Source: OpenBuilds, All3DP (remix)

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End of an Era

OpenBuilds is Shutting Down, Holding Clearance Sale

by Shawn Frey
Published May 16, 2025

The US-based online storefront is clearing out its stock with a sale up to 40% off while supplies last, but it marks the end of another notable business from the DIY community.

OpenBuilds, a designer of and storefront for open-source CNC machines and other manufacturing system components, is going out of business after 12 years. The company cites a changing landscape and rising operating costs as reasons for its shutdown.

“After 12 amazing years, we’ve made the heartfelt decision to wind down OpenBuilds,” wrote Mark Carew, OpenBuilds’ founder, in a statement on its forum. “While this chapter is coming to a close, the legacy of OpenBuilds will live on in the countless projects, machines, and ideas that you’ve brought to life.”

Though the storefront is shutting down, the passion-project-turned-storefront is “exploring solutions for the forum to keep the community thriving”, says Carew, while its “core tools” will remain available on the company’s GitHub.

OpenBuilds’ expansive builds section, in addition to hosting documentation for their own builds, hosts a wealth of community builds that both showcase and document users’ work. Carew confirmed to All3DP that its efforts to preserve the forum will extend to the builds, documentation, and other community resources.

“We’re still finalizing details, but our goal is to ensure these valuable contributions remain accessible,” he said.

But of course, with this sad news does come an opportunity. OpenBuilds’ impressive machines are being let go for up to 40% off their previous prices. The 1170 x 793 mm Lead CNC Machine 1510, a DIY CNC we recommend, is currently $1,320 down from $2,200. This is a very opportune time for anyone looking to pick up a production-quality machine. The additional caveat here, of course, is that supplies are limited, sales are final, and you’ll likely be limited to community support. If you can live with that, you’ll land a stellar deal.

It’s not just full systems up for grabs, though. OpenBuilds’ entire stock of parts is available at a discount – from stepper motors to profiles rails (extrusions). If you’ve been thinking of building an open-source 3D printer, this might be an opportune time to cross out some items on your BOM.

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License: The text of "OpenBuilds is Shutting Down, Holding Clearance Sale" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.