3D printers were one of those technologies that were set to change the world and have become something very niche. Despite everything, there are many people who have one, whether to create prototypes, manufacture products or other uses. Well, Bambu Lab, an important 3D printer manufacturer has been defendant in USA by the company Stratasys.
There are many different 3D printer manufacturers out there today. Many are based on the open source Prusa designs, but others create their own solutions based on these designs, such as Bambu Lab.
One of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial 3D printers is Stratasys, which has been offering its own solutions since 1988. Recently, Bambu Lab has been accused of copying some of its creations. This is a big problem in the industry, as it could lead to a flood of patent infringement lawsuits.
Are 3D printers’ days numbered?
Stratasys’ lawsuit involves six companies associated with Bambu Lab. The company is seeking a jury trial in all cases. If the lawsuits are successful and the claim is accepted, the consumer 3D printing market could be forever changed.
Specifically, we have a total of two lawsuits that refer to six patents owned by Stratasys. Two of the patents were initially owned by MakerBot, a company acquired by Stratasys in 2013. In 2022, it merged this subsidiary with Utilimaker, retaining ownership of all the patents.
The first complaint alleges that the following patents have been infringed:
- US9421713B2: Additive manufacturing method for printing three-dimensional parts with purge towers.
- This system is used by Bambu Lab for simple multicolour printing. The printing is stopped halfway through, the filament being used is re-used and then the other colour is introduced to continue printing. To prevent the old filament from leaking, a purge tower is placed before continuing with the process.
- US9592660B2: Heated platform and build system for three-dimensional printing methods.
- Simply put, it is the heated bed that is used by a huge number of 3D printers on the market. This mechanism is used to ensure that the first layers always remain in place and thus achieve a higher quality print.
- US7555357B2: Method for constructing three-dimensional objects with extrusion-based layered deposition systems.
- US9168698B2: Force-sensing 3D printer.
- US10556381B2: Force-sensing 3D printer.
Regarding the issue of heated beds, I built a couple of Prusa-type printers with heated beds more than ten years ago. So these systems are not exactly something new, so it would be a problem if they were found to infringe a patent.
The other three patents refer to methods for forming the three-dimensional object and sensors for accurately calibrating the extrusion.
The second suit concerns much more specific issues. Bambu Lab is accused of infringing convenience issues related to wireless communication in 3D printers and the use of RFID tags that allow the 3D printer to know which filament is installed. Specifically, these are the patents:
- US10569466B2: Labeled construction material for three-dimensional printing.
- US11167464B2: Same as above.
- US8747097B2: Network 3D printer with 3D scanner.
- US11886774B2: Detecting and using printer configuration information.
- US8562324B2: Three-dimensional network printing.
The second round is rather insignificant in general terms and only affects the products of both companies. The first round of patent lawsuits could cause serious damage to the industry. Is this the end of 3D printers?