11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric¶
Research & Ideation¶
Open-source hardware has evolved dramatically since its early days, transforming from a niche, community-driven idea into a global force shaping modern innovation.
In its beginnings, open-source hardware was inspired by the philosophy of open-source software: the belief that sharing designs, documentation, and methods openly would accelerate progress. Early pioneers published schematics, board layouts, and firmware in public repositories, hoping others would build, refine, and redistribute them. Projects like Arduino, RepRap, and early maker-movement initiatives demonstrated that open access to physical designs could empower anyone—from hobbyists to researchers—to create technology rather than just consume it.
As time passed, the landscape shifted. What was once a grassroots movement has grown into a sophisticated ecosystem that includes companies, universities, governments, and hobbyists alike. Open-source hardware standards became better defined, and organizations such as the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) helped formalize licensing, best practices, and community expectations. This governance allowed more trust, interoperability, and long-term sustainability.
Today, open-source hardware touches nearly every domain of technology. Affordable open-source 3D printers democratized manufacturing. Open-source microcontrollers and single-board computers—like Arduino and the various Raspberry Pi alternatives with open documentation—made electronics education and prototyping accessible worldwide. In specialized fields such as robotics, IoT, scientific equipment, and even space technology, open-source designs now accelerate innovation by reducing cost barriers and enabling rapid iteration.
The movement has also influenced industries traditionally dominated by proprietary models. Increasingly, companies adopt open-source hardware strategies to build community trust, reduce vendor lock-in, and foster co-development with their user base. Even large-scale initiatives—such as RISC-V in the processor world—show how open designs can compete with long-standing closed ecosystems, offering alternatives that are flexible, transparent, and globally collaborative.
In the present day, open-source hardware is not just about sharing schematics; it’s about empowering participation, promoting transparency, and enabling local innovation everywhere. With expanding tools, better documentation, global collaboration platforms, and growing commercial adoption, open-source hardware has matured into a cornerstone of modern technological development—proof that openness can be a catalyst for creativity, education, and progress.
References & Inspiration¶
I was deeply inspired by Circular Knitic and the HILO spinning machine because they capture the true spirit of open-source hardware: the idea that creativity, engineering, and craft can be shared freely, allowing anyone to learn, modify, and build upon them.
Circular Knitic, with its blend of digital fabrication and traditional knitting techniques, showed me how open-source projects can bridge seemingly distant worlds. The fact that its creators not only built an automated circular knitting machine, but also published every detail—files, instructions, code—made it clear that innovation doesn’t need to hide behind closed doors. What struck me most was how accessible it became: makers everywhere could 3D-print the components, assemble the machine, and even improve the design. It transformed knitting from a manual craft into a playful, programmable experience, and it demonstrated how open-source hardware can revive and reimagine traditional practices.
Similarly, the HILO spinning machine represents a powerful shift toward democratizing tools that were once confined to industrial or specialized settings. By opening its design, the HILO project gave individuals, small studios, and educators access to an accessible spinning system that could be adapted for different materials or workflows. It doesn’t just function as a machine; it serves as a platform for experimentation. Seeing how the project encourages collaboration, iteration, and diversity of use made me realize how open-source hardware can support sustainable, small-scale production and empower people to create locally.
Links to reference files, PDF, booklets,
Tools¶
- Inkscape
- Tinkercad
- 3D Printer: Ender 3 V.1
- Slicer: Cura
BoM¶
| Qty | Description | Price(MXN) | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filament PETG | 329.00 $ | https://www.amazon.com.mx/s?k=filamento+petg | |
| 1 | E600 Glue | 149.00 $ | https://www.amazon.com.mx/Pegamento-Transparente | |
| 1 | Yarn | 28.00 $ | https://telasbayon.com/products/estambre |
Process¶
I began by downloading the Loom 3D-printer files from the Instructables website 3D printed loom. After importing the models into Cura for review, it had 124 layers. I printed them using PETG filament at 100% speed, with a bed temperature of 98 °C and an extrusion temperature of 208 °C. Printing the four loom pieces took approximately nine hours.
Printing the loom ...
Additionally, I downloaded the loom files from Shemakes Digitalizing Looms to obtain the comb model. I used Inkscape to separate the comb from the original file, then imported it into Tinkercad to resize it. As with the previous models, I reviewed and adjusted the final file in Cura before printing. The 23 layers took 1 hr 24 min to be printed.
To improve the loom, I added a hinge support inspired by a tablet-stand design found on Thingiverse. I uploaded the model to Meshmixer for resizing and followed the same preparation and printing workflow in Cura as with the other files. It had 239 layers It took 2hrs 24min to print the support using PETG filament at 100% speed, with an extrusion temperature of 208 °C.
Results¶
