Mark Scheme 2

2. 3D printing
(a) (i) Identify two ways that a 2D image file can be input into the 3D printer
Answers may include:
software. [2]
 2D images imported imported into the 3D printer software
 2D images are opened by the 3D printer software
 2D file is converted into a format required by the 3D printer software by another file conversion program.

Award [1] for each way up to a maximum of [2].

(ii) Identify four of the steps required to produce Charlie’s replacement foot. [4]
Answers may include:
 images of the other duck's foot are imported into the 3D printer/modelling software
 the software creates a 3D image/model of the foot from the images
 the 3D image/model is edited to make it the same size as Charlie’s foot
 printer is loaded with the type of raw material needed for creating the foot
 the 3D image/model of the foot is sent to the 3D printer
 the 3D printer creates the replacement foot

Award [1] for each step up to a maximum of [4].

(b) Analyse Alejandro Toys’s decision to either use open source software or to purchase proprietary software to produce the company’s 3D toys. [6]

 open-source software is often free or low-cost, allowing the company to aquire more software within a limited budget / proprietary software may demand a higher level of investment by the company
 open-source software can be changed or customised to suit the company’s requirements – the source code is available for programmers to modify / proprietary software can only be modified by the manufacturer
 open-source software may have “bugs” that have not yet been reported which affect the company’s production (ie may take time to be fixed) / proprietary software manufacturers may release patches/bug-fixes on a regular basis
 open-source software may not have all the options/features needed by the company / proprietary software often has a greater range of options/features
 manufacturers of proprietary software can provide support and assistance to the company / open-source software often has limited support
 using open source software for producing the 3D toys may require hiring more programming staff to upgrade the software

[1–2]: A limited response that demonstrates minimal knowledge and understanding of the topic and uses little or no appropriate ITGS terminology. Only open-source software or proprietary software is explicitly referred to in the response.
[3–4]: A partial analysis, either lacking detail or balance, that demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the topic. Some relevant examples are used within the response. There is some use of appropriate ITGS terminology in the response. Both open-source software and proprietary software are explicitly or implicitly referred to in the response.
[5–6]: A balanced and detailed analysis of the issue which demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of the topic. Relevant examples are used throughout the response. There is appropriate ITGS terminology throughout the response. Both open-source software and proprietary software are explicitly referred to in the response.

(c) It is now possible to use a 3D printer to print a large range of products in addition to toys. These include guns, bicycles and human prosthetic limbs. However some governments are concerned about the software for 3D printers being freely available on the internet.

To what extent should governments regulate the access to software for 3D printers? [8]

Answers may include:
Regulation of the access to software for 3D printers
 could aim to ensure good quality of the 3D objects being made. 3D software may allow for sub-standard / faulty 3D objects to be manufactured, creating risks for users
 could aim to prevent the manufacture of artifacts that are only sold with a licence (eg guns). However if similar shapes are needed for other articles, their manufacture may be prevented by mistake Eg: if a certain shape is recognized the software may not allow it to be printed
 could protect manufacturers of copyrighted products. Owners of 3D printers would be prevented from making them
 could prevent owners of 3D printers making their own objects freely, stifling innovation
 could mean an invasion of privacy. It is possible to know what blueprint is being downloaded to which IP address
 to what extent is regulation possible.

In part (c) of this question it is expected there will be a balance in the ITGS terminology between IT technical terminology and the terminology related to social and ethical impacts.