Is Thingiverse's Business Model a Bad One?

[Roxy]

To be specific, there is one issue we all are going to have to face at some point and that is ABS Smoothing. Apparently someone got a patent for it, smoothing ABS with Acetone vapor. Anyone who works with ABS knows that Acetone is a solvent for it and smooths it. A patent for that is like getting a patent for cleaning your paint brush by running it under the sink.

If there really is a patent filed on this... My guess is it is valid. The reason is this: Much of the 3D-Printer work is happening on the internet and there is discussion on every topic in the 3D-Printer forums. If this patent got filed, the process to invalidate it would involve finding prior art. If you find a post in some forum talking about smoothing ABS with acetone vapor prior to when they filed the patent, it is over. My guess is they wouldn't spend the money to pursue a patent unless they really were first.

It will be an interesting one to watch!