14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Research is trying to get 3D printing one step further, announcing a project that could embed coded tags into any resulting object.
Simply called InfraStructs, the developed prototype is supposed to eliminate the need for electronic chips or bar codes used to protect a specific product. Using specially created devices, manufacturers can automatically scan the printed object and read its coded tag, Microsoft explained.
“The benefit of such an approach is that manufacturers can embed unique information—serial numbers or even simple programs—in coded tags by designing them as part of the 3-D printed product,” the company added.
“This overcomes the need to insert radio-frequency ID (RFID) tags or electronic chips, which add to manufacturing cost and complexity, or using bar codes, which must be applied externally and are vulnerable to tampering.”
3D printing appears to play a much more important role for Microsoft, as the company has already announced that it is offering support for such tech in Windows 8.1.