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Spotlight on 3D Printing: Intellectual Property

By Julie N. Matthews
September 30, 2013

Imagine that your dishwasher breaks or you need a set of monogrammed glasses for a last-minute gift. Instead of scheduling a time-consuming service call or waiting two weeks for the glasses to arrive, you'll download 3D design files and have the replacement part and customized glasses 'printed' within hours at your neighborhood UPS Store, public library ' or even at home. This soon may be commonplace through advances in 3D printing technologies.

Unlike traditional manufacturing processes like casting, molding, stamping and machining, 3D printing can create customized objects quickly and efficiently and with little wasted material. A virtual, 3D computer model is created of an object using computer aided design (CAD) software tools or a 3D scanner. The digital file acts as a blueprint for a 3D printer. The printer deposits layer upon layer of material, such as plastic, ceramics, metals, nylon and stone, to create a three-dimensional object. Because 3D printing and more advanced techniques like selective laser sintering can be used to produce goods almost anywhere, without the need for modern factories or long supply chains, this reduces the overall environmental impact associated with production and creates new opportunities for small businesses and those producing mass customized goods.

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