Quick Response Codes in 3D-Printed Structures

So far, schemes to authenticate genuine products have relied on traditional methods such as stamping a serial number or tracking code on the parts’ surface, but they are easy to remove or duplicate. Researchers from the New York University have developed an intriguing alternative. Led by Prof. Nikhil Gupta, a team of researchers from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering and NYU Abu Dhabi converted quick response (QR) codes, bar codes, and other passive tags into 3D features hidden within the part in a way that they does not compromise the part’s integrity. This embedded code is scanned by a micro-computed tomography scanner for authentication purposes.