Key Takeaways
1. Easy Repairs and Modifications: The Open Printer features standard mechanical components and modular parts for easier assembly and repair, operating on a Raspberry Pi W board without proprietary drivers or cartridge DRM.
2. Avoiding Compatibility Issues: It is designed to eliminate common cartridge compatibility problems by using standard HP 63 (or HP 302) cartridges without embedded chips that restrict third-party options.
3. Versatile Printing Options: The printer can handle various paper types, including A4, A3, and 27 mm wide paper rolls, with a built-in cutter for easy size adjustments and the ability to print banners.
4. User-Friendly Interface: It includes an LCD screen and jog wheel for basic controls, along with wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for convenient printing from devices.
5. Unique Design: The elongated design allows for easy desktop placement or wall mounting, giving it a modern look similar to a kitchen-roll dispenser.
The Open Printer, a new creation by the Paris-based startup Open Tools, is a one-of-a-kind inkjet printer that aims to solve the issues of repairability and cartridge compatibility that many major brands impose. It’s like the Fairphone 6, but for printers. So, what does it mean for the printer industry to embrace the open-source philosophy?
Easy Repairs and Modifications
To begin with, the makers assert that it is “constructed with standard mechanical components and modular parts,” which should make it easier to assemble, modify, and fix. The printer operates on a Raspberry Pi W board. Additionally, there are no proprietary drivers or any sort of cartridge DRM involved. Designed to work with the common HP 63 (or HP 302 in Europe) cartridges, it can handle both black and color cartridges simultaneously or individually.
Avoiding Compatibility Issues
Printer manufacturers, with HP being the most infamous, often embed chips and firmware in their printers and cartridges. These elements help confirm whether a cartridge is original and can disable it if it isn’t. Third-party manufacturers that create similar cartridges or offer refillable options often struggle to bypass these restrictions successfully. The Open Printer aims to avoid these complications altogether.
Versatile Printing Options
Another impressive feature is its ability to print not just on typical A4 and A3 paper, but also on 27 mm wide paper rolls. It includes a built-in cutter that can slice the roll into A4 sheets, and it can also handle longer printing tasks like banners with ease.
User-Friendly Interface
For interaction, it comes equipped with a small LCD screen and jog wheel for basic functions, while also offering wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows you to send print jobs directly from a laptop or smartphone without dealing with annoying cables.
Unique Design
The Open Printer’s design is as innovative as its underlying philosophy. With dimensions of 19.7 x 3.9 x 4.3 inches (50 x 10 x 11 cm), its elongated form means it can fit neatly on a desktop or be mounted on a wall. When wall-mounted, it resembles a futuristic kitchen-roll dispenser, especially with the paper roll positioned on top.
Unfortunately, information regarding pricing and availability has yet to be disclosed. As a novel concept, the Open Printer will soon launch via a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply. You can check out the page to express your interest and receive updates when the campaign starts.
Open Tools via Crowd Supply
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