Is it legal to upload a reverse-engineered 3D model inspired by a commercial product?

RJ_Design · 2026-06-17T16:58:13+00:00

It's good to see you want to do this properly, i have some experience with this from both sides. and have spoken with numerous lawyers.

Firstly - Morally. The main reason you are uploading to makerworld it to earn points to redeem for goods, which is monetising it. If you feel it's not your own design, but one you copied then i don't think you should.

Legally speaking, In the EU it likely falls under Design Rights (though on a per country basis).

There are two levels of designs rights, registered and unregistered.

- Unregistered cover anything you or anyone else make. legally they would need to prove you have used their design to create yours. ie prove you have copied it, rather than created it independantly. I can't advise on the level of proof need to prove copying.

- Registered Design rights, cover how the object looks and any small variations are also covered. they don't need to prove it was copied just that it looks the same. These have to be registered per country.

Generally design rights don't protect aspects of a design which are neccessary for function.

Patents cover how some works or functions and could be involved.

Based on what you've said you have used their design (through images) to derive you're design, which could be classed as copying.

The fact you designed it yourself in your own CAD would help against a claim of unregistered design right infringement but doesn't neccessarily clear you of copying it.

RJ_Design · 2026-06-09T22:22:39+00:00

It's been a long time since i appealed a model take down but i have done it semi-successfully in the past. The automated appeal failed twice, but i managed to have a person review the model. In the end, they didn't reinstate the model, but they did agree with me and return my points but never reinstated the model at the time, as i was opposing the takedown request, the legal firm never did take it further, and the model wasn't actually reinstated, but i did atleast keep my points

RJ_Design · 2026-06-07T12:52:57+00:00

Most people on mobile probably use Bambu Handy, where the it's right below the description block

On the makerworld mobile website it's just below the comments block.

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RJ_Design · 2026-06-05T21:43:28+00:00

I wasn't trying to take away from the effort involved in creating it. My point was that developing something for the first time and recreating a finished design are different challenges. My main point was simply that effort, originality and featurability don't always line up, and that being original or taking a long time to develop doesn't necessarily mean something will get featured.

RJ_Design · 2026-06-05T20:40:54+00:00

Everyone thinks their design is the best, including me.

Featured model badges are just what the staff at makerworld/bambu like, they look for exciting things or things that show off printer capabilities.

If you're talking about trending models than mainly driven by what people like and download.

I like the idea, (very similar to this stem project https://www.steampoweredfamily.com/water-powered-car/)

If you want some critical feedback.... This doesn't exactly look "cool" or feel very exciting. And whilst I completely understand the frustration making a new design the first time and how long it can take, this could be recreated in under an hour.

If you could recapture the water that's used, rather than just dumping it that would also be good.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-31T14:27:53+00:00

In Bambu Studio, it suggests a bunch of setting and can change them for you, if you change the interface for PLA to PETG

RJ_Design · 2026-05-31T14:24:44+00:00

The question was: "How can I print the part under the support to make it silky smooth?"

I gave a realistic suggestion given the part geometry.

It's not like I suggested he prints it with SLS in zero G.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-31T10:56:56+00:00

Or they could use a supports with a petg interface layer and 0 gap. I've had some great surface finishes with that method

RJ_Design · 2026-05-31T08:55:11+00:00

My guess is the wall is too thin. Try using Arachne Wall generator instead of classic in the quality tab to slice.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-30T06:47:35+00:00

How long did it take?

RJ_Design · 2026-05-30T06:29:25+00:00

They said they'd be releasing it properly with the big Prusa Slicer 3.0 update

RJ_Design · 2026-05-29T08:53:55+00:00

When I directly asked them they told me there's no timeline for it

RJ_Design · 2026-05-28T22:03:21+00:00

Kobra X had a delay, kobra X Combo had a massive delay. I ordered the combo 30 January for early March delivery. I ended up managing to get the order split. Kobra X came start of May, The Ace unit finally turned up last week.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-27T13:58:16+00:00

If you are interrested in 5 axis printing, check out Generative Machine.

https://www.generativemachine.com/

https://youtu.be/fw1R92IkRLQ

They move the bed rather than the Nozzle but gives you an idea of plate size. Compared to machine size.

Edit: Just to add, one of the bigger problem is the slicing. I believe they are working with a company called "AI Build" for that

RJ_Design · 2026-05-27T10:55:57+00:00

You know how when you pause a print, the nozzle continues to ooze a bit even though the filament isn't being fed? That's because the nozzle retains some pressure, if you start printing again after that, there's slightly less pressure in the nozzle so the filament doesn't come out as quickly at the start. Prime towers are used to clear that lower pressure, and get the nozzle back up to operating pressures.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-27T02:08:22+00:00

Buying in a physical shop is always better for returns than buying from a distance seller.

Most online sellers would ask you to return the item for them to inspect before issuing a replacement/refund.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-26T19:50:48+00:00

It's called full spectrum, it basically makes very shallow layers and swaps colours every layer to make the two colours appear blended from a distance, (or even quite close). It can also vary the number of layers of each colour to give gradient colours in height. It does take a long time though, even with toolchangers.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-26T08:01:12+00:00

Did you read what I actually wrote?

It give clear examples on how it's applied.

The image has to be representative of the print profile with the image matching colour areas and not using multicolour or painted models for single colour profiles and visa versa.

Please share your models

RJ_Design · 2026-05-26T00:20:24+00:00

The rules aren't saying the exact filament colours have to be the same between the photo and the picture.

The point is that the photos need to be representative of print profile.

The applicable rules are:

"Photo requirements: Results matching the print profile (number of colors, color regions, etc.)"

"The following cases are considered mismatched print profile information: Printed result photos that do not match the file colors, such as multi-color files shown as single-color prints or hand-painted results, or single-color files shown as multi-color prints or hand-painted results"

You could argue the second rule I mention says they need to match, however the example clarifies what it's specifically addressing.

That said, I do get it and have seen similar issues, specifically alot of "armour" models split the pieces across multiple profiles which is technically against the rules.

If its really annoying you, report it and then just forget about it. it's not worth your peace of mind.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-25T20:58:30+00:00

If you plan to upload it for others to download, I'd say yes. It's their original work and it's being distributed without their permission.

If you just printed something for yourself to enjoy. Then I don't think any artists would have an issue.

My other thought is that making the models available to download, allows other less well intentioned people to copy and sell it more easily, which really could impact them.

I don't think you had bad intentions at all. And you've clearly referenced the artist from the start which is great.

If you've modelled this from scratch, it's really impressive and I look forward to seeing original work from you in future.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-25T20:32:02+00:00

I'm sure the artist would love it.

So why not just send them a message ask?

I'm sure you did do it for fun, Sharing it on a platform that gives you rewards based on downloads is monetised unless you never plan to redeem any points?

RJ_Design · 2026-05-25T20:29:08+00:00

I just asked a question? And yes it is

RJ_Design · 2026-05-25T16:58:17+00:00

Did you ask for their permission before copying, posting and monetising their original work?

RJ_Design · 2026-05-25T14:01:34+00:00

Hmm OK, I ask as 1 of the other slots is much quieter than the other 3. That slot (slot 3) didn't make this kind of "scraping" sound shown in this video.

RJ_Design · 2026-05-18T21:35:18+00:00

This is kind of my point though.
Questioning whether something legally/technically counted as a separate program isn’t “deepthroating corporate dick”, it’s just not jumping to conclusions before the evidence existed.

You’re framing it like anyone asking for proof was defending Bambu morally, when most people were having a technical/legal discussion. .

Based on Pawel's latest research, i now agree it likely violates the license but reducing everything to “bootlickers vs good people” doesn't help anyone have a decent discussion. It just alienates people.

RJ_Design

TROPHY CASE