"China's influence perceived as the key factor in the demise of open-source, desktop 3D printing, according to Prusa CEO's statement"

In the world of 3D printing, a shift in the landscape is becoming increasingly apparent. This transformation, according to Josef Prusa, head of Prusa Research, signals the end of open hardware desktop 3D printing.

Prusa argues that Chinese firms are effectively locking down technology that was meant to be shared. One such case involves the Chinese company Anycubic, which secured a US patent on a multicolor hub that appears similar to the MMU system Prusa first released in 2016.

The open source movement in 3D printing once thrived on shared designs, community projects, and collaboration across borders. However, the change in the industry is attributed to the Chinese government labeling 3D printing a "strategic industry" in 2020. This decision has led to the surge in local patent filings in China on designs that trace back to open source projects.

China provides its firms with grants, subsidies, and easier credit, making it much cheaper to manufacture 3D printers there than in Europe or North America. This cost gap has encouraged a surge of local filings on designs that trace back to open source projects.

Registering a patent in China costs as little as $125, while challenging one ranges from $12,000 to $75,000. This discrepancy in patent costs creates obstacles far beyond Europe's market borders.

Prusa Research, a company that once championed open designs, is now facing challenges due to the proliferation of patents on open source designs in China. The company's newest printers, including the MK4 and Core ONE, now restrict access to key electronic designs. The Nextruder system in these printers is fully proprietary.

Meanwhile, Prusa Research is not alone in its legal battles. Bambu Lab faces separate legal battles with Stratasys, the American pioneer in 3D printing. The surge in local patent filings in China on designs that trace back to open source projects has led to ongoing disputes within the 3D printing industry.

A patent in China does not block Prusa from selling in Europe, but it prevents access to the Chinese market. Prusa's earlier machines, such as the Original i3, were easy to copy, with entire guides appearing online just months after release. However, the current climate of patent protection is making it difficult for open source designs to thrive.

A study from the Rhodium Group describes the economic support China gives to its firms in the 3D printing industry. The surge in local patent filings and the subsequent legal battles highlight the pressures facing the open hardware movement in 3D printing. Declaring the end of open hardware may be dramatic, but the pressures are real.

In conclusion, the 3D printing industry is experiencing a significant shift as Chinese firms lock down technology that was meant to be shared. The erosion of the foundation of open collaboration is a concern for companies like Prusa Research, which once championed open designs. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen how the open source movement will adapt to these challenges.

"China's influence perceived as the key factor in the demise of open-source, desktop 3D printing, according to Prusa CEO's statement"