The Open Printer is an open-source colour inkjet printer developed by Paris-based startup Open Tools to provide an alternative to proprietary consumer printing systems. Powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero W, the printer supports monochrome and colour printing while using refillable HP ink cartridges without digital restrictions. The modular design is available as either a self-assembly kit or a pre-assembled unit and connects to Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS devices through the open-source CUPS print server.
The printer is constructed from standard mechanical components that can be repaired or modified, with options for wall mounting, desktop use and 3D-printed custom parts. The project is distributed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence, allowing users to share and modify the design for non-commercial purposes. Open Tools recently demonstrated a working prototype following the project's 2025 debut.
Image Credit: Open Tools
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Open-source Hardware
- Community-accessible device designs create room for lower-cost electronics ecosystems that challenge locked-down consumer technology models.
- Repairable Printing Systems
- Modular components and refillable cartridges signal a shift toward products built around longevity, customization and reduced dependence on manufacturer-controlled consumables.
- Maker-friendly Peripherals
- Self-assembly kits and 3D-printable parts expand the role of hobbyists and small businesses in adapting everyday office hardware to niche needs.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Consumer Electronics
- Open and modifiable devices introduce competitive pressure on proprietary hardware categories by emphasizing transparency, repairability and user control.
- Printing and Imaging
- Restriction-free cartridges and open print server compatibility point to new service models centered on affordable supplies and cross-platform accessibility.
- Desktop Manufacturing
- Standard mechanical parts and customizable enclosures connect home fabrication tools with practical appliance design, enabling localized production and modification.
