Linebyline

Ooh, this looks promising. A DRM-free, open-source inkjet printer.

https://www.crowdsupply.com/open-tools/open-printer

(Hat tip to this tumblr post: https://thoughtportal.tumblr.com/post/796705454907637760 )

#printer #OpenSourceTech

Open Printer

Finally, an open hardware printer you can actually understand, repair, and upgrade

Crowd Supply
Feb 5 at 1:42pmWeb
Show threadCaleb MaclennanFeb 5
@Linebyline Last I checked that still wasn't actually available and was slated to use used proprietary cartridges. I'm unconvinced the other compromises (e.g. no sheet feed) will be worth the modest gain of partially open hardware. Hopefully I'm surprised...
Show threadLinebylineFeb 5

@alerque What do you mean by no sheet feed? The version I'm looking at says it can handle either rolls or sheets. Is that a term of art I'm not familiar with?

The project page doesn't really say much about cartridges other than they're DRM-free. But I'm not aware of any existing open standard for cartridges, so I guess these would be as good as proprietary as long as nothing else uses them.

Anyway, I'm not holding my breath. I'll celebrate when I see an actual product. But let's hope.

Show threadCaleb MaclennanFeb 6
@Linebyline It has been likely a couple years since this first hit my radar and at that time it was going to be roll feed only. I do see it now claims to be able to print on sheets. Looking at the design I do wonder if that is a single-sheet at a time or if it actually has a sheet pickup tray now.