Abstract
For 3D printed objects, research into the knowledge of design has increased in the past decade due to advances in digitization and 3D printing technologies. This has resulted in increased concerns about Intellectual Property Right issues (IPR). The problem is the inability to achieve provenance for 3D printed objects because of the lack of reference point to the original. This paper presents on-going research into provenance of 3D printed objects, specifically for objects that have economical, historical and cultural value. The paper discusses the investigated components for a provenance framework of 3D printed objects that allows the transition of provenance between digital and physical objects. For instance any off the shelf products generally come in manufacturer packaging that provides information about the product. However with 3D printed objects there is no packaging and any information about the object is not present with the 3D printed object. Hence this paper provides a framework to maintain the provenance of the printed objects.