Now maybe Framework hasn’t created a printer but just the next best thing
https://www.techspot.com/news/109674-open-printer-fully-open-source-inkjet-drm-free.html
Open-Source and repairable inkjet. Be nice if it were laser but you do have to start somewhere I suppose. I might actually buy one myself.
Open Printer will use the Creative Commons [BY-NC-SA 4.0] license for all of its files, including electronics and mechanical design files, firmware code, and the bill of materials. We hope that people will be able to repair, upgrade, and contribute improvements to their printers.
(emphasis mine)
Couldn’t find the actual open source files. And they say it “will” use the license, so either it’s not open just yet, or they haven’t designed it yet…
I read that article yesterday. Definitely seems like a step in the right direction. I’ll keep using my Canon MG2520 until it stops working though. Having a scanner is a nice to have.
I’m not bitter at all that my expensive xerox printer decided that because there was some error with the scanner it would refuse to print. No, not bitter at all, why do you ask?
Seriously tho, eventually I’ll dedicate the time to fixing it but every time I have to go print somewhere on campus or OfficeDepot/Kinkos/Staples it’s just salt in the wound.
That sucks that the printer part won’t function if the scanner isn’t working. I feel like I either got lucky or I did a good job at picking my printer. I’ve taken good care of it and hope it’ll keep working for years to come. I’ve kept the original box and packaging so when I move I just pack it back in it’s box. Currently I keep it in its box in my closet and if I need to print something I pull it out. Honestly I’d hate to have to replace it.
I’m lucky that I picked a printer that doesn’t need ink constantly, I’ve had the toner cartridges that it had when I got it ~7 years ago, and they’re still working.
I’m somewhat concerned that they’re using an off the shelf ink cartridge that could be discontinued at any time though, so that’s probably the one big weakness in the project, but it’s also probably a strength because that’s what lets them get away with not designing and manufacturing their own ink nozzle, which would be a big undertaking.
This almost makes me want to have a printer. It even cuts paper! The only disappointing part is it uses ink instead of toner. Toner never dries out which is perfect for people like me who only print like 4 things per year.
We are patiently waiting for the CrowdSupply campaign to open…
Also the CC BY-NC-SA license means that commercial use of the designs is prohibited, even for derivative designs.
Sounds good as far as a larger corporation can’t decide to take the full design and sell it on their larger platform, taking away traffic from the original designers.
But the other serious consequence is that spare parts also cannot be commercially sold by any third party. You can legally access the designs and make your own spare parts if you are able to, but that’s it. If the company stops producing a part, nobody can legally sell it to you.
Since this is an inkjet printer, that’s far less helpful than on 3D printers able to produce their own parts. Even then, open source 3D printers allow commercial use of their designs, so people can sell parts, kits, and create design improvements to sell.
And if this wasn’t enough, CC considers using the IP to make money or gain financial advantage a commercial purpose to. So unless some dual licensing happens, this printer could not be legally used for many business purposes.
This would need a different license to actually revolutionalize consumer 2D printing the same way open source 3D printers changed their market. Being open source is almost irrelevant for hardware without the commercial permission, since unlike software, downloading the intellectual property is not enough to use it.