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What are some relatively simple improvements to FDM 3D printers that cannot be sold however because they are under patent?

I know a heated build chamber is one such thing: According to the RepRap Wiki Heated_Build_Chamber:

The disclosure on how to fabricate a heated build chamber might also be illegal as it is protected by patent.

So I wonder if there are similar "simple" FDM printer upgrades for which it currently would be forbidden to sell (or even promote?) parts due to patent infringement.

This is exactly the question I am interested in. This is not about a specific printer. A heated build chamber is a simple upgrade that would benefit pretty much any FDM printer. I am interested in other relatively simple upgrades which you won't find on most commercial 3D printers despite their simplicity for the reason that the feature is patented.

What other simple improvements are there, that are protected by patents?

Greenonline
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matthias_buehlmann
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1 Answers1

2
  • Porosity control
  • Seam hiding
  • Dissolvable supports

Porosity Control - The ability of a 3d printer to produce a variable infill rate (e.g. 20%) is covered by a Stratasys utility patent.

Seam Hiding - The ability of a 3d printer to start printing from a different point on the perimeter such that no seam appears on the printed part, is covered by a Stratasys utility patent.

Dissolvable supports - The ability of a 3d printer to print with 2 (or more) filaments such that one of the filaments, acting as support material (or scaffolding), can be removed by sustained immersion in water, is covered by a Stratasys utility patent.

Defendant Microboards Technology, LLC d/b/a Afinia's answer to Plaintiff's complaint for patent infringement; Affirmative Defenses; Counterclaims; and Demand for Jury Trial

I could not find a URL with the original Stratasys case, but I saved a copy back when it first came out. The document seems to be behind paywalls now. You can reference it as :

CASE 0:13-cv-03228-DWF-JJG

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA

agarza
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user77232
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