Legal aspects of additive manufacturing processes
Additive manufacturing processes not only bring with them unimagined technical possibilities, but also new legal issues. The various steps in manufacturing have different legal aspects and pitfalls. The new guideline VDI 3405 Sheet 5.1 addresses the issue along the process chain.
Additive manufacturing processes have the aim to improve existing CAD-data directly and quickly into workpieces without manual detours.
Guideline VDI 3405 Sheet 5.1 elaborates the legal responsibilities and issues of typical process steps in additive manufacturing
To clarify the basics, the following can be found in VDI 3405 Sheet 5.1 also an explanatory description of the process chain and the file formats and file types assigned to the individual steps. This general basic information and the detailed knowledge contained at the same time also facilitate the cooperation of lawyers and technicians, who both belong to the target groups of the guideline. The guideline provides lawyers with the necessary know-how for the legal evaluation of the technical aspects. Technicians and planners, designers and service providers are put in a position to overview the legal implications of the individual production steps and also to draft legally compliant contracts.
Scope of the VDI 3405 Sheet 5.1 are the legal implications in additive manufacturing technology. The guideline contains basic information on the flow of process chains. It also describes quality management in additive manufacturing. Other parts are contracts and liability in connection with additive manufacturing technology. The guideline also deals with issues of data protection and ownership of data. It also addresses the changed legal situation regarding "reverse engineering". In connection with this, the guideline also presents the legal obligation to implement technical protective measures in detail. The documentation of processes and process steps in additive manufacturing is also explained in more detail.
Issuer of the Directive VDI 3405 Sheet 5.1 "Additive Manufacturing Processes - Legal Aspects of the Process Chain" is the VDI Society for Production and Logistics (GPL). The guideline was published as a draft in January 2020 and can be ordered at a price of EUR 91.50 from the Beuth Publishing House can be ordered. VDI members receive a 10 percent discount on all VDI guidelines. Online orders are available at www.beuth.de or www.vdi.de/3405 possible.
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The possibility to contribute to the shaping of the Directive through comments exists by using the electronic appeals portal or by written notification to the issuing company (gpl@vdi.de). The objection period ends on 30.06.2020. VDI guidelines can be used in many public display free of charge.
