Hello guys, I just read a comment by @Rob Stehlik in his amazing Parts Library resource that "The drawings are no longer included because of concerns with people copying and selling Open Builds parts." I am a little torn by this comment. I can understand that OB has a problem with people copying and selling their parts, but then it started with the promise of a "an Open Source, high quality extruded aluminum profile building block". To me the "open" in "OpenBuilds" has always meant that all the way, even though getting copied is always a possible outcome when you open source something. Then there is the question if conceiling the plans will stop people from copying. Yes, a fully detailed plan makes that a lot easier - to the point where you just have to throw it into CAM, but will this stop a Chinese manufacturer from getting a caliper and just measuring things? I mean if they clone complete cars, a small metal plate will probably not be much of a challenge? On the other hand it makes it more difficult for us builders since we are missing details... What do you guys think?
I'm kind of with you on this one. The drawings are really only of value to the users. The parts copiers are going to machine directly from the wonderful 3D image files provided. Why waste time recreating from drawings what is already waiting right there. The real key here should be more focus on protecting the OpenBuilds trademark and the reinforcing within the public consciousness the level of quality control that comes with genuine OpenBuilds parts. When it comes to knockoff parts you never know what you'll be getting.... Source: openBuilds FreeBURN-2-Mini V-slot CO2 Laser (40-50w) (...a post which is worth a read.)
You guys @Balu and @Rick 2.0 are spot on OpenBuilds is an Open Source company based on the open principles. Our focus in this area remains on the removal of trademarks applied to low quality clones as well as spam and counterfeit support claims. Thank you for your understanding and help in this effort. We will be putting these drawings back up very soon.
Hey Mark, thanks for your reply. Quick question: Are you saying the cheap (as in "cheap") clones still use the openbuilds brand / logo for their products?
Correct, which inevitably means we end up supporting them and in the meantime their low quality gives OpenBuilds Genuine Parts a bad name, so not cool. But we are working on ways to correct this moving forward. BTW Drawings are back up - Solidworks 2014 Parts Library Thanks Rob
