Eavesdropping On 3D Printers Allows Reverse Engineering of Designs (gizmag.com)

Zothecula writes: 3D printers have opened up all kinds of possibilities when it comes to turning digital blueprints into real word objects, but might they also enable new ways to pilfer intellectual property? Amid all that mechanical whirring, these machines emit acoustic signals that give away the motion of the nozzle, new research has found. And by discreetly recording these sounds, scientists say it is possible for sneaky characters to deduce design details and reverse engineer printed objects at a later date.

Comments

yet again another

[Anonymous Coward]

The issue might be real, but the summary is asshandedly disingenious. There is no "Intellectual Property" to be leaked, unless something copyrighted or patented is being printed, with permission.

In many cases, physical objects of no artistic value (such as screws) cannot be copyrighted.

If it's patented, then the leaked info does nothing to bypass the patent liability.

Seems the whole thing is either a paid hit piece attacking 3d printers, or bad sensationalistic journalism trying to drum up a fake controversy.

In either case, to avoid rewarding such misbehavior, DO NOT READ TFA.

Re:yet again another

[Sarten-X]

From a security perspective, this is very interesting indeed.

For a few decades now, we've been aware of the security threats against networks. There are procedures and practices that can secure a network or computer, and frankly, we don't include those on tours.

On the other hand, a 3D printer is new shiny technology, and executives love showing off how up-to-date they are by showing the room full of printers. For an attacker, the attack in TFA would be quite simple. During a tour, put a listening bug near the printers, and get early access to prototypes. At this point, such an attack have a very high profit, because you can get actual designs, rather than just occasional descriptions of designs like would normally be expected of listening devices. At the same time, this attack may fall outside existing security plans. Usually the security guys are not looking for audio eavesdroppers to protect physical designs.

Not surprised, and old news

[Firethorn]

Back shortly after WWII, we developed the ability to tell what was being typed by the sounds of the typewriter being worked. Today, we can often do the same if we know the typer's 'fist', the patterns they use to type. Beyond that, you have electromagnetic patterns - record the radio signals, process them, and you can get the image on the screen, the characters typed, even for wired instruments.

In short, this is neat, but really no big deal.

Works, but pointless.

[Areyoukiddingme]

Why infiltrate the room the 3D printer is in when you can acquire much more detailed and accurate data using a credit card, a hacksaw, and a laser scanner? You buy the product. You scan the outside with the scanner. You saw whatever cross sections are interesting and scan those too, and you're done.

But hey, that chiming sound you hear is another graduate student getting his wings. Nice thesis project.

Imagine

[SpaghettiPattern]

I imagine that copying 3D printing files should achieve similar result, admittedly with much less cloak and dagger.

But I guess I'm an old fashioned day dreamer.

90% accuracy?!

[Bruinwar]

90% accuracy?! And that is supposed to be useful for something? Seriously, even if someone pilfered the .stl file, the actual 3D model loaded into the 3D printer, all it can tell you is the basic shape. Maybe it can give the an idea of what is being developed.

That being said, there is a "neat factor" in recording the sound & reproducing the object. But as industrial espionage, this is kina weak. Reverse engineering is a pain in the ass (to do it right) & this would not be of any help IMO.