This page was part of an MTU course MSE4777 OA and MSE4777 OB/MSE5777/EE4777/EE5777: Open-source 3-D printingPlease leave comments using the talk page. The course runs in the Fall semester. It is not open edit.Read more...
Broad and/or obvious patent claims for 3-D printing technology may hamper the open-source 3-D printing community's ability to innovate. Previous work on an algorithm protected 3-D printing materials. This page is part of a MTU Open Source 3-D Printing class project to investigate 3-D printing concepts using TRIZ and is presented here as a defensive publication of prior art to help identify obvious 'inventions' for 3-D printing.
Examiners: The ideas on this page dated Dec 3, 2015 and Nov 29, 2016 were developed by university students with less than a semester of formal 3-D printing experience (or by an instructor in class) and thus should be considered unpatentable because of obviousness to any person skilled in the art of additive manufacturing.
Appropedians: This page is open edit. Please fee free to add ideas and sign them below with ~~~~ or to use any of the ideas to built better open-source 3-D printers.
  1. use 3D hologram image instead of 3D printed object when relevant Akhenry (talk) 07:36, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  2. use manual printing instead of auto/computer controlled Akhenry (talk) 07:36, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  3. replace stepper motor with hand crank to eliminate electronics Akhenry (talk) 07:36, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  4. use webcam to monitor print instead of babysitting it Akhenry (talk) 07:38, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  5. automate the webcam to make smart decisions based on what it sees Akhenry (talk) 07:39, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  6. replace metal bearings with plastic sliders Akhenry (talk) 07:50, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  7. calibrate printer with webcams and automated process Akhenry (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  8. replace limit switch with IR sensors Akhenry (talk) 07:52, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  9. replace limit switches with the webcams that are already automating the other processes Akhenry (talk) 07:52, 1 December 2015 (PST)
  10. Use infrared images to detect print faults before wasting more filament Akhenry (talk) 07:01, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  11. instantly print using multiple projectors to develop resin from many angles at once Akhenry (talk) 07:21, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  12. create more accurate 3D models (for better prints) using non-visible (object penetrating, like X-ray) wavelengths to scan objects Akhenry (talk) 07:23, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  13. scan and print an object at the same time by scanning each slice and printing that slice with a projector. Prints will only take as long as the scan Akhenry (talk) 07:25, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  14. use household waste to create filament or resin Akhenry (talk) 07:32, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  15. improve resolution using electron scanning Akhenry (talk) 07:35, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  16. improve resolution using electron beams to develop resin Akhenry (talk) 07:35, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  17. similar to the 3D printing pens, sell kits that use powder or resin that hardens with a (safe wavelength) laser. Kids could just draw layers with the laser Akhenry (talk) 07:39, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  18. Use a type of resin that hardens with different colors with different wavelengths Akhenry (talk) 07:44, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  19. use resin that hardens with different densities/hardness with different wavelengths Akhenry (talk) 07:44, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  20. Use many lasers with different wavelengths to print with these resins Akhenry (talk) 07:44, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  21. use projectors with different wavelengths to print layer by layer with these interesting resins Akhenry (talk) 07:44, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  22. make printing safer by using lower melting temp filament - even lower than 100C then harden the print with a vapor or light bath Akhenry (talk) 07:48, 3 December 2015 (PST)
  23. replace modelling technology with simpler touchscreen GUIs Akhenry (talk) 07:48, 3 December 2015 (PST)



  1. 3D Print Parts for PrinterJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  2. Print in smaller piecesJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  3. use wood instead of metalJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  4. buy used partsJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  5. Print magnetic piecesJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  6. use basic on board computer instead of external computerJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  7. use phone instead of on board computerJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  8. 2 print heads instead of 1Jakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  9. recycled filament instead of bought plasticJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  10. more fansJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  11. more rodsJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  12. look for failureJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  13. separate headsJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  14. lower the weight by making new materialsJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  15. cool the plastic quickerJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  16. less infill on the parts that make the printerJakerob (talk) 07:51, 1 December 2016 (PST)
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