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We are way overdue for an open source 2d printer (sub.wetshaving.social)

submitted 3 weeks ago by weird@sub.wetshaving.social to c/memes@lemmy.world

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[-] WoodScientist@sh.itjust.works 11 points 3 weeks ago

If you're worried about opsec and want to like, print subversive pamphlets, one way to do it would be to use a 3D printer. Literally 3D a small printing press. Use 3d printed movable type. Or perhaps better, just print the sheet of a pamphlet as a single print and swap out the pages as you go.

If you wanted a secure way to print something, you could use an open source 3D printer to do it. You're just using it to make plates for a literal old-fashioned screw-type printing press.

[-] pennomi@lemmy.world 7 points 3 weeks ago

I mean, there’s no reason why a 3D printer couldn’t be rigged up to use a stylus instead of an extruder. (Plotters exist after all.) Probably not very performant compared to your solution though.

I do love the idea of making old timey printing plates using a 3D printer. If you printed in TPU would that make the equivalent of a rubber stamp?

[-] WoodScientist@sh.itjust.works 7 points 3 weeks ago

I do love the idea of making old timey printing plates using a 3D printer. If you printed in TPU would that make the equivalent of a rubber stamp?

Probably.

I mean, there’s no reason why a 3D printer couldn’t be rigged up to use a stylus instead of an extruder. (Plotters exist after all.) Probably not very performant compared to your solution though.

Yeah, plotters exist, but they're slow. The reason I mention subversive literature is that activist groups are some of those that would most benefit from an open source printer option. Regular commercial printers all have government-mandated fingerprinting software built into them. A home made printing press gives you the throughput of an inkjet printer but without the opsec issues.