AI made your 3D model... but will it print? 🦊

New maker tools repair broken meshes, split oversized models, and prep files for the bed — no separate CAD program needed. Our beginner guide breaks it all down. https://flarelab.com

#3DPrinting #MakerCommunity #FDM #3DModeling #AdditiveManufacturing

https://flarelab.com/blogs/news/ai-made-your-3d-model-heres-how-to-make-it-actually-printable

Ever wished you could copy a real object into your computer? That's what #3DScanning does — reading thousands of points per second to rebuild any object as a digital model. One engineering firm just used it to halve their inspection time. Our new beginner guide explains how it works: https://flarelab.com

#3DPrinting #MakerCommunity #DigitalFabrication

https://flarelab.com/blogs/news/what-is-3d-scanning-how-engineers-capture-real-objects-to-check-parts-faster

Your 3D printer turns models into objects. A 3D scanner does the reverse — it captures a real object as an editable digital model. Together they let you copy, resize, and repair real parts without modeling from scratch. Here's a beginner-friendly intro to #3DScanning 👇 https://flarelab.com #3DPrinting #MakerCommunity #ReverseEngineering

https://flarelab.com/blogs/news/what-is-3d-scanning-how-makers-turn-real-objects-into-printable-models

Ever snap a 3D print clean along the layer lines? That's FDM's classic Z-axis weakness. Magma — an experimental #OrcaSlicer fork — builds sealed vertical channels and injects molten plastic into them mid-print to knit the layers together. Still early, but a brilliant approach. Full beginner-friendly guide 👇 https://flarelab.com #3DPrinting #MakerCommunity #FDM #AdditiveManufacturing

https://flarelab.com/blogs/news/magma-the-slicer-mod-that-injects-plastic-to-fix-weak-3d-print-layers-2

New to 3D printing? Start with a blocky pop-culture model like the Minecraft Enderman. Flat faces, minimal supports, and an easy pause-and-swap trick for the glowing eyes. Full beginner guide here 🦊 https://flarelab.com

#3DPrinting #MakerCommunity #Minecraft #FDM #3DPrintingBeginner

https://flarelab.com/blogs/news/how-to-3d-print-pop-culture-models-like-the-minecraft-enderman-beginner-guide

Am 20. Juni eröffnen in Mayen gleich zwei neue Orte: der MY Makerspace und der RegioHub Mayen.
🛠️3D-Druck, Lasercutter, Robotik, Holzarbeiten, Löten – und nebenan ein Ort für Beteiligung, Vernetzung und regionale Projektentwicklung.

Beides in der Göbelstraße 12, von 10 bis 16 Uhr, keine Anmeldung nötig.

Entstanden im Rahmen der Smarten Region MYK10.

🔗 https://myk10.de/aktuelles/gemeinsame-eroeffnung-des-my-makerspace-und-regiohub-mayen#MYMakerspace

#SmarteRegionMYK10 #Mayen #MakerCommunity #OpenInnovation

The MakerDeck meetup is tomorrow 6pm-8pm at Formula Brewing in Issaquah. Bring your prints, share what you're working on, and meet other makers in the area. All ages and experience levels welcome. RSVP link below.

#3DPrinting #Maker #MakerCommunity #MakerDeck #MakerLife

https://luma.com/8evvxjph

Recently, we helped out our neighbors from the Spectrum Maker Space. They had sourced a special rubber material to laser-cut a custom stamp, with the housing to be 3D printed on top of that.
The result is really nice and we are thinking now to make also custom stamps with our own Logo.

@spectrum

#hackerspace #makerspace #openworkshop #MunichMakerLab #MuMaLab #Kreativquartier #Kreativlabor #DIYMunich #lasercutting #3dprinting #makercommunity

The Flashforge AD5X: Why I’m Done With Their Walled Garden

1,110 words, 6 minutes read time.

I wish I had known that the Flashforge AD5X was an afterthought—a machine clearly built with cost-cutting as the primary driver rather than user experience.

I was actually looking at QIDI printers when I stumbled upon the AD5X, a decision I now regret.

Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the machine for what it is because I realize the price point dictates certain trade-offs. It feds my maker mentality, and I was willing to work within its limitations.

However, the recent “walled garden” attempts, implemented well after the sale, have completely soured my opinion of Flashforge.

Had I realized the company was planning to force this closed ecosystem on its users, I would have moved on; in fact, avoiding that exact dynamic is precisely why I didn’t choose a Bambu printer in the first place. From the underwhelming, sluggish touchscreen to the persistent technical flaws that have fueled thousands of online complaints, it is far from the well-engineered tool it was marketed to be. I have reached a point where my needs and the manufacturer’s roadmap are fundamentally incompatible, leading me to make a clean break from their ecosystem.

The Firmware Lockdown

My decision to stay frozen on Firmware 3.0.9 is a calculated move to preserve the utility of my equipment. This version is the last to offer a degree of functional independence before the manufacturer began implementing restrictive lockdown measures. By staying on this specific release, I avoid the firmware updates that effectively block direct local printing.

These updates have transformed the AD5X from a standalone tool into a cloud-dependent terminal. By mandating that the printer be online and tethered through their proprietary servers, the company has prioritized their own oversight over the user’s ability to operate their machine independently.

I should be free to print whatever I choose without their inspection or approval. I bought the machine — it should remain my machine.

I believe we have the right to be secure in our persons, houses, papers, and effects, and I certainly do not need tech overlords deciding what I can and cannot do with the equipment I own.

The Linux & Orca Slicer Workflow

My operational requirements are specific: I run Linux and rely on the stock version of Orca Slicer for its stability and feature set. Unfortunately, this ecosystem is not supported by the manufacturer, who seems intent on forcing users into their own proprietary software stack. Rather than hoping for future support or accepting a broken configuration, I have chosen to take control of my own technical variables.

I have implemented the necessary workarounds to isolate the machine from update servers, ensuring that the tool I rely on remains consistent. This is not a “fix” for a broken device, but a proactive choice to prioritize my technical requirements over the convenience of a forced, proprietary cloud environment. My workflow stays mine, and I refuse to ask for permission to use the tools I rely on.

Exploring Open Alternatives

As I look at where I go from here, I am exploring more open alternatives, such as the ZMod project, which aligns with my need for deeper control and hardware transparency. Projects like these represent the polar opposite of the current manufacturer trend, offering a path where the user remains the primary stakeholder in their own hardware.

The current industry trajectory feels increasingly like the “HP Ink” model, where the printer is a locked-down device designed to restrict consumer choice in materials and software. This “walled garden” approach treats highly capable, technical machines like disposable office appliances. I am moving away from this dynamic in favor of systems that respect my autonomy as a creator.

Conclusion

The divergence between the maker community and these proprietary ecosystems has reached a breaking point. Tethering hardware to cloud-only platforms forces users to choose between subservience to a manufacturer’s roadmap or the path of the tinkerer. Having worked in tech and internet technologies for over thirty years now—where did the time go?—I know that communication should be a simple matter of a computer sending a signal via wire or Wi-Fi to a printer. Whether referred to by number or by descriptive protocols like SSH, HTTP, or HTTPS, these ports are fundamental technology that has existed for decades. What is happening here is that the software port on the printer is being intentionally blocked, forcing the device to contact Flashforge servers to receive an “approved” and “sanitized” file.

By choosing to step outside of this managed ecosystem, I have opted for a direction where my tools remain under my control, serving my needs without the interference of forced updates or remote service requirements. This will be the last Flashforge product I own, and once this machine reaches the end of its life, I am done with them unless they fundamentally change their stance. Time will tell. The future of my workshop lies in open, transparent systems where ownership is not merely a legal status, but a functional reality.

Take Action: Reclaim Your Hardware

1. Secure Your Own Perimeter (The “Gateway Cutoff”)

If you haven’t been locked out yet, take control of your network settings immediately to prevent your printer from “phoning home”:

• Assign a Static IP to your printer.
• Clear the Gateway and DNS fields (or set them to a non-functional address like 192.168.0.0).
• Verify: This ensures your machine remains a local tool, immune to forced cloud-based “updates” that remove your autonomy.

2. Join the Fight for Right to Repair

As advocates like Louis Rossmann have shown, the battle for ownership isn’t just happening in our workshops—it’s happening in our legislatures. If you are tired of companies treating your property like a leased appliance, don’t stay silent:

• Find Your Representative: Use House.gov to identify and contact your local representative.
• Be Clear and Direct: When you call or write, mention specific legislation (like the REPAIR Act). Tell them you are a constituent who believes that if you bought it, you own it—and that includes the right to repair, modify, and use your equipment without manufacturer interference.
• Follow the Leaders: Support organizations and advocates like the Repair Association and Louis Rossmann who are actively fighting to dismantle the anti-consumer “parts pairing” and software-lockdown models that plague our industry.

D. Bryan King

Sources

• Comprehensive Response to Bambu’s AGPLv3 Violations – Software Freedom Conservancy
• Bambu Lab Faces Open Source Licence Firestorm Over OrcaSlicer Fork
• Drama at Flash forge! EULA includes spying on what you print.
• Migliaccio & Rathod LLP: Consumer Protection and Class Action Investigations
• MakerWorld launches Creator Copyright Protection Program – VoxelMatters
• Selling 3D Printed Items – A Legal Guide | All3DP Pro
• What Is RFID Filament? The Guide to Smart Spools – Snapmaker
• Is RFID Filament Killing Open 3D Printing? – YouTube
• Take a Stand for Maker Rights and the Future of Additive Manufacturing
• The differences between open-source printers and closed-source printers
• GNU Affero General Public License, Version 3
• Electronic Frontier Foundation: Right to Repair
• The Repair Association: Right to Repair
• FTC Policy Statement on Repair Restrictions
• Rossmann Repair Group
• SFC Baltobu GitHub Repository
• U.S. Copyright Office Guidance on AI and Copyright
• Bambu Lab Accused of AGPL Violations
• The Future of Open Source 3D Printing – 2026 Analysis
• Software Freedom Conservancy Takes on Bambu Lab
• The Right to Repair is Coming to 3D Printers
• RepRap Wiki: The Foundation of Open Source 3D Printing
• Prusa Research: Open Source Philosophy
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act Overview
• 17 U.S. Code § 512 – Limitations on liability relating to material online
• Cults3D Marketplace
• MyMiniFactory Marketplace
• Thingiverse: The Original Open Design Platform
• SFC Confronts Bambu Lab over Copyleft Compliance
• 3D Printing Manufacturer Faces Backlash Over Proprietary Locks

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

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What Will Crochet Look Like in 2040?

Every generation thinks they’ve reached the peak of technology.

Then twenty years later they’re explaining to confused children why they used to print MapQuest directions or carry CDs in giant binders.

Crocheters are no different.

Right now, we’re pretty impressed with ourselves. We have digital patterns, online yarn shopping, stitch-counting apps, and video tutorials for every project imaginable.

But what will crocheting look like in 2040?

Nobody knows for sure.

That won’t stop us from wildly guessing.

Smart Hooks Will Judge Us

Today’s crochet hooks are simple.

In 2040?

Your hook will probably connect to your phone, count your stitches automatically, and gently inform you:

“That was supposed to be a double crochet.”

You’ll argue with it.

The hook will be correct.

You’ll frog three rows anyway.

Some things never change.

AI Will Design Patterns

Artificial intelligence is already writing patterns. I didn’t say they were good patterns…but you’ve likely stumbled upon a few in your day-to-day on the internet.

By 2040, you’ll probably be able to type:

“Make me a cardigan inspired by my cat, my favorite coffee mug, and the emotional trauma of trying to learn foundation stitches.”

Thirty seconds later you’ll have a complete pattern.

Will the sleeves match?

That’s another question.

Yarn Will Become Ridiculously High-Tech

By 2040, yarn companies will stop asking whether they can and start asking whether they should.

Spoiler alert:

They won’t.

Mood Yarn

Changes color based on your emotional state.

Halfway through a project you’ll discover your sweater contains:

• Optimism Blue
• Mild Frustration Orange
• Pattern Rage Red
• Existential Crisis Gray

Future therapists will diagnose stress levels by examining unfinished blankets.

Accountability Yarn

This yarn knows how many unfinished projects you own.

When your WIP count reaches double digits, it starts asking uncomfortable questions.

“Shouldn’t you finish that cardigan first?”

Nobody needs that kind of negativity.

Predictive Yarn™

Using advanced AI, this yarn knows what projects you’ll start next month.

The replacement skeins arrive before you’ve even convinced yourself you need them.

The accuracy is unsettling.

Competitive Yarn

This yarn tracks the progress of nearby crocheters.

Your blanket reaches Row 45 and suddenly receives a notification:

Karen finished hers three days ago.

Smart Yarn Labels

Current labels:
“Machine wash cold.”

Future labels:
“Based on your previous projects, I recommend you buy three more skeins.”

“You’re not going to skip swatching, are you?”

“We both know you’re making modifications.”

No matter how advanced yarn becomes, there will still be one universal truth:

A crocheter will stand in front of a closet containing 147 skeins and say:

“I don’t have anything to work with.”

And somehow, even in 2040, that statement will feel completely reasonable.

Virtual Crochet Circles

Instead of meeting in person, some groups may gather in virtual reality.

Picture it:

You’re sitting in your living room wearing fuzzy slippers.

Your friend is in another country.

Your crochet buddy is on vacation.

Yet somehow all three of you are sitting around the same virtual coffee table complaining about yarn prices.

Honestly?

That part already feels realistic.

Self-Counting Stitch Markers

The most commonly lost item in crochet history may finally evolve.

Future stitch markers might:

• Count repeats
• Track rows
• Flash when you miss a stitch
• Send notifications

Current crocheters lose stitch markers inside couch cushions.

Future crocheters will lose them after forgetting the password.

Progress.

Pattern Reading May Become Optional

Instead of reading a pattern, you may simply wear smart glasses.

The glasses highlight:

• The next stitch
• Where increases go
• Which row you’re on
• How many stitches remain

Future crocheters may never know the joy of discovering they’ve been repeating Row 14 instead of Row 15 for an entire evening.

Project Bags Will Get Smarter

Today’s project bag:

A bag.

Tomorrow’s project bag:

• Built-in lighting
• Charging ports
• Yarn management systems
• Automatic row counters
• Emergency chocolate storage

Actually, let’s hope that last one becomes available much sooner.

The Great Granny Square Revival Will Continue

Let’s be honest.

No matter what technology does, granny squares aren’t going anywhere.

Crochet trends come and go.

Yarn brands come and go.

Hooks change.

Styles change.

But somehow granny squares survive every decade.

If archaeologists uncover a crochet project in the year 3000, there’s at least a 50% chance it will involve a granny square.

Future Crocheters Will Laugh at Us

Imagine a crocheter in 2040 saying:

“Wait… you counted stitches manually?”

“You downloaded PDF patterns?”

“You had to search for yarn substitutions yourself?”

“You bought yarn without scanning it with a smart fiber analyzer?”

We’ll sound ancient.

Which is exactly how we sound when we hear stories about crocheters copying patterns by hand from magazines.

Final Thoughts

Will any of these predictions come true?

Probably some.

Definitely not all.

But one thing seems certain:

In 2040, crocheters will still buy yarn they don’t technically need.

They’ll still start new projects before finishing old ones.

They’ll still play yarn chicken.

And they’ll still insist that this next project will only take a weekend.

Some technologies are destined to change.

Crocheter optimism is not one of them.

If you could invent one futuristic crochet tool or gadget, what would it do?