The Open Printer open inkjet printer project has been presented
Enthusiasts have introduced the Open Printer project. It is a solution for creating a color inkjet printer with open-source hardware and software.
It is intended to be a modular device that can be built from standard, replaceable parts. The open printer project will allow enthusiasts and hobbyists to assemble the printing device like a kit and, if necessary, upgrade, improve, or repair it themselves.
The developments and technical parts of the Open Printer project, including files with schematics for electronic and mechanical components, firmware, drivers, and component lists (BOM — Bill of Materials), will be distributed under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, which prohibits commercial use.
The Open Printer solution can use HP 63 (US) and HP 302 (Europe) cartridges, which are free of DRM, manufacturer lock-in, and refilling restrictions. It allows for the installation of a single black or a single color cartridge, as well as both cartridges (black and color).
The Open Printer supports printing on both roll paper and individual A4 and A3 sheets. In black and white mode, it provides printing at a resolution of 600 dpi, and in color mode — 1200 dpi.
To control the components' operation, the Open Printer uses a Raspberry Pi Zero W board with output to a 1.47" TFT screen (172 x 320 pixels) and mode switching via a navigation jog wheel.
An STM32 microcontroller is used to control the cartridge in the Open Printer.
For interaction with external devices, the Open Printer features support for USB Type-C for computer connection, USB Type-A for storage devices, as well as Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1.
