Autodrop3d Automatic part ejector licencing
At Autodrop3d, we embrace open source and have created and contributed to many open source projects related to 3D printing and design tools. Unfortunately, this neither pays the bills nor keeps the lights on...
Additionally, we feel that many aspects of the patenting system in the United States are broken; abused by large corporations to stifle innovation by potential competitors. To this end, we've gone through the expense and effort necessary to protect the Autodrop3d automatic part ejector. This is both a defensive move to prevent another company from locking up the IP like what MakerBot did with the automatic build plate system (See this article to understand the problem https://hackaday.com/2013/10/23/3d-printering-a-call-for-an-open-source-automated-build-platform/). While numerous patents for 3D print ejection processes exist, there are very few compatible printers available to small-scale businesses and consumers. 3D Printing is most useful in prototyping and small-scale manufacturing efforts, where the costs of injection molding are not justified. This is why Autodrop3d is trying something unusual. We intend to provide this automatic ejection technology for companies and individuals at a reasonable cost to help recoup the expenses we've made to protect this technology for innovators and end-users. Call us crazy for using the patent system to enable smaller manufacturers instead of stifling innovation in the space. We are proud to invite any manufacturers who wish to use this technology to purchase licences right here via our store. Larger manufactures seeking bulk licensing are encouraged to reach out to us directly. If you are an individual who would like a license and can't afford the license fee use this form to receive one free licence to be used by hobbyists. This is non-transferable and applicable to a single machine and intended to allow hobbyists to tinker and possibly turn a home gown project in to a viable business. If you plan start start selling printers licences can be ordered from the shop on https://autodrop3d.com/ website. |
Autodrop3d Automatic Part Ejector OEM Unit Licence
$10.00
The Autodrop3d automatic part ejector patent licence is sold as a sticker that is applied to the finished product. Finished product packaging must also be marked "US Patent number 11045988, OEM LicenceĀ from Autodrop3d llc". One sticker is required per print bed on a machine. If a machine has multiple print beds one sticker is required per print bed. An example of a machine that would require multiple licence stickers is a build cell that combines six 3d printers each with there own ejecting print bed. In this example each bed would require a licence sticker. This is intended to enable any 3d printer manufacture to include the Autodrop3d patented automatic part ejector in printers they sell. For bulk licencing please contact us to work out a larger scale licencing arrangement. After purchase you will be contacted to electronically sign the Autodrop3d OEM manufactures agreement. If we already have one on file for you no further action will be needed to order more licences except to purchase more licence stickers using this item from the Autodrop3d store. |