Open Source Hardware Companies Blend Altruism With Bottom Line #oshw @lulzbot3D @alephobjects

Adafruit 3924

Open Source Hardware Companies Blend Altruism With Bottom Line @ KUNC.

It’s very easy for open source users around the world to collaboratively share data and files to modify software. Everyday examples include products like Mozilla Firefox and Chromium which allow users to modify, study, deconstruct and even distribute the programs in a collaborative way with no worry of patent or warranty infringement.

Jeff Moe, founder and CEO of Aleph Objects, a 3D printer company, wants to do the same with hardware.

…Aleph Objects founder Jeff Moe believes concerns surrounding patents and copyright entanglements may complicate the broadening of open source hardware development across the country. However, the altruistic idea that open collaboration and profits can coexist is truly good for his business.

“We’re basically trying to create a public commons of hardware, right? You know, like Wikipedia has created a commons of knowledge, right? And so there’s going to be a commons of components and parts and XLR connectors and there’s going to be all these types of things that people are sharing. And we just want to expand that.”

He may be on to something. Moe said his company is on track to make $4 million by the end of the year.

NICE! Rough estimate, that’s about 2,000 100% open source 3D printers sold? – Read more.


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The evolution of desktop 3D printing continues with TAZ 4, LulzBot’s top-of-the-line, highest quality printer to date. Merging technical expertise with design sensibilities, TAZ is for inventors, entrepreneurs, design engineers and prototypers — bring your ideas to life with TAZ .

New features include a re-engineered drive rod system for better print quality and re-designed Y-axis mounts so setting up your printer will be easier than ever. The Taz 4 has also upgraded to a 400 watt power adapter and an assembled and enclosed electronics case. Finally, the extruder fan now comes standard with every Taz 4. All of these features add more versatility and quality to the Taz 4 and more about their function can be found in the product video below.

INVENT IT. CREATE IT. PRODUCE IT
If a picture tells a thousand words, a 3D printer can tell the whole story. Like moveable type transformed and democratized communication, 3D printing is inspiring innovation and industry. The LulzBot TAZ from Aleph Objects, Inc., continues to transform the desktop 3D printer industry. A few short years ago, creating a three-dimensional prototype or short-run production required tens of thousands of dollars and months of time, making efficient innovation difficult for most and prohibitively expensive for many. Our technology allows you to design and print with ease and speed. Designed for innovators, prototypers, manufacturers, hobbyists, engineers, universities, architects, and medical practices — as a community, we are advancing the world of 3D printing.

Built for Performance
TAZ is engineered for quality and tested for the long haul. As the most dependable desktop 3D printer on the market, TAZ requires minimal maintenance — helping you advance productivity and reduce costs. TAZ prints fine layer heights at speeds faster than most of the competition, is perfect for small manufacturing and comes with self-lubricating bushings. It’s also the quietest printer on the market.

Wood, polystyrene, plastic? Fantastic
TAZ is one of the few desktop 3D printers that can print with more than just your run-of-the-mill plastic. Create with ABS, PLA, PVA, high-impact polystyrene, and wood filament. But don’t stop there. With add-ons, you can print with nylon and more.

Print Tetherless!
The TAZ 4 now comes with a graphic LCD controller for printing directly from an SD card! You can now print without a connected computer. The graphic LCD controller has the ability to perform print start up, print selection, and configuration changes.

In stock and shipping now!

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LulzBot printers are the first hardware products in Free Software Foundation’s 27-year history to achieve RYF certification.


Halloween season is here!
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