Founded at the end of 2022, S.A.M (Signature & Authentification des Matériaux) is a young French company born of the encounter between materials science and digital technology. Established by two researchers, S.A.M’s mission is to fight counterfeiting and protect sensitive data through innovative technology based on 3D printing.
At the heart of this solution are objects called tokens: genuine 3D-printed physical keys, capable of holding confidential information such as proof of ownership, serial numbers or secure access. This system enables everyone to produce their own protection, simply, autonomously and completely offline. We spoke to Cédric Prins, President of S.A.M, to find out more.
3DN: Could you introduce the company and your link with additive manufacturing?
S.A.M (Signature & Authentification des Matériaux) was created at the end of 2022, based on the research work of co-founders Samuel Kenzari (CNRS) and Sylvain Lefebvre (INRIA). Both have been developing new materials and shaping algorithms for various additive technologies for many years in their respective laboratories (Institut Jean Lamour and Loria). As a result, the company offers a unique solution, the result of 8 years of R&D, combining materials and digital sciences, not only to combat counterfeiting, but also to secure sensitive data without cyber risks.
3DN: What does the solution you’ve developed involve?
It’s a “phygital” solution combining the physical and the digital to create a unique 3D-printed device. We call this device a “token”, which should be considered as a physical key. The aim is to enable everyone to produce their own protection, certificates of authenticity, ownership and secure badges, with absolute confidentiality. As the solution can operate offline, without a database, the security of secret data is extreme. When we talk about sensitive data, we’re talking about serial numbers, URL links, proof of ownership… anything that can be used to certify possession of an original product, or simply to validate that a person is authorized to activate functions or access secure areas. It’s a disruptive approach to the way we produce, secure and use our own authorizations and secrets.
In practical terms, protecting data, instructions or functions involves first encoding them and converting them into G-code, which is then printed onto a token. The resulting 3D token intrinsically carries confidential information. This information is “stored” in both the volume and surface of the object. It’s a form of memory broken down into two zones (volume and surface). The surface code can be decrypted in different modes (private with key, public without key) using our mobile application.
The token can be used, for example, as a certificate of authenticity and ownership for a precious bracelet or any other high-value object that needs to be physically tokenized. The printed object/certificate is inherently anti-counterfeiting, with the particularity of being unique (a level of uniqueness similar to the iris of the eye) and bearing your ownership and secret keys. Authentication (data decryption) is based on the random uniqueness of the signatures and physical properties of each token, without a database and off-line, guaranteeing maximum security against attacks, fraud and counterfeiting.
3DN: What technology(ies) and materials do you use to design your 3D-printed secure token?
Today, our token can be widely distributed, with no technological barrier to entry. Our tokens can be printed using material deposition technology and a reel of S.A.M. coding material, so you can print your own tokens (or parts) in just a few minutes. The process is simple, similar to click & collect. All you need is a double-headed FDM printer, a spool of S.A.M coding material, a dedicated application for generating G-codes and a physical 3D token decoder.
This solution is now accessible without the need to be an expert in 3D printing, materials or digital technology, or even to make major investments. Whether it’s the shape of the token or the material, the whole package can be tailored to the specific needs of the targeted applications. And for those who don’t want to produce their own tokens, we can produce and customize them, without ever compromising security or knowing the printed secrets.
3DN: What are the advantages of 3D printing in your field over traditional manufacturing methods?
Our technology must exist with 3D printing. Not only is it the means of producing tokens, but it’s also the means of mass-customizing tokens. 3D printing is therefore the strength of this solution, making it accessible and autonomously customizable.
On the other hand, it is possible to use conventional techniques (engraving, 2D printing, embroidery, etc.) to deport only the visual surface code (labyrinth), without compromising the security of the solution, as it is always the volume material code of the 3D printed token that enables this surface code to be decoded.
3DN: How do you see the evolution of 3D printing in the field of security?
3D printing raises well-known security issues linked to counterfeiting and the plundering of intellectual property and works of the mind. It’s important to protect assets, to be able to certify production, and to trace and identify the entire manufacturing and quality process. Today, we are providing a new building block to effectively combat these potentially risky and dangerous aspects for brands, manufacturers and users alike.
3DN: Any last words for our readers?
The S.A.M solution is described in detail on our signaturesam.com website. We’d be delighted to talk to readers to explore how our technology can meet their authentication and security challenges. Don’t hesitate to contact us: our team is ready to support your projects!
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*All Photo Credits: S.A.M
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