Open-Source 3D printer and Closed-Source 3D printer

Among the most important choices we have to make while getting into the world of 3D printing is whether to choose a closed-source system or an open-source system. This decision really affects all aspects, such as experience, cost, flexibility, and long-term satisfaction, of our journey with 3D printers. To make an informed decision, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of both open-source and closed-source 3D printing systems.

This article aims to clarify these differences to help you select the system that best aligns with your needs and preferences.

But before we get started, let’s first understand what open-source and closed-source systems mean in 3D printing.

Open-Source 3D Printer

In the 3D printing open-source system, the hardware designs, software, and firmware are freely available for anyone to use and modify. This openness allows users to customize their printers extensively, contribute to improvements, and benefit from the collective knowledge and innovations of the community.

Closed-Source 3D Printer

On the other hand, closed-source 3D printing systems are proprietary because a particular company retains rights over all designs, software code, and firmware through which they are developed. In most cases, owners of such systems usually have no right to change both hardware and software substantially. The company may update its products for better services but leave limited space for personal alteration thereon.

Some manufacturers of 3D printers, like Bambu Lab, for example, merge open-source and closed-source systems into their products. For instance, while their printers are restricted, their slicer, called Bambu Studio, is an open-source one. Similarly, at the Ultimaker firm, where they issue close-source printers accompanied by an open-source slicer named Ultimaker Cura,

Pros of Open-Source 3D Printer

Transparency

One of the major benefits of using open-source 3D printing systems is that they are transparent. In this case, code as well as specifications used when developing the software, for example, can be accessed by everyone. This means that anyone can view how such a program operates, understand its essence, and be confident that there are no hidden features or malicious codes included. It also promotes trustworthiness and reliability since the developers cannot hide anything from the users.

Community Support

Open-source systems often come with robust community support. Users can turn to forums, documentation, and user groups for help. The community-driven approach ensures that a wide array of perspectives and experiences contribute to solving problems and improving the software and hardware. This communal support can be incredibly valuable, providing quick solutions, sharing best practices, and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Cost

Cost is another area where open-source systems excel. For example, software is typically free, while hardware might also be available at a lower price in some cases. As there are no licensing fees or subscription costs involved, users end up saving substantial amounts of money, which makes 3D printing more affordable for hobbyists, educators, and small businesses that have limited budgets.

Customization

Open-source systems are highly customizable. Users have the freedom to modify the software and hardware to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s tweaking the software to add new features or adjusting the hardware for better performance, the possibilities are almost endless. This flexibility is particularly appealing to those who enjoy tinkering and want to push the boundaries of what their 3D printer can do.

Security

Open-source systems can also excel in terms of protection. Because anyone can review the code, bugs and vulnerabilities can be quickly identified and fixed by the community. This joint work often results in more secure software that is less likely to break down; there are always many people looking at it and working on it.

Cons of Open-Source 3D Printer

Quality Assurance

Quality has a wide range when it comes to open-source systems. The final outcome depends largely on the creators’ skills and dedication. Some open-source projects are polished and professional, while others may be experimental or unreliable. Users might have to put in extra effort evaluating different options and making sure they choose a good-quality project.

Support and documentation

Although community support may be excellent, there could be a be a lack professional documentation or dedicated support services with open-source systems. Available resources vary in quality, and users may need to rely on community forums or piecemeal documentation, which takes time and can be frustrating sometimes.

Pros of Closed-Source 3D Printer

Professional support and maintenance

Closed-source systems usually come with dedicated support services. This means that users can get help from professionals when troubleshooting or updating their printers’ software. Having access to expert assistance saves time, makes things run smoothly, and makes them more reliable overall.

Quality Assurance

Closed-source systems often undergo rigorous testing and quality assurance processes before release. This ensures that the hardware and software meet high standards of reliability and performance. Users can generally expect a more polished and stable product compared to some open-source alternatives.

User-Friendly

Closed-source systems are generally designed with an easy-to-use interface in mind. They usually come with detailed user manuals that make them accessible to people who may not have much technical knowledge or experience in using such devices. The graphical user interface is polished and intuitive for anyone to understand how it operates, making 3D printing more fun, especially for beginners.

Integration

Closed-source systems are often built to integrate smoothly with other proprietary systems and software. This can be a significant advantage for users who need their 3D printer to work seamlessly within a larger ecosystem of tools and applications. Such integration can enhance productivity and streamline workflows.

Cons of Closed-Source 3D Printer

Cost

The price tag associated with closed-source systems remains one of their biggest disadvantages compared to their open-source counterparts. Licensing fees, subscriptions, support costs, and upgrade fees can be quite expensive, especially if you are on a tight budget or just getting started with your first printer. started with your first printer.

Lack of transparency

Closed-source systems do not allow users to inspect the source code. This lack of transparency can be concerning, as users cannot verify the software’s security or functionality. There’s a risk that the software might contain vulnerabilities or unwanted features that users are unaware of.

Limited Customization

Another major downside of closed-source systems is the limited customization options. Users cannot modify the printer or software to meet their specific needs. This can be a significant limitation for those who want to experiment or optimize their 3D printing setup beyond the manufacturer’s specifications.

Vendor Lock-In

Usually, systems that are not open-source result in what is known as vendor lock-in, whereby consumers rely heavily on a single seller’s environment. Changing to different providers or utilizing external peripherals and enhancements may therefore be difficult due to this reliance. In addition, customers might have only one option: purchasing more parts and services directly from the same vendors, thereby making them spend even more money while at the same time constraining their options.

Analysis of Case Study: Open-Source vs. Closed-Source Systems

To better understand the practical differences between open-source and closed-source systems, let's examine two specific examples: the Voron 2.4 and the Bambulab X1 Carbon.

Open-Source Example: Voron 2.4 with OrcaSlicer Software

Voron 2.4

The Voron 2.4 is a highly regarded open-source 3D printer known for its high performance and extensive customization options. Developed by the Voron Design community, this printer offers a robust and scalable design, making it suitable for various applications, from hobbyist projects to professional use. The design files, build instructions, and firmware are all freely available, allowing users to understand, modify, and enhance the hardware according to their needs.

For fast and precise movements, it uses the CoreXY mechanical system while having a fully enclosed build chamber, which stabilizes the printing condition, leading to better print quality and reliability.

One of the significant advantages of Voron 2.4 being an open-source project is the flexibility it offers. Users can freely inspect, modify, and enhance the design and firmware. This openness fosters a collaborative community where improvements and innovations are shared, benefiting all users. Additionally, it allows users to tailor their printer to specific needs, ensuring optimal performance for various applications.

The Voron 2.4 runs Klipper firmware, which is an open-source firmware with a lot of options for customization and advanced 3D printing features. This firmware itself allows faster and more precise printing by using the extra computational power from another host computer, like a Raspberry Pi or SBC. The users are able to configure this firmware based on their needs and hardware; they can add more tools/plugins to extend its functionality, such as macros for automating complex tasks. For get more knowledge of Voron 2.4, you can check: What is bed leveling and bed leveling sensor?

With Klipper, you have the flexibility to choose from various web interfaces for remote control, such as Mainsail OS or Fluidd. These interfaces provide intuitive dashboards for managing print jobs, adjusting settings, and monitoring your printer in real-time. Flexibility and control are key advantages of using an open-source firmware like Klipper. If you are interested in these interfaces, you can refer to the guides on Mainsail for Klipper and Klipper Web Interface Comparison.

Some technical details of Voron 2.4:

Motion System: CoreXY

Build Volume: Variable (Based on Your Needs) (250 mm³, 300 mm³, 350 mm³)

Extruder: Bondtech BMG extruder (3:1 gear ratio)

Hotend Compatibility: Customizable, compatible with most hotends on the market

Bed Leveling: Automatic leveling by inductive probe

Frame: aluminum profiles with 3D-printed parts

Control Board: Customizable (standard includes Raspberry Pi and BTT Octopus)

Printing Surface: Magnetic plate with PEI sheet

OrcaSlicer Software

OrcaSlicer is an open-source slicing software that can be used with the Voron 2.4 and many other 3D printers. It is based on the open-source slicer Bambu Studio from Bambu Lab, OrcaSlicer offers advanced features and optimizations tailored for high-performance 3D printing. The software supports a wide range of file formats, including STL, OBJ, and AMF, and allows for detailed customization of print settings.

 

Being open-source gives users the ability to inspect, modify, and improve this software continuously, driven by community effort. It also comes with built-in calibration tools, Klipper support, precise wall adjustments, seam gap control, wipe-on loops, and supports many printer profiles, which makes it versatile and powerful for different printing needs.

Pros of Voron 2.4 and OrcaSlicer Software

Transparency: The open-source nature allows users to inspect and trust both hardware and software.

Community Support: Extensive support through websites, GitHub, Discord, forums, documentation, and user groups.

Cost: Software is free, and hardware can be more affordable compared to closed-source alternatives. There are free STL files that you can print directly. And you can buy the hardware parts from many resources.

Customization: high level of customization for both hardware and software.

Security: Bugs and vulnerabilities can be quickly identified and patched by the community.

Cons of Voron 2.4 and OrcaSlicer Software

Quality Assurance: The quality can vary depending on the creators’ skills and commitment.

Support and Documentation: may lack the professional documentation and dedicated support services found in closed-source systems.

Closed-Source Example: Bambulab X1 Carbon and Creality Slicer Software

Bambulab X1 Carbon

Bambulab is known for producing high-quality, user-friendly 3D printers, and the Bambulab X1 Carbon is a prime example of a closed-source 3D printer. Designed for both professional and educational use, this printer offers high precision, reliability, and ease of use. The Bambulab X1 Carbon features a sturdy build, a sleek user interface, and comprehensive user manuals.

source: bambulab.com

This printer uses the CoreXY mechanical system for fast and precise printing. It has other advanced features like a fully enclosed build chamber, auto-calibration, power loss recovery, and filament run-out detection to ensure consistent performance throughout.

However, being a closed-system printer in terms of both hardware and software, the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon has limitations compared to open-source alternatives like the Voron 2.4. Users of the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon cannot inspect, modify, or enhance the software and hardware as they can with open-source systems. This lack of transparency and customization can be a significant drawback for advanced users who wish to tailor their printer to specific needs or integrate new features.

Some Technical Details of Bambulab X1 Carbon:

Motion System: CoreXY with 20 m/s² acceleration

Build Volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm

Extruder: Dual auto bed leveling

Hotend Temperature: 300°C with a hardened steel nozzle (50 HRC)

Bed Temperature: 120°C

Chamber Temperature: 60 °C

Cooling System: Auxiliary cooling fan (12W)

Sensors: AI-powered inspection, Lidar for micrometer precision

Filament Handling: Automatic Material System (AMS) for multi-color and multi-material printing

Creality Slicer Software

As we have mentioned before, although Bambu Lab 3D printers are closed systems,  their Bambu Studio is open source. That is why we will consider Creality Slicer as an example of closed system slicer software.

Creality Slicer is a closed-system slicer created by Creality that is optimized to be used with its popular range of FDM 3D printers. If you have a Creality printer, it will be designed to give you a seamless and intuitive user experience. It provides a simplified way to slice models, with features specifically tailored to work best on Creality hardware, thus ensuring maximum efficiency while being easy enough even for novices who may not necessarily understand how everything functions under normal circumstances.

Source: creality.com

Creality Slicer supports multiple file formats, such as STL and OBJ, among others, and over two hundred settings can be adjusted, including more advanced options like fuzzy skin or infill travel optimization. The software's user-friendly interface includes a printer selection panel, a print settings panel, and a marketplace for plugins.

It supports multiple printer profiles, making it convenient for users with different Creality printers, and provides real-time monitoring and remote management tools. However, as closed-source software, users cannot inspect or modify the code, which limits transparency and customization options.

Pros of Bambulab X1 Carbon and Creality Slicer Software

Professional Support and Maintenance: Access to dedicated support services can save time and reduce frustration.

Quality Assurance: The printer and software undergo thorough testing to ensure high standards of reliability and performance.

User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use with polished interfaces and comprehensive manuals.

Integration: Seamless integration within the Bambulab ecosystem enhances productivity.

Cons of Bambulab X1 Carbon and Creality Slicer Software

Cost: higher costs due to costs for support and upgrades.

Lack of Transparency: Users cannot inspect the source code, which may hide security vulnerabilities.

Limited Customization: Users cannot modify the printer or software to meet specific needs.

Vendor Lock-In: Dependence on Bambu Lab’s ecosystem can limit flexibility.

Printers That Use Open-Source Firmware:

Kingroon KLP1 CoreXY Printer

The Kingroon KLP1 is an astonishing CoreXY 3D printer designed for fast and efficient printing with open source Klipper firmware. It can print up to 500 mm/s with an acceleration of 10,000 mm/s² which makes it an ideal choice for those who want high volume production without sacrificing quality.

 

Some Key Features of the Kingroon KLP1:

All-in-One Klipper Mainboard: With an integrated Klipper mainboard, you don’t need an external Raspberry Pi, so setting up becomes easier and there are fewer parts that can fail.

Auto Bed Leveling: This ensures perfect leveling of the print bed before each print, which greatly improves the quality and reliability of prints.

High Gear Ratio Extruder: Having a gear ratio of 9.5:1 gives this extruder strong and accurate filament extrusion ability, which is very important for consistent print quality.

Linear Rail Guides: The X and Y axes have linear rail guides installed, ensuring precise movements at the high speeds required by this type of machine.

Advanced All-Metal Hot End: It has a ceramic heating core that allows it to print a variety of materials, including nylons or carbon fiber composites with higher melting points.

Printing Surface: The magnetic PEI sheet on the build plate provides excellent adhesion during printing and easy removal of finished prints as well.

This open-source firmware installed on Kingroon KLP1 offers unlimited possibilities in terms of flexibility and control over your printer settings, allowing you to modify the code according to your needs as much as possible.

Kingroon KP3S Pro V2

Another open-source 3D printer worth mentioning here is the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2, which comes pre-installed with Klipper firmware. Designed for speed and quality prints, this machine can achieve printing speeds up to 350 mm/s with an acceleration of 10,000 mm/s². 

source: kingroon.com

Some Key features of the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2

All-in-One Klipper Mainboard: Similar to the KLP1 printer, the KP3S Pro V2 has an integrated Klipper mainboard, so there is no need for a separate Raspberry Pi.

Auto Bed Leveling: The automatic bed leveling system ensures optimal print bed alignment before each print, thus greatly improving print consistency while significantly decreasing the chances of failed prints.

All-Metal Extruder: The ceramic heating tube allows fast heating and speedy extrusion, giving exceptional temperature stability and a wider filament compatibility range.

Linear Rail Guides on All Axes: This feature provides stability during rapid movements, which results in higher accuracy across the entire printable area.

Integrated WIFI Module: Enables remote control over printers via internet connection, therefore making it more convenient to manage multiple print jobs at once from any location where internet access is available.

Compact Design: Even though it has powerful capabilities, the KP3S Pro V2 remains a small device, thus fitting perfectly into limited working spaces too.

With the open-source Klipper firmware that comes with this printer, the Kingroon KP3S Pro V2 can be modified and improved by its users. This makes it possible to fine-tune the printer so that it produces prints of the highest attainable quality and speed.

Making the Right choice

The decision between open-source and closed-source systems should be guided by your specific requirements and technical capabilities. If you value customization, transparency, and community collaboration, an open-source system might be the best fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a hassle-free, reliable, and professionally supported experience, a closed-source system could be more suitable.

In this article, we've explored the distinct features of various models like the Voron 2.4, Kingroon KLP1, Kingroon KP3S Pro V2, and Bambulab X1 Carbon, highlighting how they cater to different user needs. By understanding the pros and cons of both open-source and closed-source 3D printing systems, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and enhances your 3D printing journey.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and with the right system, you can unlock the full potential of 3D printing, whether it's for hobbyist projects, educational purposes, or professional applications.

Happy printing!