A team of Indian-origin researchers has found cybersecurity risks in two aspects of 3D printing.
In 3D printing, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) files are what designers use to create, modify, analyze, or optimize designs.
“These are potential hotbeds for attacks that could have devastating consequences for users in the end product, and financial implications in the form of recalls and lawsuits.”
Nikhil Gupta of New York University said.
The design cuts through the manufacturing software and orients the printer head. The printer then applies the material in very thin layers. The researchers said that the orientation of the product during printing could make as much as a 25 percent difference in its strength.
“Without clear direction from the design team, the best orientation for the printer is the one that minimizes material usage and maximizes the number of parts you can print in one run,” he said.
“With the growth of cloud-based and decentralized manufacturing environments, it is important that all actors within the manufacturing supply chain are aware of the unique challenges presented to avoid a significant risk to product reliability.”
Ramesh Karri, of NYU, said
the researchers noted that a hacker could hack into an Internet-connected printer to introduce internal flaws at print time.
Gupta added:
"With 3D printed objects, such as metal molds that are made to be used as molds and are used in high temperature and pressure conditions, defects like these can ultimately cause failure.".
