05-26-2016: BCN3D Technologies made its Sigma 3D printer 100% open-source
The release included BCN3D Sigma firmware, BCN3D Cura source code, and detailed mechanical designs
On May 26, 2016 BCN3D Technologies - a Spanish company producing FDM / FFF 3D printers, announced releasing for free all its documentation for the flagship Sigma 3D printer. This initiative, called Open Source 360°, included comprehensive information about their 3D printers, divided into five levels. The data was made available under the CERN Open Hardware License (CERN OHL) and General Public License v3 (GPLv3).
The release included BCN3D Sigma firmware, BCN3D Cura source code, and detailed mechanical designs, including 3D files, assembly instructions, and 2D drawings. Additionally, users received access to assembly and quality assurance files from the BCN3D production plant in Castelldefels, Barcelona, as well as designs for tools, equipment, and testing benches used to calibrate the 3D printers. Educational content from courses offered by BCN3D and its global resellers was also made available.
BCN3D Technologies viewed this open source initiative not as a risk of plagiarism, but as an opportunity to leverage the knowledge and enthusiasm of RepRap users and communities to further develop their technology. And as the further history of the company showed - it was the right decision!
The history of BCN3D Technologies dates back to 2012, when it was established as a branch of CIM-UPC - the Technological Center of the Polytechnic University of the University of Catalonia (UPC) in Barcelona.Initially, the company produced and sold its own versions of 3D printers derived directly from the RepRap project.
In May 2015, BCN3D presented an original device called Sigma, equipped with a proprietary system of two independent print heads called IDEX (Independent Dual Extrusion) and a number of other functionalities, unique at that time (including a touch control panel, closed pull system filament, or a work table set in the XY axes in A4 sheet format).
Since then BCN3D became one of the main players on european 3D printing market, providing various FDM / FFF machines as well as presenting its own AM technology - VLM (Viscous Lithography Manufacturing).
Source: www.bcn3d.com