Aleph Objects IC3D filament RAPID2017
The world's first Open Source Hardware 3D printing filament.
Aleph Objects, best-known for developing the LulzBot brand of 3D printers, has announced the launch and availability of a certified Open Source Hardware 3D printing filament at RAPID+TCT.
In the build-up to the event in Pittsburgh, TCT reported Aleph’s claim they were to ‘make waves’ with its new filament. But it’s not the technology behind the filament, nor is it the way it can be applied, that is set to make waves. In partnership with IC3D Industries, a premium 3D printing materials producer, Aleph is delivering to market what it believes to be the world’s first certified Open Source Hardware 3D printing filament.
Aleph Objects recognises the impact Open Source Hardware has had on the 3D printing industry in recent years, particularly its contribution to the rise of desktop machines, but is averse to the secret processes that perhaps ease the growth of the industry.
IC3D today released a 16-page white paper which documents their manufacturing process, parameters, and material grades. Together, the two companies are hoping to break down barriers with their openness.
“Proprietary materials should not be an impediment to advancing the use of 3D printed objects for certified parts and other industrial applications,” said Michael Cao, IC3D Founder and CEO. “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.”
IC3D’s filaments white and other documentation is hosted on GitHub, a popular file sharing and collaboration website. This platform will enable IC3D to regularly update documentation as their processes evolve. Aleph Objects worked closely with IC3D in the file and process sharing practice.
“The future of the 3D printing industry is open,” Harris Kenny, Aleph Objects President said. “IC3D is demonstrating impressive vision by bringing the philosophy of user freedom to filament manufacturing, and we are proud to be working alongside them.”
In October 2016, the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) established a program allowing self-certification of Open Source Hardware products, based on stringent community-established guidelines. Each certified product receive a unique identifier that is used to recognise a product as certified Open Source Hardware. Aleph and IC3D see their new filament being certified under this program as a big step, encouraging more companies to have greater transparency with the technology behind their products. When printing the filament on LulzBot 3D printers, it will be possible to have a 100% Free, Open Source tool chain for additive manufacturing, from software to hardware to end product.
The two companies believe this level of transparency is unprecedented, but opens up more possibilities for the users of 3D technologies, from manufacturers to educators. Moreover, Aleph and IC3D foresee a greater chance of 3D printed parts becoming certified in their respective industries, because the materials and processes used in their development will be clear for all to see.
IC3D staff will be present at the LulzBot Booth #1829 for the duration of RAPID+TCT. Attendees have the chance to assemble their own LulzBot spinner, 3D printed by the LulzBot 3D printer cluster in IC3D ABS.
