Autentica has partnered with the National Composites Centre (NCC), part of the UK High Value Manufacturing Catapult, to validate a secure digital thread platform for distributed additive manufactur...

Autentica has partnered with the National Composites Centre (NCC), part of the UK High Value Manufacturing Catapult, to validate a secure digital thread platform for distributed additive manufacturing. Supported by Innovate UK, this feasibility project focuses on creating a secure workflow that links design files, machine instructions, and production records to protect intellectual property. The platform utilizes encrypted file streaming and tamper-proof audit trails to enable secure collaboration across decentralized manufacturing environments. This initiative aims to lower the barrier to entry for UK-based SMEs by providing a robust framework for managing sensitive digital assets throughout the production lifecycle.

The adoption of distributed additive manufacturing is frequently hindered by concerns regarding the security of digital design files and the integrity of production data. By integrating blockchain-based security, Autentica addresses the critical need for IP protection and traceability in supply chains where design files must be shared between OEMs and third-party service bureaus. This approach competes with centralized PLM and MES solutions that often lack specialized, decentralized security protocols for AM-specific workflows. As manufacturers move toward more agile, localized production models, the ability to guarantee data authenticity and prevent unauthorized tampering becomes a prerequisite for scaling industrial AM operations.

This partnership provides a practical testbed for verifying how blockchain-based security can integrate with existing industrial manufacturing workflows. For SMEs, the success of this project will depend on the platform's ability to maintain low-latency data transmission without adding significant overhead to the production process. Future adoption will rely on demonstrating that these security measures can be seamlessly integrated into standard manufacturing execution systems without disrupting existing machine communication protocols.