OpenBuilds is going out of business 😵
The Atomic Layers: S10E15 (00282)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
OpenBuilds – the legendary supplier of parts for DIY 3D printers, CNC routers, laser engravers, and other hobbyist equipment – has officially announced the end of its operations.
The company is currently liquidating its inventory, offering a 40% discount on remaining stock.
This marks yet another blow to the American 3D printing industry, which is struggling under pressure from Asian manufacturers and facing the ripple effects of its own government’s economic policies, which have caused significant global disruptions in recent years.
Founded in 2012, OpenBuilds specialized in the design and distribution of components and accessories for hobbyists, makers, and small businesses, particularly in the fields of CNC machines, 3D printers, laser devices, and automation systems.
The company became widely recognized for its open-source philosophy – freely sharing designs, documentation, and software under open licenses. This approach empowered users to modify and expand upon existing technologies with ease.
OpenBuilds offered an extensive product line, including V-Slot aluminum profiles, linear motion systems, stepper motors, controllers, and electronic components compatible with popular platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
From the beginning, the company was a strong supporter of the maker and engineering communities, hosting one of the most influential forums in the U.S., where users could share knowledge, designs, and technical solutions.
Unlike many commercial manufacturers, OpenBuilds placed a strong emphasis on user collaboration, which continuously drove the development and improvement of its technologies. Thanks to its ecosystem, users could build custom CNC machines, robotics systems, and industrial automation setups at relatively low cost.
But soon, all of this will be just a memory… or the subject of a future history article.
Despite its beautiful legacy and immense contributions to the world of DIY 3D printing, OpenBuilds is coming to an end.
But why? ðŸ˜
Was it the fault of Chinese competition? Or did Trump’s tariff policies push the company over the edge?
Maybe.
Or maybe people just stopped building their own 3D printers and CNC machines. Maybe it’s simply no longer worth the effort. Or maybe the new generation of users doesn’t want to tinker with homemade machines when they can buy a decent one off the shelf for $300–400.
It’s the end of a great story. But there’s nothing we can do about it…
Atomic Layer from the Past:
05-15-2013: Formlabs presented PreForm software for the very first time.
News & Gossip:
But that’s not the only goodbye… Yesterday, Konrad Głowacki – co-founder and former CEO of Sinterit – officially and formally announced his departure from the company. It’s not a surprise (at least not to me) – Konrad had been in a kind of limbo for quite some time. No longer accepted by Sinterit’s current, highly professional, objective, and future-oriented management (and owned by Germany’s FIT AG) – he had spent the past few months functioning as an advisor whose advise wasn’t exactly in high demand. Now he’s officially left the company he co-founded and plans to continue his career – not necessarily in the same industry. Yes, I do know a bit about that, but I’ll leave it to Konrad to share more when he decides to.
In a recent CBS News interview, Max Lobovsky (CEO of Formlabs), cried the blues, highlighting the challenges his company faces due to unstable U.S.–China trade relations. Formlabs manufactures 3D printers in China, and fluctuating tariffs complicate long-term planning. Although recent negotiations temporarily reduced tariffs, Lobovsky warns of ongoing risk and has begun shifting some manufacturing to the U.S., including a new facility in Milwaukee. Lobovsky emphasizes that stable trade policy is critical for sustainable growth and innovation in manufacturing. Well, I agree… See the main article.
Nikon SLM Solutions has partnered with ATI and Bechtel Plant Machinery to advance U.S. Navy propulsion and hypersonic weapon development. ATI purchased the NXG 600E system to produce components using Inconel 625. The collaboration highlights the NXG 600E’s large build volume and strategic importance for U.S. defense programs.