Intellectual Property Protection in Additive Layer Manufacturing: Requirements for Secure Outsourcing

Abstract

Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) is a new technology to produce 3D objects adding layer by layer. Agencies and companies like NASA, ESA, and SpaceX are exploring a broad range of application areas of ALM, which includes printing of device components, replacement parts, houses, and even food. They expect that this technology will greatly reduce production costs, manufacturing time, and necessary storage space. The broad variety of application areas and the high grade of computerization of this manufacturing process will inevitably make ALM an attractive target of various attacks. This research examines the problem of Intellectual Property (IP) protection in the case of outsourcing the ALM manufacturing process. We discuss the existing process and introduce a new model for the outsourcing of ALM-based production. For the proposed outsourcing model, focusing on IP protection, we present a risk assessment, specify requirements addressing mitigation of the identified risks, and outline approaches to implement the specified requirements. The fulfillment of the specified requirements will enable secure outsourcing of ALM production.