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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: 1) by WillAdams on Friday September 25 2015, @04:06PM
Depends on the style of work and one's patience and expectation.
Certainly, BRL-CAD can do real work (but I find it mystifying and way more than I need) --- curious as to how it doesn't meet your needs.
Mostly I do simple stuff, but aside from Windows and Macromedia Freehand have been using only opensource software for my work: http://www.shapeoko.com/projects/project.php?id=154 [shapeoko.com] (done using Inkscape, F-Engrave, Fontforge and MakerCAM)
(Score: 3, Informative) by richtopia on Friday September 25 2015, @07:37PM
I haven't given BRL-CAD much effort as it appears very command line driven. Just glancing through the webpage, I see many shortcomings. No STEP import export is like stepping back into the 90's. I don't think it supports parametric modeling either.
It is really hard to keep up with the major players. Even if you ignore the open source/Linux/free requirements, the small players also struggle to keep up. Switching from SolidWorks to BobCAD is also like stepping back in time (although BobCAD has made some major improvements recently). But I'm talking about software that is eight grand as my baseline.
I've come to terms with a lack of open source CAD offerings. I'm just disappointed that the major players do not support Linux.
(Score: 1) by WillAdams on Monday September 28 2015, @12:51PM
Thank you.
I guess the takeaway from this is that I would probably get good value (and my son would be thrilled by) my spending $20 on the Solidworks license offered to U.S. Veterans?