A collaborative effort between German and Chinese partners has resulted in the development of a secure cloud-based platform for decentralized AM processes.
Spearheaded by the Chair Digital Additive Production (DAP) at RWTH Aachen University, the project consortium has successfully created a framework for encrypted real-time transmission of production data for laser-based Powder Bed Fusion of metal powder (PBF-LB/M). Stemming from the ProCloud3D project and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this development is managed by the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA) under the program “Innovationen für die Produktion, Dienstleistung und Arbeit von morgen” with (funding code 02P18X010).
The project consortium comprises partners including WIBU-Systems, LMI – Laser Melting Innovations, RWTH Aachen Lehrstuhl Digital Additive Production, Beijing University of Technology, Xi’an Bright Laser Technologies (BLT), Nanjing 1001 Automation Technology, and Beijing Aerospace Smart Manufacturing Technology Development.
Encrypted data transmission opens doors for secure outsourcing
While additive manufacturing seamlessly integrates with major trends like the Industrial Metaverse, Smart Services, and Digitalization within the manufacturing sector, ensuring security poses a significant challenge. This concern escalates with the growing trend of outsourcing additive manufacturing processes.
To tackle this issue, the consortium prioritized the development of a platform aimed at guaranteeing the secure transmission of design data to service providers, effectively mitigating the risks of interception, compromise, or manipulation of critical information. Utilizing the Open Vector Format (OVF), which originated from researchers at the DAP Chair and the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), forms the cornerstone of the development strategy for the ProCloud3D platform.
This format facilitates laser control flexibility and the effective management of production data and metadata across different PBF machines. For ensuring seamless real-time data transmission with robust encryption, a dedicated streaming protocol was devised. Additionally, the platform’s security is reinforced through the implementation of digital rights management and end-to-end encryption mechanisms.
On the hardware side, a machine interface developed by the project handles layer-wise control commands received from the cloud. Meanwhile, the streaming protocol dictates the data access permissions, determining the quantity of ordered components permitted for manufacturing.
Cloud platform empowers businesses with AM capabilities
As per RWTH, the consortium’s achievement in successfully manufacturing a demonstrator through the secure stream is a notable milestone. Looking ahead, the focus will shift towards readying the cloud-based platform for widespread adoption in the market. This effort entails ensuring compatibility of the hardware interface with various equipment manufacturers and granting access to universally applicable cloud-based software services customized for specific PBF-LB/M processes.
Enterprises spanning diverse sectors are now presented with the chance to harness AM benefits devoid of hefty investments in machinery or specialized process expertise. Through the outsourcing of manufacturing operations to a secure cloud-based platform, companies can effectively unlock the potential of additive manufacturing while safeguarding data security and integrity.
Enhanced AM security
Ensuring security in AM processes is essential for protecting intellectual property, maintaining product quality, securing the supply chain, complying with regulations, and fostering trust in the technology. By addressing security concerns, companies can fully leverage the benefits of AM while mitigating associated risks.
For instance, industrial 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys unveiled ProtectAM, a data security platform improving 3D printing cybersecurity for U.S. government and defense applications. It meets strict government requirements for continuous information processing, including the Defense Information System Agency’s Security Technical Implementation Guide.
ProtectAM ensures sensitive data protection across the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) 3D printer network, compliant with government standards. It extends 3D printing applications beyond R&D settings, forming distributed networks in military bases. Built on certified Red Hat Enterprise Linux, it enables secure, rapid 3D printing of mission-critical parts locally.
Employing patented technology from DEFEND3D, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) aimed to combat cybercrime and intellectual property theft during remote 3D printing operations. Instead of transmitting entire 3D files, the technology enables live-streaming of digital assets to 3D printers in real-time, delivering only essential printing information before promptly erasing it. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data and enhances security throughout the printing process.
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Featured image shows the logo of the ProCloud3D project manufactured via stream through the developed cloud-based platform. Photo via RWTH DAP.
