The 3D Benchy: Why it is time to move on
The 3D Benchy, created in 2015 as a benchmarking tool for 3D printers, is licensed under CC-BY-ND, allowing commercial use but prohibiting derivative sharing. Let's explore recent controversies
In 3D printing, few models hold as much significance as the 3D Benchy. Created in 2015 by Daniel Norée and Paulo Kiefe at Creative Tools, this benchmark model has become a cornerstone for assessing the quality of 3D printers. It serves as a universal tool for testing and comparing printer performance, ensuring consistency and reliability across different devices. Maybe it is time to move on to a successor?
The Creation and Purpose
The 3D Benchy was born out of a need for a standardized method to evaluate 3D printing capabilities. Its creators envisioned it being widely adopted, allowing users to compare printers effectively. This model quickly became a staple in the industry, helping enthusiasts and professionals alike gauge print quality and accuracy.
Licensing Choices
To maintain its integrity as a reliable calibration tool, the creators chose a Creative Commons CC-BY-ND license. This allows for commercial distribution provided proper credit is given but prohibits the sharing of modified versions. The intention was clear: to ensure that the model remained consistent and unchanged, preserving its effectiveness as a benchmark.
Recent Controversies
However, this licensing choice has sparked controversy in recent years. Derivative models created by the community have been removed from platforms like Printables due to their status as derivatives under the CC-BY-ND license. This has led to frustration among users who feel constrained in their ability to innovate and adapt the model.
Adding complexity to this situation is the acquisition of Creative Tools by NTI Group in March 2024. Questions have arisen about ownership of the copyright and whether NTI is involved in the removal of derivative models. The community has expressed concerns, feeling that their creative freedom is being curtailed.
Community Concerns
The 3D printing community has reacted strongly to these developments. Many feel that the no-derivatives clause is overly restrictive, hindering creativity and limiting the model's adaptability. This sentiment has been echoed through various forums and discussions, with users citing specific examples of derivative models being taken down.
Legal and Trademark Challenges
Legal considerations further complicate the matter. Determining what constitutes a derivative work under copyright law versus an independent creation can be ambiguous. If the copyright holder pursues trademark protection for the 3D Benchy, it could lead to even more stringent restrictions, potentially targeting models that resemble the original design.
This uncertainty creates a challenging environment for creators who wish to build upon or adapt existing works while respecting intellectual property laws.
Platform Changes and Community Reaction
In response to these changes, the official 3D Benchy website (https://www.3dbenchy.com) temporarily went offline but has since returned. Meanwhile, the official YouTube channel remains unavailable, limiting access to supplementary content and updates. These platform changes have contributed to a sense of disconnection within the community.
The frustration is palpable, with many users feeling that their creative freedom is being curtailed. Calls for re-licensing under CC-Zero (a license allowing unrestricted use) have emerged, aiming to preserve the model's cultural significance and encourage open innovation.
Final Thoughts
The 3D Benchy benchmark model, once a symbol of unity in the 3D printing community, has become a source of division and debate. The licensing restrictions, coupled with recent platform changes and legal uncertainties, highlight the challenges of balancing intellectual property rights with the desire for creative freedom and collaboration.
As the community navigates these issues, it is clear that there is a need for dialogue and potential solutions that respect both the original creators' intentions and the broader community's aspirations for innovation and adaptation. Whether through re-licensing or other means, finding a balance that serves all stakeholders will be crucial in preserving the Benchy's role as a vital tool in the 3D printing community.
In the end, I would also be fine with moving on to a successor model, as the Benchy has come to years and is actually not anymore a real challenge for today's 3D printers.
Happy printing!
extrawitz
