Stratasys Sues Bambu Lab Over Patents Used Widely By Consumer 3D Printers

Stratasys, a leading 3D printing company, has filed a lawsuit against Bambu Lab, a consumer-focused 3D printer manufacturer, alleging patent infringement. The lawsuit claims that Bambu Lab infringes upon 10 patents owned by Stratasys, including those related to heated build platforms and purge towers, which are crucial technologies used in 3D printing. Heated beds prevent warping and shrinking of models during printing, while purge towers allow for multicolor printing by facilitating filament color changes. The lawsuit also targets fundamental technologies like force detection and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which are common in entry-level and intermediate 3D printers. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact the 3D printing industry, potentially affecting other manufacturers who utilize similar technologies. The lawsuit highlights the importance of patent protection in the rapidly evolving 3D printing market. The use of purge towers and heated beds are common features in consumer-grade 3D printers, making the lawsuit potentially impactful for the entire industry.