Open source advocate and materials scientist Joshua Pearce and his team at Michigan Technological University developed an open-source algorithm that identifies the obviousness and prior use of 3D printing materials. The academic paper thoroughly breaks down the concepts of the algorithm, how it works and why it needs to be used. It also provides two case studies proving its viability, one demonstrating how it can be used to refine the search for 3D printable materials with specific applications and properties. And a second demonstrating the use of the algorithm to evaluate published patent applications for signs of obviousness and overly broad claims. You can read more about this story over on 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/103675/3d-print-m...-ip-algorithm/