Additive Manufacturing Serialization via Density Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for uniquely identifying additively manufactured parts are susceptible to counterfeiting, as labels can be removed or replicated, and internal marks are difficult to verify without destructive examination.

Innovation Solution

A method involving additive manufacturing that creates a unique identifying mark by altering process parameters to achieve distinct density variations within the structure, making it virtually impossible to replicate or remove, and using non-destructive techniques like x-ray or CT scans to verify the mark.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a label or stamp is applied to the surface of a part, then the part can be identified, but the identifier can be removed or replicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier securityVSAvoididentification method simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The identifier is extracted from the surface and placed inside the bulk of the part through additive manufacturing. The serial number is embedded within the material structure itself, making it impossible to remove or replicate without destroying the part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The identifier is merged with the part structure itself. The serial number pattern is integrated into the material deposition process, combining the identification function with the structural material in a single unified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a pattern is formed within a layer or between layers, then an identifiable mark is created, but the mark can still be counterfeited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeiting preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes random variations in material density as the identification mark. By controlling deposition parameters to create statistically unique density patterns, the system achieves unreplicable identifiers without complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The identifier is formed through variations in material density and porosity within the part structure. The random distribution of denser and less dense regions creates a unique fingerprint that is inherent to the material structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Reliability

If density variations are created within the structure, then a unique identifier is formed, but verification requires non-destructive examination techniques

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier uniquenessVSAvoidmark verification difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical inspection methods with non-destructive imaging techniques. X-ray or CT scanning is used to visualize the internal density variations, substituting mechanical examination with electromagnetic radiation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9626608B2Additive manufactured serialization

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 BATTELLE SAVANNAH RIVER ALLIANCE LLC

AI summary

Methods for forming an identifying mark in a structure are described. The method is used in conjunction with an additive manufacturing method and includes the alteration of a process parameter during the manufacturing process. The method can form in a unique identifying mark within or on the surface of a structure that is virtually impossible to be replicated. Methods can provide a high level of confidence that the identifying mark will remain unaltered on the formed structure.