Repairable open-source printer without DRM: Openprinter prints its first page
Almost a year after the announcement, the launch of the Openprinter appears to be drawing nearer, as OpenTools is showing a fully functional prototype for the first time in the video embedded below. The printer is set to be "soon" funded on CrowdSupply, but the date for the start of the crowdfunding campaign or for delivery has not yet been set.
The Facebook relationship status "It’s complicated" probably best describes the relationship many users have with their printers. As an open-source printer, Openprinter aims to show that printers don’t have to be frustrating. It starts with the ink – instead of selling ink at high prices in nearly empty cartridges equipped with complex DRM protection to prevent third-party vendors from selling cheap ink, Openprinter relies on refillable cartridges.
The printer works even if only the black or color cartridge is installed; if one color runs out, the printing process does not necessarily have to be stopped. Not only the firmware, but also the electronic and mechanical designs are distributed under an open-source license, so that the printer can not only be modified, but the procurement of replacement parts should also become significantly easier.
Since it primarily uses off-the-shelf components, these should be inexpensive to replace in the event of a malfunction. A Raspberry Pi Zero W ($32 on Amazon) serves as the mainboard. The printer is compatible with both standard A3 and A4 paper as well as paper rolls, and can even automatically cut rolls into sheets. Openprinter supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, and USB-C, prints at up to 1,200 DPI, and is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
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