quality control.
Think You Can Keep Up With 3D Print Patents? Think Again
There’s a lot more going on in 3D printing than anyone would suspect.
Carbon Patents “Epoxy Dual Cure Resin” Process
It seems that Carbon has been awarded a new patent this week.
3D Printing: Should You Go Open Source?
Although it’s possible that patents have existed since the time of the Ancient Greeks, the Venetian Patent Statute is more widely recognized as the first official patent system.
This Could Get Interesting: EnvisionTEC Holds a Patent For Continuous 3D Printing
With all the hullabaloo regarding what’s called “continuous” 3D printing these days, it seems that EnvisionTEC holds a patent for it.
Ultimaker Files First Patent: Good News or Bad?
Long time open source supporter Ultimaker reported that it had filed for its very first patent.
3D Printing Patents Can Be Amusing and Confusing
A reader pointed out an unusual patent claimed by one of companies on which we recently wrote a story.
Get Ready; The Next Wave of Metal 3D Printing is About to Begin
In 2009 something happened that started a 3D printer boom. That’s going to happen once again.
Guess Which 3D Printing Process Is Still Under Patent?
After our publication of thoughts on compromises when using dissolvable 3D printer filament for support material, a reader pointed out something rather interesting.
Here’s Why 3D Printing Patents Don’t Mean Much
Oh! Look! Someone’s patented SOMETHING about 3D printing! This changes EVERYTHING!
Something Weird Is Happening In 3D Printing Patents
While perusing recent patent filings by the major 3D printing companies, I noticed something rather strange.
The Most Unusual 3D Printing Patent Yet Seen
Researchers at Boeing have published a patent describing a bizarre method of 3D printing that involves levitation. I am skeptical.
Materialise Patents a 3D Gripper?
We just noticed an unusual patent application from 3D print service Materialise: a three-fingered “gripper”. What does this mean?
3D Systems’ Soap Printer? Will We See a “SoapJet”?
While perusing patent databases we noticed that 3D Systems has published a patent on methods to 3D print soap objects.
Apple Applies For 3D Printer Patent? Not Exactly
The big buzz this week was the discovery that Apple applied for a patent for 3D printing. But when the details are examined, it’s not really a 3D printer.
Apple’s 3D Coloration Patent: Analysis
As we described yesterday, Apple last week applied for a US patent for 3D print coloration technology. But what does this mean?
Stratasys Applies For Patent on Magnetic Support Material
On October 1st, the USPTO published a patent application from 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys for an unusual method of supporting 3D prints: magnetic media.
Autodesk Files Patent For Unusual 3D Printing Materials System
US Patent Application 20150093465 recently filed by Autodesk describes a very strange 3D printing approach.
Digital 3D Models to be Blocked at the Border?
A fascinating report on Techdirt explains the how digital goods could become subject to border control. This has implications to 3D printing.
Formlabs is in The Clear
Remember the lawsuit against Formlabs launched by industry giant 3D Systems? It’s been dismissed.
David vs. Goliath in 3D Printing
Big companies face increasing pressure from lesser vendors as patents expire. How will they survive?
Stratasys Patent Claims Against Afinia Dropped, Partially
The outcome is beginning to appear in the patent infringement case Stratasys brought against personal 3D printer marketer Afinia.
Hurco to Transform CNC Machines into 3D Printers?
Industrial CNC machine maker Hurco says they’ve filed a patent to enable CNC machines to become 3D printers.
Backlash to MakerBot’s Patents Grows
The knowledge that MakerBot has apparently patented designs given to them by their community is spreading and some folks are upset.
Has MakerBot Crossed The Line? For Some, Yes
Controversy this week regarding MakerBot’s aggressive patent filings. Why the controversy? Because the concepts were originally donated by supporters in good faith to further the cause of 3D printing. And now MakerBot has patented them.
MakerBot’s Color-Changing Extruder Patent
The buzz today comes from a new MakerBot patent that claims an ability to change filament on the fly – within a single extruder.
An Examination of 3D Printing Patents
A new report from patent researchers Patent Insight Pro investigates the state of 3DP patents. We found some very interesting tidbits.
Another 3D Printing Patent Set to Expire: What Does This Mean?
US Patent number 5,597,589, “Apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering”, is to expire this May. Originally filed on May 31, 1994, the patent expires exactly 20 years hence, on May 31, 2014. But what will this mean?
Breaking: Afinia’s Startling Response to Stratasys’ Patent Claims
After appropriate time for attorneys to do their work, Afinia has formally responded in court documents to Stratasys’ claim of patent infringement. Readers may recall that Afinia is the target of a patent claim by Stratasys. The larger company claims Afinia has violated four of their numerous 3D printing-related patents. In the response, Afinia… Continue reading Breaking: Afinia’s Startling Response to Stratasys’ Patent Claims
3D Printing Patents Sky Rocket in Number
In a recently released report, the UK’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has stated that the amount of patent filing related to 3D printing has increased dramatically since the year 2000. After analyzing 9000 patent records filed since 1980, a team of IPO researchers pinpointed a rapid upswing in 3D printing related patents; particularly in… Continue reading 3D Printing Patents Sky Rocket in Number
Autodesk Battles Bad Design
3D software giant Autodesk has released an infographic portraying the need for, guess what? 3D design software. (Click on the image above to see the fine details). It may be in their self-interest, but they have a valid point. The infographic indicates that a surprising amount of newly released products are subject to recall… Continue reading Autodesk Battles Bad Design
Stratasys Solves Those Troublesome 3D Print Seams
If you’re using an extrusion-based 3D printer, you’re likely familiar with the problem of seams. It’s an annoying strip right up the side of your object that disrupts the otherwise smooth surface of your 3D print. The seam is actually composed of the vertical accumulation of start / end points from each layer’s perimeter.… Continue reading Stratasys Solves Those Troublesome 3D Print Seams
EFF Challenges 3D Printing Patent Applications
In a dramatic move, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has launched legal challenges against six foundational patent applications directly related to 3D printing. They’ve done this by submitting prior art (evidence of prior use or invention by others) to the proper authorities. The six patents include: 3D model Voxel-based additive manufacturing UV-curable materials Support… Continue reading EFF Challenges 3D Printing Patent Applications
iRobot Moving Into 3D Printing?
A very detailed patent was recently issued to iRobot and Raytheon for a “Robot Fabricator”. iRobot is well-known for their Roomba series of household cleaning ‘bots, but they’re also manufacturers of many commercial and military robots. Raytheon is a long-time high-tech industrial focusing on military and electronics markets. Together they bring a huge amount… Continue reading iRobot Moving Into 3D Printing?
Preventing 3D Printed Piracy… Or What?
A patent has been awarded to The Invention Science Fund, an organization holding patents for former Microsoft CTO Nathan Myhrvold’s Intellectual Ventures company. What does this patent do? It’s a method to implement copy-protection on your 3D printer! Wait a moment – Does this mean we will be unable to print some of… Continue reading Preventing 3D Printed Piracy… Or What?
The Phenix vs. EOS Patent War Heats Up
We’ve been advised that Phenix Systems has filed a lawsuit against 3D printer manufacturer EOS. This is more than likely in response to EOS’s filing of a lawsuit against Phenix Systems for alleged patent violation. The new lawsuit from Phenix alleges that EOS has violated United States patent number 6,767,499 (Fast Prototyping Method by… Continue reading The Phenix vs. EOS Patent War Heats Up
KraftWurx’s Patent Available
The legalities behind the KraftWurx 3D print service/software are now available for public viewing, courtesy of the US Government’s Patent and Trade office. Patent application number 20110313878, entitled “Made-to-order direct digital manufacturing enterprise” includes this abstract: Methods and systems for designing and producing a three-dimensional object selection of a base three-dimensional object from a… Continue reading KraftWurx’s Patent Available
3D World Gets DMCA’d
This was totally inevitable. Earlier this week a new object posted to Thingiverse was widely discussed. It was a great object – apparently able to visually simulate an impossible object: The Penrose Triangle, except in reality. And the design succeeds, at least when viewed from the correct angle. But then the fun started. Ulrich… Continue reading 3D World Gets DMCA’d
Objet Patents a New Print Material
We’ve just been going through a rather lengthy patent application submitted by Eduardo Napandensky and Diana Ravich – and the patent is assigned to Objet Geometries, one of the top line commercial 3D printer manufacturers. The patent describes a mysterious new print material that has new color and strength properties. Specifically, this is the… Continue reading Objet Patents a New Print Material
Fab-onomics
We’ve been wondering how property rights will work in the future, when anyone will be able to punch out objects on their 3D printer as necessary. Will you go to Home Depot to get that bolt? Or perhaps you will just print one? Do you have the design for the bolt? Maybe you need to… Continue reading Fab-onomics
Printing Tissue by Ink-Jet
It’s not exactly Fabbing as we know it, but the World Intellectual Property Organization now includes an entry on printing live tissue. Yes, I mean punching out “mammalian cells” via an ink-jet process. Evidently the cells are deposited in layers, much like 3D printing, onto an existing substrate. In some cases the substrate is itself… Continue reading Printing Tissue by Ink-Jet