Gridfinity: The modular, open-source grid storage system

Mass Production vs. 3D-Printed Ecosystem

• Some argue Gridfinity would benefit from injection‑molded baseplates and “generic” bins so users can focus prints on custom parts.
• Others counter that consumer 3D printing is “set and forget,” often faster and cheaper than ordering, especially for one‑offs.
• There’s a niche identified: mass‑produced starter kits for rapid initial setup (especially for businesses), then printers for customization.

Licensing and Commercial Use

• Early confusion about whether selling molded parts was allowed; commenters note Gridfinity has been MIT‑licensed for years, so commercial production is legally fine.
• In contrast, other storage ecosystems (e.g., Multiboard) are criticized for extremely restrictive licenses, especially for commercial environments, reinforcing Gridfinity’s appeal as open infrastructure.

Customization, Variants, and Generators

• Many mention parametric generators (notably gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com and OpenSCAD/Fusion tools) to create custom baseplates and bins, alternate grid sizes, and adapters to other systems (HSW, Multiboard, GRIPS, OpenGrid, GOEWS).
• Filament‑saving approaches are popular: cardboard‑walled bins, hybrid systems that print only corners or interfaces, and entirely cardboard/foam‑core organizers.

Grid Size, Fit, and Wasted Space

• A recurring complaint: drawer dimensions rarely match the 42 mm grid, leaving wasted side space.
• Workarounds include half‑grid (21 mm) modules, custom spacers, side bins for long items, or even forking the standard to a smaller base grid.

Hygiene, Materials, and Food Contact

• Long tangent around reusing toilet paper rolls: some see it as unhygienic, others say concerns are overblown compared to everyday exposures.
• Similar debate around PLA and 3D‑printed objects for food contact or sex toys: layer lines and unknown extrusion paths make true food‑safety dubious; suggested mitigations include coatings or using prints only as molds.

Practicality vs. Hobby Value

• Some find Gridfinity over‑engineered versus quick cardboard or dollar‑store organizers, seeing it more as a hobby in itself than the most efficient storage solution.
• Others report major productivity gains from “a place for everything,” especially for small hardware and craft components.

Tool Shaping and CAD Workflows

• Multiple DIY methods for fitting tools: traced outlines on paper, scaled photos in CAD, photogrammetry as a rough reference, simple caliper‑driven modeling, or vacuum‑forming as an alternative.

Perception and Communication

• Several initially misread “grid storage system” as energy‑storage or data‑grid tech; commenters suggest clearer imagery on the homepage.