The Current Status and Impact of 3D Printing Within the Industrial Sector: An Analysis of Six Case Studies.

Abstract

3D Printing is a term used to describe a range of digital manufacturing technologies. The technology is used to produce component parts layer-by-layer through the use of materials and there are many different types of 3D printing processes. The shift in manufacturing capability has raised questions relating to intellectual property law. 3D printing now paves the way for modified, replicated and changed parts which could then be shared, used and sold. This clearly has implications for intellectual property owners. This Study produced for the UK Intellectual Property Office presents the second part of a two-part study and represents a series of case studies and interviews from the industrial sector.