Government Reviewing 3D Systems Patent

3D Systems, a Valencia maker of a machine that uses lasers and chemicals to rapidly produce models of parts, said one of its patents is being re-examined by the federal government at the request of chemical giant Du Pont Co.

3D said the review was sought to determine the scope of the patent in light of additional evidence “which may not have been considered” when the patent was granted. The patent is not the subject of a lawsuit, and the re-examination may take as long as three years to complete, 3D said.

3D Chairman Raymond Freed said the company’s lawyers “believe that the re-examination process will not significantly affect the scope of the patent.” He also said 3D is not aware of any activity by Du Pont in stereolithography, which is the process used by 3D’s machine.

The machine creates plastic models of parts by having a laser trace the parts in liquid chemicals, which turn solid when hit by the laser’s ultraviolet beam. 3D says the machine makes models much more rapidly than can be done with conventional materials such as clay or foam.