Creating a legal framework for 3D printing technology

Specific regulations are needed to ensure the development of 3D printing, and at the same time, to strictly handle violations.

3D printing machines and supplies are now produced in Vietnam, helping to significantly reduce printing costs. However, Vietnam needs effective solutions to make the most of 3D printing technology and avoid risks.

Multi-field applications

A year ago, Mr. M.'s game controller broke into pieces. To buy a new one, Mr. M. had to spend a lot of money. However, thanks to ordering 3D design and printing services online, he got a new controller at a low cost. In addition to the gaming community, people who like to collect miniature character models also benefit from 3D printing technology. With models imported from abroad, if a part is lost, missing or broken, just order a 3D printing service to "fix the problem".

Combined with 3D scanners and specialized software, especially with the power of artificial intelligence (AI), people can 3D print dolls and miniature statues that look like real people. In education, 3D printing serves the production of school supplies, children's toys... 3D printing can also create unique and personalized jewelry as gifts. Not simply personal items or household items, 3D printing technology has also expanded into industrial fields, such as automobile manufacturing, drones, ships, construction, medicine, military ... People have been able to use "vegetable powder" to 3D print foods such as meat, fish... with realistic flavors to serve "vegetarians".

In 2022, a group of students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education built a house using a 3D printer, 3 meters high, 27 square meters in area, including: living room, bedroom, bathroom. This house was designed according to the homestay model and completed after 30 hours of printing at a cost of about 50 million VND. In the medical field, 3D printing technology is widely applied, bringing many benefits to patients, especially in the treatment of trauma - orthopedics, dentistry, and biomedical materials. People have researched 3D printing of biological tissue with the expectation that in the future it will be possible to produce human body parts.

A few years ago, the Vietnam Military Technical Academy researched, mastered and developed domestic 3D metal printing technology. The Academy applied WAAM technology (using arc welding energy to melt metal filament materials and layer-by-layer material deposition with protective gas) to create products. This is an effective solution when manufacturing large-sized parts with relatively low equipment investment costs, suitable for domestic conditions.

3D printers are increasingly used in many families.

Risk Control

At a workshop on 3D printing technology organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Science and Technology Information and Statistics (CESTI), researchers assessed that the potential for applying this technology in a number of manufacturing fields in Vietnam is quite high and will continue to develop in the coming time.

However, the application and development of this technology also has "dark sides". The most common are concerns about copying and copyright - mainly in sculpture. In particular, with increasingly advanced printing technology, combined with the power of AI, the problem of copying works becomes more challenging. Even more worrying is the use of this technology by criminal groups to produce weapons that can cause damage. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF, under the US Department of Justice ) said that about 20,000 "ghost" guns were discovered by US law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations in 2022 (a 10-fold increase compared to 2016). In addition, 3D printing technology, which mainly relies on plastic materials, raises the problem of plastic waste from non-recyclable materials. That is why it is necessary to use it with awareness and responsibility to protect the environment, there are certain controls that must be followed. In addition, it is also necessary to promote the development and use of environmentally friendly and recyclable printing materials.

According to experts compiled by CESTI, to develop 3D printing technology in Vietnam, support from the Government and relevant ministries and sectors is needed. For example, when building a legal framework, it is necessary to clearly stipulate material standards, construction processes, and construction project acceptance... The legal framework must both ensure the development of 3D printing applications and thoroughly handle violations.

In addition, it is necessary to build human resources specializing in 3D printing technology; there is a connection between domestic and international experts.

Since 2022, 3D printing technology has been directed by the Government to be oriented and applied in the group of "new material technology" and "manufacturing - automation technology" in the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation Development to 2030 (Decision No. 569/QD-TTg dated May 11, 2022 of the Prime Minister). Previously, since 2020, 3D printing technology has been included by the Government in the List of priority technologies for research, development and application to proactively participate in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tao-khung-phap-ly-cho-cong-nghe-in-3d-196250913201952588.htm