3D printing is a hotbed of intellectual property (IP) and, as a number of projects have proved, its protection can be just as lucrative as the innovation.
In the aerospace industry especially, where competition runs high and products remain in development for a number of years, IP protection is a primary concern.
In a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) American multinational aerospace giant Boeing has signed a deal with Israeli software company Assembrix to help secure its digital inventory of 3D printable parts.
Protection of the Digital Thread
Assembrix’s technology is a cloud-based platform made for industrial 3D printing. The platform oversees the entire digital thread, from design through the production and verification. Geometric algorithms and robotics combine to safeguard 3D files from interception, corruption and decryption, facilitating secure sharing between internal teams and confirmed external clients.
Based in Tel Aviv, the company has recently been advertising for new talent to join its Additive Manufacturing Digital Thread team.
Lior Polak is Assembrix CEO. Speaking on the new MOA, Polak says, “We are pleased to partner with Boeing and value its confidence in us and in our capabilities,”
“This collaboration supports our vision to develop and implement innovative solutions that connect the world and take the additive manufacturing digital thread one step forward.”
Commitment to 3D printing for the air
Boeing is increasingly demonstrating its commitment to additive manufacturing, and the potential value the technology has for growth. In the first quarter of 2018, Boeing signed a collaboration agreement with Swiss listed technology group Oerlikon to create an FAA and DoD recongizable standard for 3D printed titanium components.
The company has also contributed to £26.5 million (approx. $37.6 million) in funding for Reaction Engines Limited, a UK-based aerospace company working on the 3D printing enabled SABRE engine and future hypersonic travel.
In Israel in particular, the airline is completing the production of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft in collaboration with El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. the flag carrier of the country.
David Ivry, president of Boeing Israel, comments, “This agreement expands Boeing’s ties to Israeli industry while helping companies like Assembrix expand their business,”
“Boeing seeks suppliers globally who meet stringent quality, schedule, cost and intellectual capital standards, and Assembrix does all of that.”
Subscribe to the leading 3D Printing Industry newsletter, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to stay up to date with the news.
Kick-start your career – sign up to 3D Printing Jobs here.
Featured image shows a bed of additive-manufactured titanium components for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo via Norsk Titanium
