It has been one of the most searched terms on our website over the summer. But what is 'BeagleCore', and why is it creating such a buzz?
Every day thousands of electronics designers make use of the BeagleBone platform to develop innovative solutions and products. Transforming these solutions into mass production is expensive and labour-intensive. With BeagleCore™ that is all about to change ...
Based on BeagleBone architecture, BeagleCore™ is a much smaller, simpler device - a powerful postage-stamp size building block for creating and
testing new technologies for industrial and Internet of Things (IoT)
applications.
The BeagleCore BCM1 is a
miniaturised computer module for industrial or commercial applications
that can be integrated into custom PCBs,
introducing new opportunities for developers of professional hardware
solutions. The BeagleCore™ BCM1 can be used, for example, to create
controllers for water treatment plants as well as interactive touch
displays for mobile measuring equipment in rugged environments.
The BeagleCore™ BCM1 module matches the core functions of the
BeagleBone Black or Green, but can be embedded into your own baseboard or the
BCS1 baseboard (included as part of the starter kit), making it ideal for
industrial design and development.
The BCS1 starter kit
The
BeagleCore BCS1
starter-kit serves as a quick start development
platform and combines the BCM1 computer module with a standardised
baseboard to provide the expansion and connection opportunities needed
to develop Internet of Things (IoT) or embedded industrial projects. The
BCS1 baseboard includes two USB ports, Ethernet, HDMI and SD port and 2
x 46-pin GPIO headers. The
layout is compatible with BeagleBone Black capes and peripherals.
The BeagleCore runs the same operating system (OS) software as the
BeagleBone boards including Debian, Android and Ubuntu. There is a
comprehensive getting started guide which also includes links to the latest OS images. And because the BCS1 is 100% open source you can download the schematics, BoM and other files from the BeagleCore Github repository.
Finding the gap in any market is crucial to the success of any business proposition. Finding it in an emerging technology or market is something of a holy grail. Young businessman Ravi Toor has managed to do both!
Filamentive, the business Ravi started while still a student at the University of Leeds, specialises in sustainably sourced 3D printing materials. Reels of Filamentive PLA and PET filament are made from 90% recycled sources, becoming the most environmentally friendly 3D filament to reach the marketplace.
It has been quite a year for Ravi. Last summer he won a Shell LiveWIRE Smarter Future Award, which recognises the work of young entrepreneurs, scooping £5,000 for the business. He was also shortlisted for the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Recently he has just signed his first distribution deal for Filamentive with Rapid Electronics. All this before he has even graduated!
We caught up with him recently to find out a bit more about Filamentive.
Rapid: So Ravi, what was your original inspiration for Filamentive?
Ravi: I have been involved in desktop 3D printing since 2013 so I also gained experience of the consumables market. I realised that most filament was coming from China and so there were understandably quality and labour issues, not to mention the environmental impact of using fossil-based plastic and the huge carbon footprint associated with imports. My degree in Environment and Business gave me the background understanding of sustainability practices and ethical business. I realised there was a need to address the quality and sustainability issues surrounding filament given the fact that it is a plastic product.
Rapid: What are the special qualities of filament made from
recycled materials?
Ravi: There
is a stigma around recycled 3D printer filament that it is not the same quality
as the virgin alternative. This is why at Filamentive we wanted to find a way
of producing a recycled filament without compromising on quality. The first stage
is to ensure the feedstock (waste stream) is homogenous without debris
particles. In terms of formulation, a 100% recycled filament is not possible as
additives are needed for colour, compound stabilise and strength, which is why
our PLA and PET is 90% recycled; in effect 90% is environmentally
friendly and 10% ensures quality and consistency.
Production wise,
state-of-the-art machinery is needed to compound, pelletise and extrude in
order to meet strict diameter and roundness tolerances. In a world of
ever-increasing environmental awareness, both consumers and business are
looking for ethical and recycled alternatives in order to reduce their carbon
footprint, increase sustainability and feel good about helping the
environment.
Rapid: What extra costs are involved in sourcing sustainably?
Ravi: Of course we are advocates of European
production as opposed to manufacturing in the Far East. Although this is more
expensive we believe the costs are justified given that it is paying good wages
for those involved in Filamentive. In addition, research and development is
expensive, especially when you want to develop a new material.
Rapid: Can your filament be used in any 3D printer?
Ravi: Yes, we pride ourselves on compatibility. We
offer 1.75mm as well as 2.85mm (3mm) diameters in every material we sell. Some
of the more abrasive materials such as carbon fibre may wear standard nozzles
faster than PLA for example, but steel nozzles can be purchased for £5 online so
that solves the problem!
Rapid: What in your view has been the most exciting
development of 3D printing technology?
Ravi: Firstly
the innovation in FDM 3D over the past decade has been phenomenal. The machines
we see today for £1000 are the same spec as machines that cost £50,000 a decade
ago. A few years ago only large businesses and universities could afford the
technology, now we see small businesses, hobbyists and even kids being able to
afford a 3D printer and reap the benefits of the technology. Also from a
materials point of view, the development of exotic composites such as wood,
carbon fibre and metals have really advanced desktop 3D printing!
Rapid: What advice would you give other young entrepreneurs?
Ravi: Simple. Just do it! if you have a business idea then pursue it to the
best of your ability. Youth is on our side; the average young person in their
late teens/early twenties does not have a mortgage or any of the baggage of adult life. Even if it does not go to plan then the impact will not be as
serious and you will definitely benefit from the experience. If you are at
university then definitely speak to your institution about enterprise support and
funding. At the University of Leeds, over £50,000 is available in enterprise
funding, not to mention the support network of successful alumni and
experienced career advisors.
Rapid: How do you see Filamentive developing over the next five
years?
Ravi: The aim for Filamentive is to become a global
material brand within 3D printing, known for our quality and sustainability;
serving resellers and distributors throughout the world. Currently we only
offer thermoplastics for 3D printing but it would also be interesting to enter
the market for SLA resins and powers for industrial 3D printing. We also want
to link with industry and create tangible products from their waste (for
example making filament from old toys) in order to reduce waste, promote reuse
and lower filament costs for clients.
