11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric¶

Research & Ideation¶

Week 11 is dedicated to group work, from initial concept to final project planning, and it resonates deeply with a philosophy that is close to my heart: open source.

After three weeks of reminding my colleagues [with my usual performance anxiety, which often pushes me to improvise, but which is actually rooted in the real biological timing of designing and ideating — ideas need to be digested too] that we needed to start thinking about what we wanted to build—given the tight schedule of Fabricademy—we finally began structuring our ideas. Time is extremely limited, so planning ahead is essential. We started by analyzing our desires and needs, creating a mind map of possible machines and tools, and discussing the distinctions between a tool, a machine, and a robot.

Tools, Machines, and Robots

Tool

A tool is a direct, usually manual instrument that extends human capability.

Automation: None; works only with continuous human input.
Examples: hammer, manual stapler, scissors, engraving pen.
Summary: A tool is an extension of the hand or skill, without autonomous processes.
Machine

A machine is a mechanical or electromechanical device that can perform more complex, often repetitive processes, without constant human input.

Energy: Can be powered by electricity, heat, or hydraulics, converting energy into work.
Examples: 3D printer, blender, lathe, centrifuge.
Summary: A machine automates or facilitates work but follows predetermined routines, without "intelligence."
Robot

A robot is a machine with a degree of autonomy and responsiveness, often programmable or sensor-equipped.

Capabilities: Can make limited decisions, react to the environment, and adapt to variable inputs.
Composition: Usually combines mechanics, electronics, and software; may include AI or logic control.
Examples: industrial robotic arm, domestic robot, exploration robot.
Summary: A robot is an "intelligent" or reactive machine that can modify its behavior based on the environment or programmed rules.

Quick Overview

Type	Autonomy	Human Input	Example
Tool	None	Continuous	Hammer
Machine	Partial	Occasional	Centrifuge
Robot	High	Minimal	Robotic arm

Creativity Map by Mercedes Leon merchesico.blog

Biolab Lisbon team Brainstorming Map, illustration by Carlotta Premazzi

From this process, we narrowed down our options to four potential projects: Crystalizator, Shred Machine, Biomaterial Screenprint, and a Vibrating Plate for leveling biomaterials. We quickly discarded the projects that seemed deceptively simple but were in fact problematic. The Shred Machine, for example, posed risks of handling large amounts of metal and chemicals from commercial materials. I was particularly concerned about safety and environmental impact—microplastics and residual chemicals released in uncontrolled spaces made it unsuitable for open use.

To ensure fairness and clarity, I suggested a vote, which allowed the Crystalizator to become our course project. Given the tight timeframe and other constraints(The other team members either did not feel the need for certain elements or preferred not to use them), we made a conscious compromise: all automatic and microcontroller-based parts were removed, leaving a fully manual process. This was a very difficult compromise for me, but it also became a valuable reality check, highlighting the challenges that remain in the digital version—such as material choices for pumps, which are still under consideration, and the risk of not having enough time to build and program it. For now, only a pseudocode workflow accompanies the second manual prototype.

This week allowed us to translate ideation into a tangible, open-source concept, balancing creativity, safety, and practicality. It was a clear reminder of how collaboration, discussion, and compromise are essential in turning ideas into viable projects while staying true to the open-source ethos.

Open Source Philosophy¶

Remix Culture¶

Some Slides from my lecture for Intro to VJ Workshop, VJS ANONYMOUS 2024 [LIVE VISUAL THEORY/> GLITCH&FLOWER(Carlotta Premazzi)]

Spectrum of right¶

Authors/Property rights Private vs Public

Major Open-Source Projects Overview

Category	Project / Platform	Year	Notes
Software	Linux Kernel	1991	Operating system kernel
	GNU Project	1983	Free software ecosystem
	Apache HTTP Server	1995	Web server
	Mozilla Firefox	2002	Web browser
	Blender	1998	3D creation suite
	VLC Media Player	2001	Media playback
	LibreOffice	2010	Office suite
	Python	1991	Programming language
	PostgreSQL	1996	Database system
	MySQL	1995	Database system
	WordPress	2003	CMS
	OpenSCAD	2010	CAD modeling
	Godot Engine	2014	Game engine
	Arduino	2005	Microcontroller ecosystem
Hardware	RepRap	2005	Open-source 3D printer
	OpenBCI	2013	Neurotech hardware
	RISC-V	2010	Open CPU architecture
	Open Source Ecology	2003	DIY industrial machines
Knowledge	Wikipedia	2001	Collaborative encyclopedia
	Archive.org	1996	Digital library
	Wikidata	2012	Structured open knowledge
	Project Gutenberg	1971	Public domain books
	Public Domain Review	2011	Curated public domain works
	OpenStreetMap	2004	Open geographic data
Science	OpenWetWare	2005	Open biological research
	OpenFOAM	2004	CFD simulation tools
	CERN Open Data	2014	Particle physics datasets
	Human Genome Project	1990	Public genomic data
Art & Design	Processing	2001	Creative coding
	Pure Data	1996	Visual audio programming
	TouchDesigner Community Tools	Var.	User-made open tools

🛠️ Open Source Hardware and Documentation¶

Open Source Hardware (OSH) refers to tangible objects—machines, tools, textiles, materials, furniture, electronic devices—whose designs, instructions, and knowledge are openly shared so anyone can reproduce, modify, and improve them.

The goal of OSH is to create a world where technology and materials are accessible to everyone, fostering a global culture of collaboration and innovation.

Vision and Goals

Accessibility and Common Good: Make technology, machines, and processes accessible to all of humanity.
Open Knowledge Sharing: Build a collective repository of learning that grows through contributions.
Collaboration and Reproducibility True collaboration is only possible when designs are fully replicable by others.

📚 Documentation as the Core of Open Source Hardware¶

High-quality open documentation is the central medium for collaboration. It guarantees:

Reproducibility Transparency Participation Long-term evolution of the project

It provides all the necessary information for reproducibility, and consequently, inspires people to participate and contribute to the project.

Essential Documentation Components¶

Open Source Hardware documentation must include all pertinent information (design, components, and instructions) to allow anyone to recreate and improve the product. Key contents are:

License
Project Overview / README
Assembly Instructions
Design files [Source Files & Export Files]
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Purchased Parts
Unique / Custom-made Parts
Source Files & Export Files
Software / Firmware
Review & Rebuild Notes
Additional Features
Safety & Risk Assessment
Maintenance & Repair
Changelog / Version History
Contributing Guidelines
References
Acknowledgments

🧵 From Fibers to Fabric — Open Source Textile Production¶

"Form Fibers to Fabric" expands the Open Source Hardware philosophy into the textile world, proposing a modular open-source hardware ecosystem capable of transforming raw or recycled material into fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

It is designed for makers, researchers, biomaterial labs, and designers who want to experiment with local production, sustainable materials, and DIY fabrication.

🔧 The Production Stages (Open Source Workflow)¶

Stage	Input	Process	Output / Result
Raw Material	Natural fibers (incl. biopolymers) / Synthetic polymers / Recycled waste	Harvesting, shearing, shredding, melting, dissolving.	Base material for fiber formation.
Preparation	Loose fibers (or polymer masses)	Washing, carding (alignment), blending.	Clean & aligned fibers (sliver).
Yarn Production	Aligned fibers (sliver) or extruded filaments	Spinning, twisting, drawing, extrusion, texturing.	Yarn.
Textile Construction	Yarn	Weaving, Knitting, Braiding, felting, embroidery.	Fabric.
Applications	Fabric	(N/A)	Final products in: Apparel, interiors, automotive, architecture, industry, medicine.
---

Carding¶

Carding is a fundamental mechanical process in the Preparation stage that:

Function: Disentangles, cleans, and intermixes fibers to produce a continuous web or sliver suitable for subsequent processing.
Mechanism: It is achieved by passing the fibers between differentially moving surfaces covered with "card clothing." This action breaks up unorganized clumps and aligns the individual fibres parallel to one another.

get inspired!

Check out and research alumni pages to betetr understand how to document and get inspired

OS Loom - Kae Nagano - Fab Lab Kamakura
The pattern machine - Marion Guillaud - LeTextileLab Lyon
Shopbot Hack - Painting machine Asli Aksan - Textile Lab Amsterdam
Prusa - Pegboard - Viviane Labelle - EchoFab
Final project - Pauline Gamore

References & Inspiration¶

Crafting Fashion With Robots by WeMake, Openmaker Special Prize 2018 We Make Youtube Channel

Open Source Hardware Inspiration Moodboard by Carlotta Premazzi

Crafting Fashion With Robots by Zoe Romano and Francesco Perego.zoeromano.eu
Sensor Knitting by Liza Stark liza-stark.com
Bab Loom Telar by Walter Gonzales [fabricademy slide lecture]
ELECTRO-SPINNING by Petra Garajova Fabricademy site
DIY CENTRIFUGE by Petra Garajova Fabricademy site
Fiber spray by Anastasia Pistofidou and Ali Yelder[fabricademy slide lecture]
Knit-tink by Stéphanie Vilayphiou gitlab.com

Sensor Knitting — Liza Stark (2018)¶

Event: New York Tech Zine Fair
Author: Liza Stark (thesoftcircuiteer.net)

Key Points

Concept: Textiles that function as electronic sensors (“soft circuits”) by combining conductive yarns with regular textile yarns.
Circuits:
Electricity → electrons flow from positive to ground
Variable resistance → controls LED, motor, sound
Pressure or deformation → changes resistance
Surface area → larger area, lower resistance
Materials: Conductive yarns (Elitex, Karl Grimm, Bekinox, Adafruit Stainless Steel), regular textile yarns, carded roving, LED, batteries, Arduino
Tools: DIY loom, crochet hook, tape, HILO software (for yarn properties)
Process:
Prepare loom (cut & reroll tube)
Place LED and connect to battery
Test circuit → LED lights up
Cast on → wrap yarn around pins
Work stitches using crochet hook
Continue until desired length
Test sensor → LED varies with pull/deformation
Cast off → remove textile from loom
Arduino: Connect analog sensor to input pin, control LED or other outputs
Takeaways:
Integrate electronics directly into the textile
DIY, sustainable, experimental approach
Inspires projects like The Crystalizator, where textiles and materials physically or chemically react

Resources

Kobakant’s eTextile Database (kobakant.at)
eTextile tutorials and zines
Soft sensor guides

Crafting Fashion With Robots — Zoe Romano & Francesco Perego¶

Authors / Source: Zoe Romano & Francesco Perego (zoeromano.eu)

Key Points

Concept: Exploring the integration of robots in fashion creation, blending automation with textile design and craftsmanship.
Focus:
Use of robotic arms and automated tools to assist in garment making
Combining digital fabrication with traditional textile techniques
Enhancing precision and repeatability in fabric manipulation
Applications:
Robotic embroidery, sewing, and cutting
Hybrid workflows where designers and machines collaborate
Innovative garment patterns enabled by robotic capabilities
Takeaways:
Robots can become creative partners rather than just production tools
Enables complex geometries and textures not feasible manually
Inspires new approaches to interactive, wearable, or experimental fashion

Resources

- Project website: zoeromano.eu ¶

The Crystalizator¶

OPEN SOURCE CRYSTAL-GROWTH MACHINE
[Analogic / Manual Version]

The Crystalizator illustration by Berrak Zeynep Okyar

GitLab Site

Inspirations¶

1. Project Overview / README¶

Project Name: The Crystalizator — Crystal-Growth Machine
Description:
The Crystalizator is an open-source device for preparing, filtering, and crystallizing saturated salt solutions directly onto fabrics or textile scaffolds. It integrates controlled heating, magnetic stirring, gravity-based filtration, and a pulley-based immersion system to create consistent, repeatable, and well-documented crystallization workflows.
The system provides a protected, stable environment where crystals can form reliably, improving upon inconsistent open-air manual methods.

Version: V1.0 (Analog Prototype)
Author(s): Carlotta Premazzi, Ndeyfatou Ceesay, Berrak Zeynep Okyar, Carolina Delgado, Carlos Roque, Guilherme Martins
Lab: Biolab, Lisbon
License: CC BY-SA

2. License¶

This project is released under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA).

You may:
- credit the original creators
- adapt and modify
- redistribute
- release derivatives under the same license

3. Bill of Materials (BOM)¶

BOM

COMPONENT	LINK	PRICE
Structure
Laser-cut Plywood Board (70×100 cm)	leroymerlin.pt	€26,12
Components
1× Thermomagnetic stirrer with hot plate	AliExpress	€59,95
1× Magnetic stir-bar (5×40 mm, chosen via Stir-Bar Data Sheet)	Amazon.es	€14,22
1× pack Magnetic stir-bars (5 different sizes)	Amazon.es	€13,10
2× Borosilicate glass jars (1 L)	Amazon.es	€73,96
1× pack 200 filtration units	Amazon.es	€19,04
3× Dark fabric curtains (light-shielding system)	feiradostecidos.com	€13
Chemicals
Salt / Copper sulfate	Amazon.es	€17,25
Salt / Alum	Amazon.es	€17,18
Distilled water	Amazon.es	€28,45
96% alcohol	Amazon.es	€5,97
Textile / Scaffold
Cotton, linen, biotextile, or other scaffolds
TOTAL		€288,24

Structure¶

Laser-cut plywood (70×100 cm)

Components¶

1× Thermomagnetic stirrer with hot plate
1× Magnetic stir-bar (size chosen via Stir-Bar Data Sheet)
2× Borosilicate glass jars (250 ml / 500 ml / 1 L / 2 L)
1× Removable filtration unit (filter mesh + frame)
1× Pulley system (mini pulley + cord + hook + textile holder)
3× Dark fabric curtains (light-shielding system)

Chemicals¶

Salt / Alum / Copper sulfate / other minerals
Distilled water

Textile / Scaffold¶

Cotton, linen, biotextile, or other scaffolds

4. Purchased Parts¶

Thermomagnetic stirrer (lab-grade or DIY portable version)
Borosilicate jars
Mini pulley + cord + hooks
Filter mesh (nylon, metal, or lab filter)
Curtain or shading fabric

5. Custom / Unique Parts¶

Laser-cut structure
Filter/lid solution
Pulley-mounted textile holder
Light-shading curtain system

6. Assembly Instructions¶

1. Build Structure¶

Laser-cut plywood frame
Assemble two compartments: left = Jar 1, right = Jar 2
Clean jars with 76% alcohol + distilled water

2. Heating & Mixing Unit (Jar 1)¶

Place thermomagnetic stirrer under Jar 1
Insert stir-bar
Fill jar with distilled water, heat, dissolve salt until saturation

3. Filtration System¶

Mount filter above Jar 2
Tilt Jar 1 to pour hot solution through filter

4. Textile Immersion System (Jar 2)¶

Mount pulley above Jar 2
Attach textile to holder
Lower fabric into filtered solution
Cover with lid + shading curtain

7. Design Files (Source Files & Export Files)¶

Include folder structure:

/design-files /cad /schematics /drawing /laser-cut

File Types:
- CAD source (.fusion)
- Schematics
- Drawings
- Laser-cut files: SVG / DXF

8. Software / Firmware¶

Analog Version¶

No software (manual operation)

Digital Version¶

Microcontroller firmware (temperature control, timed cycles, sensor logging)
Material-specific crystallization profiles

9. Review & Rebuild Notes¶

Verify jar sizes and frame spacing
Confirm filtration flow speed
Adjust pulley height for textile length
Add shading curtains for consistent crystal formation
For large batches: upgrade structure to acrylic panels

10. Stir-Bar Selection Data Sheet¶

(Based on Fisher Scientific, 2025)

Jar Volume	Recommended Stir-Bar Length
250 ml	20–30 mm
500 ml	30–40 mm
1 L	40–50 mm
2 L	50–70 mm

Avoid bars that are:
- too long → scraping
- too short → weak mixing
- mismatched to plate magnet

11. Additional Features¶

Light-Shading Curtain: prevents light-induced uneven crystallization
Multi-Fiber Cap: allows parallel crystallization of multiple fibers

12. Safety & Risk Assessment¶

Hazards: hot surfaces, glass breakage, dense solutions
PPE: gloves, goggles, apron

Safe Use:
- stable surface
- ventilation
- no open flames
- never leave heating unattended

Risks: thermal burns, cuts, splashes
Disposal: dilute residues before draining; follow lab rules
Standards: general makerspace / lab safety guidelines

13. Maintenance & Repair¶

Routine: rinse jars, remove crystal buildup, clean frame
Replace: jars, filters, cords, supports
Repair: cracked jars, loose joints, misaligned pulley
Longevity: avoid thermal shock, store dry, keep components clean

14. Changelog / Version History¶

v1.0 — Initial release / Analog prototype
v1.1 — Digital prototype (in process)

15. Contributing Guidelines¶

For collaborators:
- Fork → modify → submit pull request
- Use templates for issues (bugs, features, questions)
- Maintain respectful, inclusive communication
- Use clear file-naming conventions
- Include photos, diagrams, and measurements in hardware documentation

16. References¶

17. Acknowledgments¶

Rafael Calado, Biolab and Fablab Lisbon

Tools¶

Process¶

Research Brainstorming Hand Drawing 3D modeling in Fusion 2D montage in Laser Cut plywood Assemblage Testing

My sketches are ...

Draft and testing process, prototiping, laser cut model, build model, demo test. Biolab Lisbon Team

3D Models¶

3D Model Screenshoot and Laser Cut Screenshoot

Laser cutting The Crystalizator¶

Laser cut montage

"Quick and dirty" first The Crystalizator's Assemby Process and Test. Wondering the Result. Biostuffers, Biolab Lisboa

Gallery¶

Fabrication files¶

Lecture on November 24th, 2025, Global Instructors: Sara Diaz Rodriguez, Global Tutorial: Stephanie Vilayphiou Local Instructors: Carolina Delgado, Carlos Roque; Support: Guilherme Martins, Rafael Calado

Student checklist

[ ] Research and document existing fabrication methods, machines and industries, add references, tutorials and sketches of the hardware you will make
[ ] Document the process of designing the files for your machine/machine-hack/tool and its fabrication including the assembly process
[ ] Document the schematic and the software source code (if any)
[ ] Document the parts and how to make your tool or machine
[ ] Document your BOM (Bill of materials): electronics, materials, their amount, etcetera (with references of the components)
[ ] Upload your 3D model and CAM files (if any)
[ ] Design, create and document a final outcome, a sample project of your process
[ ] Make a small video of the machine
[ ] Create an interface for controling your machine (extra credit)