Stratasys, Inc., the company that invented FDM 3D printing, last week took potshots at rising star Bambu Lab for using technology that has become commonplace in consumer 3D printing. At issue is the company’s apply of PEI-coated build plates, wipe towers, and automatic bed leveling.
Bambu Lab posted the following statement on X.com:
We have taken note of the relevant information. We have not yet received any official documents from the court, but we are closely monitoring the situation. We will actively respond to this matter in accordance with appropriate legal procedures to protect our legitimate…August 10, 2024
“We have reviewed the relevant information. We have not yet received any official documents from the court, but we are closely monitoring the situation. We will actively respond to this matter in accordance with the relevant legal procedures to protect our legitimate rights and interests.
Bambu Lab has always advocated and upheld the principles of respecting and protecting intellectual property. Through continuous research and technological innovation, we strive to provide our users with the best 3D printing experience.
We also encourage our industry partners to support the development of the sector through genuine technological innovation.”
Many in the 3D printing community have expressed concerns that if Bambu Lab fails to fend off Stratasys, there will be nothing to stop them from taking action against other manufacturers and driving them into bankruptcy.
Lawsuits
On August 8, 2024, Stratasys, Inc. filed two civil lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Bambu Lab for allegedly infringing ten different U.S. patents relating to 3D printers. Stratasys was founded in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and still has its North American headquarters there. Bambu Lab, a Chinese company, maintains offices in Austin, Texas, which is located in the Western District Court of Texas. The Eastern District has a reputation for being friendly to patent holders, and U.S. District Judge Alan Albright at one point handled more than 25% of the country’s patent cases.
Lawsuits can be filed in any U.S. District Court, provided the plaintiff can prove that the defendant resides or does business in that district. Stratasys’ lawyers argued that, because of Bambu Lab’s website, the company does indeed do business in the Eastern District of Texas.
Oddly enough, the background portion of the lawsuit accuses Bambu Lab of not only selling, marketing, and supporting six models of 3D printers in the United States that feature the “accused products,” but also of being a security risk. “Defendants’ printers… transmit data to Defendants’ servers operated by third parties under Defendants’ control. This includes, but is not limited to, Defendants’ servers, which may be located in China.”
Stratasys co-founder Scott Crump invented the technology behind Fused Deposition Modeling, also known as FDM 3D printing, while searching for a faster way to prototype designs in 1988. His first attempt at 3D printing was a handheld glue gun filled with a mixture of plastic and wax, which he used to make a toy frog for his child. He knew he was onto something. The idea was patented, Stratasys was founded, and 3D printing remained in the realm of industrial production for the next 20 years.
For years, Stratasys’ wealth of patents kept other inventors from exploring 3D printing. As the patents began to expire, others were able to enter the 3D printing market and create affordable, consumer-grade machines.
It is not clear why Stratasys did not defend its other patents, but popular thread on Reddit has a theory as to why they’re doing it now. Bambu Lab has become too popular with companies and manufacturers. Many believe that the cheaper Bambu Lab printers have been adopted in large numbers by companies and are taking a significant share of the market from Stratasys. The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon may seem high for a home workshop at $1,449, but a used 2021 Stratasys F370 will cost you $18,500.
Forbes recently reported that almost one million desktop 3D printers Priced under $2,500 with shipping in the last quarter of 2023, these printers, like the X1 Carbon, are replacing more expensive machines that companies use for prototyping and producing small batches of spare parts.
It’s unclear whether Stratasys wants to eliminate the competition or simply wants a share of the profits. However, a precedent has been set for an upstart 3D printing company paying royalties to a more established player. In 2014, Formlabs Agrees to Pay 3D Systems 8% royalties on every machine sold.
The lawsuit lists ten patents. Some were originally filed by companies Stratasys acquired. Here is the list in order of expiration:
- US7555357B2expires 3/3/27, by Stratasys: A method for building 3D objects using extrusion-based layered deposition systems.
- US10569466B2expires 10/28/2028, filed by MakerBot: Designated 3D printing building material.
- US8562324B2 expires 08/18/30, filed by MakerBot: Networked 3D Printing.
- US8747097B2 expires 08/18/30, filed by MakerBot: 3D printer networked with 3D scanner.
- US11167464B2expires 10/28/33, filed by MakerBot: Tagged 3D printing building material.
- US9168698B2expires February 7, 2014, filed by MakerBot: Force-sensing 3D printer.
- US9421713B2expires 08/20/34, Stratasys Inc: Method of printing 3D parts using cleaning towers.
- US11886774B2 Expires 12/31/1934, filed by Stratasys: Discovery and apply of printer configuration information.
- US9592660B2expires 01/08/1935, filed by Arevo Inc., Heated build platform and system for 3D printing methods.
- US10556381B2expires on July 27, 2016, filed by MakerBot: Force-sensing 3D printer.
The original documents can be read here:
