Visit to Type A Machines in SF

[JohnStack]

I went to Techshop to take a tour and was surprised to find that Type A Machines launched from there. They're moving to a huge facility but for now, they're pretty accessible.

I shot a photo of their new unit they're about to release. It's in beta now. Very nice head unit. The photo I took shows it squirting PET - which rolls at about 220.

Also, they have applied for a patent on a new design for a combo hot end/extruder. This config, given the right size servo motor may just be appropriate for the Rostock. They're working it. They wouldn't let me take a photo. I asked why they patented and they stated that their strategy was to keep it away from the big guys - so the design - probably through licensing - would be accessible to all. Pretty interesting.

I've always been impressed with their machine - primarily because of it's metal frame. It's a good look and hardy. Fits in a shot. They use an outsourcing model for many of their components and SF doesn't have a lack of builders.

Anyway, the photo...

[johnoly99]

Hey John. Thanks for sharing.

I gotta say, dissapointment in the comment by them about "patenting" to save to design for others? That's been said a lot over the last two years in various designs, not one of which ever released that I can think of. Secondly, can anyone name an open source design that was patented after it was released open? I can't. The word is merely meant, in my beliefs, to make the "company" more attractive to investors. I will make a wager today that we will hear/see them attempt to raise money from investors. In which case, don't build on open source if you can't roll your own or can't find another way to grow without attracting all the lawyers.

[JohnStack]

Mr. Oly, I think you're right in many respects and proof is definitely in the pudding with TypeA. I hope they do what they said they were going to do.

Personally, I was quite amazed at how small they made the head. Essentially, the extruder was a shaft inserted into the head. I assume it had a gear on it inside. It was an alpha version.

The whole patent thing is troubling - I've said it before though. The only way to compete open source communities can compete with patents (the big and small boys) is to get what you're working on - even though it is really rough - out as fast as possible.

To me, that requires a few things:

1. A complete lack of ego. Don't be proud. Ship.
2. State your direction and the complications behind the current iteration - with ideas for solving them.
3. Ship, iterate, ship, iterate, ship, iterate, ship. All ASAP - even if you think it's crap. Ship.

Open source is about getting it out there. You have to ship to protect the community. Even if its crap. Don't paint the pig. Call it a pig that's about to be a thoroughbred hog!

Talking about shipping, to me, if you think you have something that could be patented:

1. Publish a design if you can't ship the physical product.
2. Get the design features clear as well as the problems you are trying to solve.
3. Get the problems clear and your recommended solutions. (this requires dropping the ego)
4. Don't be afraid about competition. Be clear about your business goals. If you're going to produce, say you're going to produce. If you can't but want to monetize, find a partner who believes in your design. SeeMeCNC is a perfect example of monetizing open source.

Perfection is the enemy of done.
Open Source is goodness and the natural enemy of patents.

I believe both patents and open source create a perfect level of tension that fosters innovation. Organizations both small and large pursuing patents have a natural disadvantage: Overhead.

More now than ever before, it is critical for the open source community to change their focus from shipping done or mostly done things to partially done things. In other words, cloud the "market" to make it so hard for a patent agent to write a patent - that threading the claims needle becomes incredibly hard and complex. So complex, in fact, that the claimant walks away.

Lastly, I'm throwing this out to SeeMeCNC for the public to see (sorry to put you on the potential spot):

It's time for the n-stage model of open source. MakeZine is going to monetize submitted ideas by creating a marketplace for some of their more popular designs. I think you should do the same. You have the capabilities and the resources to do so.

I can think of a few things you should consider selling and here is a great example: Carbon fiber arms. Different versions of hot ends, etc.

Create a marketplace for your community. It won't imply that any design you make is inferior, it only says that the community has different ideas and designs that others may try. It also demonstrates your full commitment to the community (which everyone already knows you have).

How would it work? Maker A submits their design to a few beta testers. Based on their feedback, the product is accepted as something you include in your cart. Maker builds and sends you stock. You fulfill. Maker gets paid and also gets to focus on production and design without worrying how to sell it. Testers put their comments on the finished design....in the product description.

Anyway, more than a few cents today. I guess I was reflective a bit on your comments. LOL

[geneb]

Those guys are blowing smoke up your shorts. You don't patent something to "protect it for the little guys", you patent something so you get a legal monopoly on it for 17 years.

If they honestly wanted to "protect" it, they'd have published the drawings and concepts openly, thus guaranteeing that everyone could use it. I smell the stench of an MBA...

g.