3D model theft is rampant, and there’s not a lot that can be done.
The issue is that 3D model files simply don’t have any security. If you have the file, you can print it. And you can get those files by downloading them from any site the designer has posted them on. Ironically, by making a design public, the designer risks losing their design.
This is a serious problem for many 3D designers, and there really aren’t any good solutions yet.
Slant 3D has proposed a method they believe may help with the issue. They are a very large 3D print service, operating one of the largest 3D print farms on the planet.
Recently, the company has been developing a series of software solutions around their farm to help manufacturers and designers make parts much easier. For example, they have a system called Teleport that basically puts a “print” button on a website for instant part order, production, and shipping. Another feature allows connection to Etsy or other marketplaces for “manufacture on demand” services.
There is also an interesting feature within Teleport called “Catalog”. From what I can understand, it is a kind of centralized repo of 3D designs, submitted by designers. The concept is that others can select items of interest from “the catalog” and offer prints of them for sale on their own sites.
In other words, “manufacture on demand” could include designs that aren’t yours.
But are you stealing those designs? Nope, the Catalog tracks usage and pays a royalty to the original designer that placed it in Catalog.
This means that the designs are available to the public, yet don’t risk being stolen. That’s because the only thing that happens is that a print of the design is sent to the customer.
So in a way, the designer is protected, but in the Catalog scenario, it’s only for those who just want a print. It does not address the problem where people with their own 3D printers want to do their own printing.
For that, there must be another type of solution, and it will require a fundamental change in the architecture of 3D designs, networking, and printers. The current architecture is simply not secure.
Via Slant 3D
