QR codes to avoid piracy in 3D printing

Currently anyone with the necessary knowledge of 3D printing could reproduce almost anything. In relation to this, intellectual property in additive manufacturing is an issue that worries more and more within the industry. Companies like Disney have released patents to attack piracy in 3D printing and prevent the reproduction of their products. To protect the research models of the New York University, based in Tandon and Abu Dhabi, they developed QR codes to avoid duplication.

The new method developed by the researchers consists of the introduction of QR codes within the models. It would be almost invisible to the counterfeiters but would be identifiable by a reader. There for it would be able to confirm the legitimacy of the 3D printed piece.

Credits: NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Nikhil Gupta is an associate professor of mechanical engineering and part of the project on piracy in 3D printing. He explained, “To create typical QR code contrasts that are readable to a scanner you have to embed the equivalent of empty spaces” and continues “But by dispersing these tiny flaws over many layers we were able to keep the part’s strength well within acceptable limits.“