May 9, 2017 | By Tess
Aleph Objects, Inc., the company behind LulzBot 3D printers, has announced the launch of the world’s very first Certified Open Source Hardware 3D Printing Filament. The open source filament was developed by IC3D Industries, a premium 3D printing materials manufacturer and large-format 3D printing service.
The development process for the new ABS filament, which is being presented at the RAPID + TCT 2017 event in Pittsburgh, is laid out in a 16-page white paper released by IC3D. The document details everything about the open source material, including the manufacturing process, parameters, material grades, etc. Both Aleph Objects and IC3D say the filament is the first open source, non-proprietary 3D printing material on the market.
“Proprietary materials should not be an impediment to advancing the use of 3D printed objects for certified parts and other industrial applications,” explained IC3D Founder and CEO Michael Cao. “IC3D is committed to open source 3D printing consumables. LulzBot and Aleph Objects’ focus on open source has been an inspiration to IC3D and we’re pleased that they will be reselling IC3D consumables.”
Within the 3D printing industry, open source hardware and software have been crucial to the technology’s quick growth. Notable open source projects such as Arduino and RepRap have fuelled amateur and professional innovators everywhere to push additive manufacturing technologies and applications further. Despite the open source philosophy that has accompanied many 3D printing systems, 3D printing materials have largely remained protected and proprietary.
“The future of the 3D printing industry is open,” said Aleph Objects President Harris Kenny. “IC3D is demonstrating impressive vision by bringing the Philosophy of User Freedom to filament manufacturing, and we are proud to be working alongside them.”
IC3D recently uploaded the 16-page white paper about the filament on file sharing platform GitHub. That means that not only will GitHub users be able to access the information, but IC3D will be able to update its file as its processes and materials advance. Aleph Objects, which has stood by Free, Libre, and Open Source development, reportedly worked alongside IC3D to help them navigate open source and file sharing processes.
The IC3D filament joins the ranks of other 3D printing products that have received an OSHWA open source certification. LulzBot 3D printers, which are also Open Source Hardware certified, also have the distinction of being the only 3D printers with Respects Your Freedom certification from the Free Software Foundation.
“For the first time in history, when printing IC3D filament with LulzBot 3D printers, it will be possible to have a 100% Free/Libre/Open Source tool chain for additive manufacturing, from software to hardware to end product,” reads a statement by the companies.
Until May 11, IC3D reps can be found at LulzBot’s RAPID + TCT 2017 booth, #1829. Those interested in purchasing the new Open Source Hardware certified IC3D ABS filament can do so via LulzBot’s website.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
Maybe you also like:
- T-Bone Cape motion control board launches on Indiegogo
- New extruder could lower costs of 3D printing cellular structures for drug testing
- New Ninja Printer Plate for consumer 3D printing
- mUVe3D releases improved Marlin firmware for all 3D printers
- Zecotek plans HD 3D display for 3D printers
- Add a smart LCD controller to your Robo3D printer
- Maker Kase: a handy cabinet for 3D printers
- Heated bed for ABS printing with the Printrbot Simple XL
- Next gen all metal 3D printer extruder from Micron
- Pico all-metal hotend 100% funded in 48 hours, B3 announces Stretch Goal
- Create it REAL announces first 3D printing Real Time Processor
- A larger and more powerful 3D printer extruder on Kickstarter
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
