Open Source Hardware
Manufacturing services for independent electronics companies
Open-source hardware refers to electronic devices for which the technical design, development and manufacturing documentation is available online without any restrictions on access, and is provided free of licence for use, testing, modification, distribution and manufacture by third parties.
Circuit diagrams, bills of materials (BOMs), PCB layouts, Gerber files, pick-and-place data, layer stack information and other production- and function-related data are made available in versioned form via platforms such as GitHub, GitLab or Hackaday.
The aim of open-source hardware is to
- make technical knowledge more widely available and usable
- development more transparent,
- collaboration easier and dependence on individual manufacturers reduced
Circuitry, layouts and enclosures are developed globally, but can be manufactured locally and as required. Instead of expensive injection moulding tools, industrial 3D printers produce high-quality enclosures, whilst electronics manufacturing takes place as usual with EMS specialists.
Typical applications of open-source hardware
Industrial and building automation using micro-PLCs, controllers for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance applications
Mechanical engineering and manufacturing technology, including open-source 3D printers, printer farms, machine control systems and associated production hardware
Agricultural technology featuring automated irrigation and monitoring systems for modern precision farming
Electronics manufacturing and OEM-oriented product development using open PCB designs, bills of materials, layout and manufacturing data for embedded and control hardware
Data centre and server infrastructure based on open rack, power and server standards
Our manufacturing service for open-source hardware
Fast | Automated | Uncomplicated
So that we can continue to use independent and resilient electronics in Europe tomorrow!
SMD & THT manufacturing for Open Source Hardware
Cable assembly and wiring
Assembly
& Functional Testing
3D printing service
for housings and brackets
Upload your bill of materials to our customer portal and receive a no-obligation quote for your open-source solution, made in Europe!
Advantages of Open Source Hardware
From a technical perspective
Greater transparency
The architecture, functions and interfaces are openly accessible.
Ease of customisation
Hardware can be modified, expanded or adapted to specific requirements more easily.
Systematic error analysis
Errors, vulnerabilities and technical decisions can be examined in greater detail.
Greater scope for innovation
Companies, developers and researchers can build on existing solutions more quickly.
From a supply chain perspective
Reduced dependence on suppliers
Components and designs can be sourced from or replicated by multiple suppliers more easily.
Greater supply security
In the event of a single manufacturer failing, it is possible to switch to other producers more quickly.
Improved availability of spare parts
Open specifications facilitate reproduction, replacement and long-term supply.
Greater transparency in the bill of materials
Components, interfaces and technical dependencies are more clearly traceable.
Lower risk of obsolescence
If a supplier fails or discontinues a product, the technical foundation remains usable.
The strategic use of open-source hardware can make supply chains more resilient, interchangeable and easier to plan for the long term!