The digital age has its fair share of headaches. Putting up your work on a network leaves it open to alterations and tampering. This problem plagues many in the industry, which is why GROW has come up with a way to tackle these security issues. Their new security solution allows users to ensure that their designs remain the way just they left them.
The software solution turns the design and the machine instructions that go with it into a single file. This file is an encrypted version that is safe to transfer. Then, the software attempts to authorise the recipient attempting to access the information. As a result, GROW’s patented software (Publication No. US9604406) allows users to manufacture their designs from remote locations without worrying about alterations to this file, keeping their designs secure.
GROW received their patent in June. The company is looking to make 3D printing more secure and have provided security control forms for thousands of production parts in the past.
Securing Prints and Designs
This software allows a centralised control over output and quality. Additionally, authors can trace their authorisations over each build, receive automated reports on manufacturing events and access all information necessary to perform Quality Assurance on their final product.
Program like this are essential for protecting intellectual property. While the main intent is to protect from human error it is also handy in deterring intentional tampering. The software comes at a time where digital protection is a hot button issue. It is certain to make professional usage of 3D printers safer.
Concerns over copyright and proper production are quite common in 3D printing circles. This project brings to mind Create it Real’s protected platform for FDM and SLA printers. There are significant differences. Whereas, Create it Real’s idea identifies designs by matching them to others to prevent theft, this one is a more defensive measure. Additionally, this project protects client user interactions whereas the other one was more general.
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