Long Live Libre: LulzBot Embraces User Freedom Philosophy

LOVELAND, Colo., Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- What does "open" hardware truly mean? While many in the marketplace are tossing around this buzzword, Aleph Objects, Inc., makers of the LulzBot™ 3D desktop printer, is actually practicing the "open" philosophy—sharing the source code, specifications and even documentation on how to build and personalize your own printer, giving power back to the user.

This philosophy runs counter to most products on the market. A vast majority of products today are developed with proprietary software and hardware that limits how people use them, stunting user creativity and innovation. To the average consumer, closed hardware means you are locked in to the platform via update fees and contracts that often include giving up data for companies to use.

Committed to "Libre Hardware," Aleph Objects, Inc. makes the software free and publicly available on their website. The codes are also under a copyright license that grants end users the legal right to learn from and modify the code to meet individual needs. That license also goes a step further to ensure that any spin-offs or resulting work is also made available to other users.

"When you start your project off open source, there are no limits to who you can tap into for creativity and innovation," explains Alicia Gibb, President of the Open Source Hardware Association. "The entire world can create derivatives and personalization that the creator had not thought of." 

LulzBot is the only printer awarded by the Free Software Foundation with the Respects Your Freedom certification, meaning the product runs entirely on free and open source software and that LulzBot distributes the source code so customers can control and expand every aspect of their printer.

Join in the conversation at: forum.lulzbot.com.

About Aleph Objects, Inc.
Built upon the philosophy of freedom, Aleph Objects, Inc. is transforming the 3D printer industry. Based in Loveland, Colo., they are committed to Libre Hardware, which means their hardware and software will not be locked down, become obsolete, or require licensed upgrades over time. Empowering customers is part of their innovative spirit and LulzBot users are encouraged to be part of the ongoing conversation. Join in and learn more online at lulzbot.com.

SOURCE LulzBot