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3D printing is a little like the wild west in spirit. You can reproduce just about any part, which could be a huge money saver for a lot of people. It’s a shame that companies are trying to stop people from doing it.
Automotive enthusiasts have been using 3D printers to create mods or replaceable parts for their cars at home. Unfortunately, some carmakers aren’t a big fan of this approach. Honda caught them red-handed for 3D printing car parts and is now taking action against them by removing their listings from databases.
Previously, makers were allowed to 3D print replacement parts, including washer fluid caps, hood latches, roof latch handles, and key housings, via Printables, a community-built model database. Rob Stumpf, who frequently 3D printed parts for his Honda Accord, discovered that his creation was removed from Printables. Stumpf didn’t think it was a big deal until he read some Reddit posts discussing models for other Honda vehicles that were removed.
Stumpf then uncovered that Honda’s lawyers instructed Prusa, the company operating Printables, to take down any Honda models. In a letter, Honda demanded the take-down of “any model which used ‘Honda’ in the listing, the model itself, or one of several trademarks/logos also associated with Honda.” According to a Prusa employee’s forum post, this was the first time the site was “threatened by lawyers of such a big company.” Various model databases were also ordered to be taken down.
Prusa is now working toward re-listing the models on the database. All the models are currently marked as hidden rather than deleted, making it easier to re-add to the listing if Honda grants permission. The post also states that Prusa could work with Honda to grant permission to re-add the models with different names, making it seem as if Honda didn’t manufacture them.
Even then, removing these models could potentially carry some financial burdens. Some Honda parts modeled on Printables cannot be purchased in the US, so it’s far more expensive to obtain. 3D printing provided a more affordable, quicker solution for parts replacement versus importing methods.
I suppose when it comes to vehicles, it may be safer to avoid 3D printed parts. What do you all think about this?
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