At Tormach, we believe that when you purchase one of our CNC machines, it should be entirely yours to control, maintain, and modify. We’re committed to the “right to repair” movement, which advocates for consumers to have the power to repair and maintain their equipment without restrictive service contracts or software lockouts. Tormach’s open-source approach and commitment to transparency ensure that every machine offers owners both flexibility and freedom.
Open Source and Transparency at Tormach
In an interview with Practical Machinist during IMTS, Tormach CEO Daniel Rogge highlighted the company's dedication to open-source values: “Everything you see here is open source. Everything you see on the robot side is also open source. We are big on the whole right to repair thing, too. If you look on GitHub, not only can you find source code for our machines, you can find firmware. You can find schematics like our printed circuit board. We're very much invested in the open-source ethos.”
Our machines’ software, including the PathPilot® interface, is accessible on GitHub, allowing customers and developers to explore, modify, and even contribute to our platform. This commitment to transparency empowers Tormach users to truly own their equipment, making it possible for them to not only customize their machines but also maintain and repair them as they see fit.
The Power of Choice: Maintain, Customize, and Repair
With a Tormach machine, the choice is in your hands. You can opt to install, maintain, and repair it yourself, or reach out to our U.S.-based support team for expert assistance whenever you need it. There are no restrictions on access to parts, no proprietary tools required, and no mandatory service contracts dictating how you use or repair your equipment.
This flexibility allows Tormach users to not only keep their machines in top shape but also to tailor their setups as project demands evolve, ensuring long-term adaptability and value. With Tormach’s commitment to “right to repair,” you can confidently maintain, customize, and even upgrade your machine without the limitations often found with other manufacturers — keeping your workflow efficient and reducing unnecessary costs over time.
Right to Repair and the McDonald’s Ice Cream Machine
The challenges around repair restrictions extend far beyond manufacturing and tech companies. McDonald’s ice cream machines, notorious for their frequent breakdowns, could only be repaired through the manufacturer due to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which restricted franchisees or third-party technicians from repairing the machines without violating digital locks.
Recent legislation, however, represents a victory for the right-to-repair movement. The new rule allows third-party vendors to repair retail-level commercial food preparation equipment, including McDonald’s ice cream machines. This development pushes back against the restrictive practices of many manufacturers who previously limited repair access to their own technicians. This instance highlights the growing movement to empower consumers with control over their devices and equipment.
Supporting the Right to Repair Movement
The right to repair movement is about more than just fixing devices; it’s about giving consumers full ownership over the products they invest in. Tormach is dedicated to supporting this movement by designing machines that empower users with the freedom to repair, maintain, and customize as they see fit. With accessible parts, open-source software, and detailed machine schematics available, we encourage users to take control of their equipment without the constraints of service contracts or proprietary lockouts.
By providing flexible support options and a commitment to transparency, Tormach machines embody true freedom in CNC machining. Our goal is to inspire users to push boundaries, customize their setups, and unlock the full potential of CNC technology on their own terms. In embracing the right to repair, we’re not only supporting users’ independence but also contributing to a future where innovation and adaptability thrive.
