Department of Media and Communications, the University of Melbourne

Grant round: 2015

Grant: $49,267

The number of users connecting to each other on the internet to find, share, and create 3D printed goods has grown exponentially over the last few years.
But what do consumers need to know before printing in 3D? There are potential risks in creating and sharing 3D printable files; how can users mitigate them, and what kinds of safeguards are in place? Staff from the University of Melbourne, hope to address some of these issues through their report 3D Printing Rights & Responsibilities: consumer perceptions & realities (download below).

With funding from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) Grants Scheme, they have also created the 3D Printing Info website to offer consumers a range of easy to understand guides and information to help safeguard their work and take advantage of this emerging technology.

Project leaders Dr Luke Heemsbergen and Dr Robbie Fordyce were keen to offer consumers a range of easy to understand guides and information to help safeguard their work and take advantage of this emerging technology.

“The free resources are the result of extensive multidisciplinary research in Australia, and beyond, that identified emerging issues and trends within the consumer 3D printing space such as who owns the designs you share, the ones you modify and how they can be used by others,” Dr Heemsbergen said.

Download: 3D Printing Rights & Responsibilities: consumer perceptions & realities1.56 MB 

Download: 3D Printing Rights & Responsibilities: consumer perceptions & realities321.98 KB