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
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