Conventional printers trap users through DRM enforcement, recurring ink subscriptions, and firmware updates that deliberately block competitor cartridges. A startup headquartered in Paris is attempting to disrupt that pattern with an inkjet built for easy repairs and open-source principles.
The device runs on a Raspberry Pi Zero W handling the print server, while a separate microcontroller manages the cartridge board independently.
The short version
- Open Printer uses Raspberry Pi Zero W and runs through CUPS open source printing system
- Works without vendor-specific drivers across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Hardware files licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0
- Black and colour cartridges operate independently for flexibility
- Prototype nominations at French Design Awards; still no confirmed price or release date
Our analysis
Traditional printer manufacturers make most of their money on consumables, not hardware. That creates an incentive to lock down devices. HP's Instant Ink program exemplifies this approach.
Open Printer flips the logic. By publishing firmware, schematics, and bill of materials under an open license, users gain the ability to repair and modify their hardware. The Creative Commons license explicitly permits this, though it bars commercial manufacturing.
The trade-off is significant. Open Printer relies on HP cartridge bodies to function. Given HP's history with cartridge restrictions through HP+ and Instant Ink, this raises a practical question: how long will compatible cartridges remain available?
This hinges on HP's willingness to keep producing cartridges compatible with refill options—a policy that could shift at any time. The project solves one problem—hardware repairability—while depending on a supplier with a track record of restricting what users can do with its products.
For resellers evaluating this kind of product, the lesson applies beyond printers. Any device built on a third party's consumables faces this risk. Supply chain choices have long-term implications.
Technical design and connectivity
Users interact with Open Printer through a colour screen and jog wheel. Connectivity includes USB-C, USB-A, and Bluetooth alongside the standard wired options.
Output quality maxes out at 600 dpi for monochrome and 1,200 dpi when printing in colour. The device works with HP 63 in North American markets, HP 302 across European regions, and HP 803 throughout Asia.
The choice of CUPS as the printing layer means no driver installation is required across major operating systems. This mirrors the approach many web hosting environments use—relying on open standards rather than proprietary interfaces.
Example: Setting up for a client
Say you manage hosting for a small design agency. They print client proofs regularly and complain about ink costs. With Open Printer, you could potentially configure the device to use affordable third-party ink, reducing their operating expenses. You'd need to verify HP cartridge availability in their region and monitor whether HP changes its cartridge policy. The benefit depends entirely on HP continuing to sell compatible cartridges.
What to watch next
Open Printer has no confirmed price, release date, or crowdfunding goal. Nine months after first appearing on a hardware platform, development continues but key questions remain unresolved.
Wireless and Ethernet connectivity are still being integrated. Engineers are also refining printhead cleaning cycles, paper handling, and colour rendering algorithms.
The bottom line: the concept is sound, the execution remains incomplete, and the HP cartridge dependency creates ongoing risk. For now, resellers should watch development progress while noting that similar open-hardware principles could eventually apply to other peripheral categories.
Key takeaways
- Open hardware enables repair but may create new supply dependencies
- The HP cartridge strategy limits long-term flexibility despite short-term convenience
- CUPS integration provides genuine cross-platform compatibility without proprietary drivers
- Crowdfunding projects require careful evaluation before recommending to clients
- Watch HP's cartridge policy closely if considering anything dependent on their consumables
Frequently asked questions
What makes Open Printer different from regular inkjet printers?
It publishes all design files under an open license, allowing users to repair and modify the hardware rather than being locked out by DRM restrictions.
Does Open Printer use regular ink cartridges?
It accepts HP 63, HP 302, and HP 803 cartridges depending on region, which are standard HP consumables designed to work with refill systems.
Can I buy Open Printer now?
No confirmed price or release date exists. The project is still in development and has not launched a crowdfunding campaign yet.
What does Creative Commons licensing mean for users?
The BY-NC-SA 4.0 license permits personal repairs, modifications, and sharing among users, but forbids any commercial production or resale of the device.
Why does the HP cartridge choice matter?
The entire premise depends on HP continuing to sell cartridges that accept third-party ink, given HP's history of restricting competitor cartridges through firmware updates.