Stratasys is suing Bambu Lab in the US because its 3D printers infringe ten patents. Of particular concern to the industry is the patent relating to a heating base.

Stratasys is causing a stir in the 3D printing landscape by taking the popular Bambu Labs to court in the USA (Texas). The manufacturer claims that Bambu Labs is infringing ten patents. The two most notable patents that Stratasys can boast are a heated base of the printer and the construction of a so-called Rinsing tower when you print with two or more colors.

This first claim in particular is of concern to many 3D printer manufacturers active today. Almost all 3D printers today use a heated base to ensure that the plastic does not deform.

The patent is closed Cleansing Towers is also important for multi-color printers. Turning on the tower can remove debris on the nozzle and stabilize the chamber pressure in the nozzle. This results in fewer or no visible defects when printing objects.

Potentially serious consequences

You can read the full indictment here and here as a PDF in full. If Stratasys wins the lawsuit, it seems certain that the manufacturer will target many other 3D printer brands. A ruling in favor of Stratasys could potentially prohibit the sale of devices that infringe one or more patents. Or the manufacturer could, by mutual agreement, set a percentage of sales for the use of the patent.

Stratasys is a veteran in the world of 3D printing. The company has been working with 3D printing technology since 1988 and focuses primarily on the manufacturing industry and the commercial prototyping market. In 2013, the company bought MakerBot, including its patents. A spin-off later followed under the name Ultimaker.