Autodesk open sources Linux-based 3D printer
Autodesk has open sourced the electronics and firmware of its resin- and DLP-based Ember 3D printer, revealing it to run Linux on a BeagleBone Black clone.
In releasing the design of its Ember 3D Printer under open source licensing, Autodesk has revealed a mainboard that runs Linux on a customized spin-off of the BeagleBone Black hacker SBC. In March, the company published the recipe for the printer's "PR48" Standard Clear Prototyping resin, and in May, it followed through by open sourcing its mechanical files. As promised, Autodesk has now opened up the BeagleBone Black based electronics and firmware.
Like the resin details and mechanical design, the electronics were released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license. The firmware is being shared using a GNU GPL license. Electronics files were provided separately for the printer's four main boards, each of which is now detailed with design files, schematics and PCBs, bill of materials, approved vendor lists, and assembly drawings. An SD card image is available to run on a standard BeagleBone Black for evaluation and prototyping.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by richtopia on Friday September 25 2015, @03:34PM
I'm curious if the open source nature of this product will result in competitors. It looks like the license is CC share alike, so commercial derivatives should be allowed (IANAL).
The biggest open source aspect for me is the resin. I was fully expecting the razor blade model for this printer, as the resin is always so expensive. If 3rd parties can produce resin and keep the price down, this printer ensures its longevity and competitive pricing.