Three dimensional (3D) printed objects with embedded identification (ID) elements

A printed 3D object adapted to be difficult to copy, comprising:

• an outer shell comprising a plurality of print layers formed using a first print material;
• an interior portion providing infill of a void space within the outer shell;
• and
• an ID element integrally formed with the interior portion providing the infill of the void space,
• wherein the ID element is positioned at a location within the void space and is spaced apart from the outer shell, and
• wherein the location of the ID element corresponds with a predefined location in a 3D model of the printed 3D object defined by a digital print file or corresponds with location data in ID records of a validity database.

A method of validating authenticity of printed 3D objects, comprising:

• receiving a validation query, from a user device, comprising ID data for a printed 3D object, wherein the ID data comprises data gathered by an ID sensor sensing an ID element of the printed 3D object and wherein the ID element is enclosed by an outer shell of the printed 3D object;
• searching ID records of a database for a match to the ID data, wherein the ID records include unique identifiers for a plurality of objects previously authorized for fabrication with 3D printing;
• and
• when the ID data is matched in the searching step to one of the ID records, generating a response to the validation query that includes a validation of the printed 3D object as an authentic printed object,
• wherein the ID data includes a location of the ID element in the printed 3D object, and
• wherein the searching ID records further includes comparing location data in the ID records for a match to the location in the ID data.