Embedding Tracking Codes in Additive Manufactured Parts for Product Authentication

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) process chain relies heavily on cloud resources and software programs. Cybersecurity has become a major concern for such resources. AM produces physical components, which can be compromised for quality by many other means and can be reverse engineered for unauthorized reproduction. This work is focused on taking advantage of layer-by-layer manufacturing process of AM to embed codes inside the components and reading them using image acquisition methods. The example of a widely used QR code format is used, but the same scheme can be used for other formats or alphanumeric strings. The code is segmented in a large number of parts for obfuscation. The results show that segmentation and embedding the code in numerous layers help in eliminating the effect of embedded features on the mechanical properties of the part. Such embedded codes can be used for parts produced by fused filament fabrication, inkjet printing, and selective laser sintering technologies for product authentication and identification of counterfeits. Post processing methods such as heat treatments and hot isostatic pressing may remove or distort these codes; therefore, analysis of AM method and threat level is required to determine if the proposed strategy can be useful for a particular product.

Track-and-trace: Novel anti-counterfeit measures for 3D printed personalized drug products using smart material inks

“…In this instance, it would be more favourable to include an authentication measure directly on the dosage form. Due to their relatively simple internal graphic design, codes such as data matrices and quick response (QR) codes have previously been included directly onto the surface or imbedded within small dosage forms (Chen et al, 2018;Edinger et al, 2018;Fei and Liu, 2016). Favourably, these codes can encode a host of product information, such as the drug name, dosage, patient name, prescriber details, etc.…”

Embedding anti-counterfeiting features in metallic components via multiple material additive manufacturing

“…Please refer to pages 2 and 3 of the revised paper: "… … Gupta et al carried out an investigation on embedding tracking codes, i.e. Quick Response (QR) code having fast readability and greater storage capacity [16], in additive manufactured parts for product authentication [17][18][19], and applied a micro-CT scanner to detect the embedded QR code in polymer components comprised of black and white resin, and laser sintered single metal component made of AlSi10Mg alloy, in which the powder particle in the QR code region were not fused [18], that may cause component fatigue failure problem due to the voids created. The technical limitations of existing commercial metal additive manufacturing technologies, including powder-bed fusion and directed energy deposition would make embedding security features of a high resolution difficult.. Firstly, present commercial powder-bed fusion machine, e.g.…”

“…Gupta et al carried out an investigation on embedding tracking codes, i.e. Quick Response (QR) code having fast readability and greater storage capacity [16], in additive manufactured parts for product authentication [17][18][19], and applied a micro-CT scanner to detect the embedded QR code in polymer components comprised of black and white resins, and laser sintered single metal component made of AlSi10Mg alloy, in which the powder particle in the QR code region were not fused and was left as lose powders [18]. This, however, may cause component fatigue failure due to the voids created.…”

Additive Manufacturing Cyber-Physical System: Supply Chain Cybersecurity and Risks

“…Thorough survey on risk taxonomy for additive manufacturing is presented in previous published works [16], [17]. Developments have taken place in mitigating risks of counterfeiting [18], [19], transparency [20], [21] and the manufacturing process [22], [23] in the AM security. Nonetheless, the extant body of literature of SCRM for AM remains preliminary and conceptual [24].…”