New Innovation

The diagram of a patent for Samsung Electronics' multicolor ink for 3D printing approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Diagram via US Patent and Trademark Office.
The diagram of a patent for Samsung Electronics' multicolor ink for 3D printing approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Diagram via US Patent and Trademark Office.

 

Samsung Electronics has been granted a patent for 3D printing by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Since the company has reiterated that it doesn't have any intention to enter the 3D printing business, it is possible that this patent is actually not related to its business. However, some in the industry are saying that Samsung might penetrate the market, as the patent in question can be utilized in the fields of materials, fashion, and design, in addition to 3D printing.  

According to the USPTO on Sept. 23, Samsung was granted a patent for multicolor ink for 3D printing this year, after filing it first last year.

After 3D printing started to receive attention as a future growth industry, the local industry has been paying attention to the Korean tech giant. The attention is due to the anticipation that if Samsung, which has a competitive advantage in manufacturing, enters the 3D printing business, the nation can stay one step ahead of other countries in the 3D printing market. The company, on the other hand, has continued to saying, "We are not planning to enter the 3D printing business."

Nevertheless, Samsung seems to be examining a lot of possibilities, including 3D printing, in order to develop future technologies. The company is conducting research on future technologies for 3D printing, robots, virtual reality devices, and driverless cars by creating a separate team, according to overseas media outlets like SamMobile. Various kinds of experts consisting of strategies, product managers, and technicians are included in the team.

An industry source noted, "Currently-available 3D printers are mainly using solid colors, but it is possible to print in a variety of colors with multicolor inks." The source added, "Only a small number of fashion or design companies have technology for 3D printing in multicolor inks. Samsung's patent seems to be based on its own technology."

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