---
title: "UK blockchain platform addresses IP protection in additive manufacturing"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/uk-blockchain-platform-addresses-ip-protection-in-additive-manufacturing/
date: 2026-03-30
modified: 2026-03-30
lang: en
author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe"
description: "A blockchain-based platform designed to protect intellectual property in additive manufacturing has been validated by the UK’s National Composites Centre (NCC). The validation paves the way toward a broader adoption..."
categories:
  - "AM Software"
  - "Encryption"
  - "Workflow/MES/MOS"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Autentica-01-640x400.jpg
word_count: 414
---

# UK blockchain platform addresses IP protection in additive manufacturing

A blockchain-based platform designed to protect intellectual property in additive manufacturing has been validated by the UK’s National Composites Centre (NCC). The validation paves the way toward a broader adoption of AM among smaller manufacturers who, to date, have been wary of sharing digital design files.

The system, developed by London-based company Autentica with support from [Innovate UK](https://www.voxelmatters.com/amfg-and-imperial-college-london-awarded-innovate-uk-funding/), uses encrypted file streaming, tamper-proof audit trails, and secure handling of design assets to protect intellectual property while enabling collaboration across distributed supply chains. Autentica say it "connects OEMs, print farms, and buyers through a blockchain-authenticated marketplace for certified 3D printed parts".

The secure digital thread links design files, machine instructions, and production records, allowing companies to work with distributed production partners while retaining control of their assets.

## IP concerns have slowed AM adoption

Some manufacturers have held back from wider use of AM due to [concerns about data tampering, traceability and the secure transmission of design files across decentralized production environments](https://www.voxelmatters.com/bambu-lab-launches-trust-center-to-provide-complete-security-and-privacy-documentation/). The issue is particularly relevant in aerospace, defence and advanced engineering, where components may be produced across multiple sites and strict traceability is required.

![UK blockchain platform addresses IP protection in additive manufacturing](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Autentica-02-340x340.jpg)

According to [reporting by TheBusinessDesk](https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/south-west/news/38102-blockchain-platform-tackles-ip-concerns-in-3d-printing-with-help-from-bristols-ncc), around 20% of firms in London reported using additive manufacturing, while in the north west of the UK adoption amongst SMEs reached 17.1%, against a national average of approximately 11%.

“One of the biggest challenges in additive manufacturing is protecting design files while enabling distributed production. Our platform enables manufacturers to securely transmit print instructions and maintain a verifiable record of every stage of production,” stated Uros Kostelac, Chief Technology Officer at Autentica.

“Additive manufacturing has great potential for UK supply chains,” said Irma Gilbert, Founder of Autentica. “But many SMEs remain cautious due to concerns about intellectual property and the secure handling of design files. Our aim is to develop a trusted digital infrastructure that makes additive manufacturing both safe and accessible for smaller manufacturers.”

Using its testbed facilities, the NCC validated the system against secure file transmission, traceability of print instructions, and protection of digital design assets, all done within real AM workflows.

“Secure digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly vital as manufacturing processes become more dispersed and data-driven. Through our testbed capabilities, we can evaluate how solutions like Autentica's digital thread can help SME manufacturers adopt additive manufacturing with greater confidence in the security and integrity of their production data,” said Marc Funnell, Senior Chief Engineer at NCC.

The platform is now set to progress to further industry testing and pilot deployments.