zlacker

... because the channels through which the ink is propelled are only microns wide, and the ink volumes which are distributed per drop are in the picoliter range which requires a complex piezo-electric control system.

>>Novemb+(OP)
If this topic turns out to be the start of a FOSS, I'll join as a (senior) design engineer.

Find one that doesn't have a patent and reverse engineer it.

I imagine the first/original control system was extremely difficult to develop. But since the technology already exists you can reverse engineer it.

After that, you pay a supplier to make parts. In my experience, these suppliers will end up redesigning to match better with their process, but still meets critical specifications.

I'd post my contact info, but I believe I'm targeted by an HN mod.

>>market+9b
> Find one that doesn't have a patent and reverse engineer it

At this point, it would be better to start looking at expired (and about-to-expire) patents. A circa Y2k printer would be a perfectly acceptable design, IMO.

>>webmav+wt
I completely agree. But given I got 4 downvotes for offering to contribute to a FOSS, seems like demand is low.

>>market+8L
I'd be willing to bet you got those downvotes for an unverifiable and unlikely allegation that an HN mod is currently targeting you.

Glancing back through your posts, I see pretty clear reasons why people would have downvoted your gray ones.

>>market+9b
Do you think I need to be an HN mod to downvote you? I don't.