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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the My Machines general FAQ. Here you will find quick answers to the most common questions about our open-source digital fabrication projects, documentation, and DIY kits.

Build, Software & Documentation

Where can I find the Bill of Materials (BOM) for my machine?

Every machine documented on this hub has a dedicated BOM section. Simply navigate to your specific machine from the homepage (e.g., 3D Printers > My-CoreXY > BOM). We provide meticulously detailed lists for mechanical parts, electronics, fasteners, and printed components to ensure a seamless build experience.

Where can I download the STL and CAD files?

All printable files (STLs) and source CAD models are located in the Downloads section of each specific machine. We strongly encourage you to download the latest versions directly from this documentation hub to ensure maximum compatibility with the current assembly manuals.

What software do I need to operate these machines?

Our ecosystem is designed around powerful open-source software:

  • For 3D Printers: We utilize Klipper firmware for high-speed precision, paired with open-source slicers like Orca Slicer or PrusaSlicer.
  • For CAD Modeling: Our Maker Education modules compare industrial standards like SolidWorks with highly accessible free alternatives like FreeCAD, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred design workflow.
I am a complete beginner. Where should I start?

Welcome to the maker community! If you are new to desktop manufacturing, we highly recommend starting with our Maker Education section. It covers the fundamentals of 3D modeling, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and introductory fabrication concepts. Once you grasp the basics, head over to the Initial Setup guide of your chosen machine.

Open Source, Community & Contributions

Are all My Machines projects fully open-source?

Yes. Our core philosophy is built on democratizing digital fabrication. Our machine designs, BOMs, and assembly instructions are completely open for the maker community to use, study, modify, and improve.

Can I use your machines or designs for commercial purposes?

You are entirely free to use the machines you build to manufacture and sell your own products or printed parts. However, manufacturing and selling the machines themselves or the hardware kits is not permitted. All our machine designs are released under the Creative Commons – Attribution – NonCommercial – ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA) license, which strictly prohibits the commercialization of the original or modified machine hardware.

I designed a modification or improvement. How can I share it?

We love seeing community mods! If you have designed an upgraded part, a better toolhead, or a new add-on, we want to see it. Currently, the best way to share your CAD files and ideas with us is by sending a direct email to our team via the contact form on our official website. If it improves the ecosystem, we will gladly test it, integrate it, and credit your work.

I found a typo, documentation error, or configuration issue. How can I report it?

Your feedback is crucial for keeping this documentation accurate. At the bottom of every page, you will find a "Did this page help?" section. If you spot a typo, a broken link, or a configuration error, simply click the Dislike (thumbs down) button. This will instantly open a quick form where you can describe the exact error or problem you found, sending it directly to our team for review.

How can I help with the overall development of My Machines?

There are many ways to contribute to our ecosystem:

  • Documentation: Refine manuals, translate guides, or write new troubleshooting tips.
  • Software: Help us optimize our Klipper macros, firmware configs, or slicer profiles.
  • Community: Assist other makers who are building their machines by sharing your knowledge in our upcoming community spaces.

Purchasing, Support & Contact

Where can I purchase the official DIY kits and hardware components?

While you are free to source your own parts using our open BOMs, you can purchase complete, quality-checked DIY kits and individual components directly from our official store at my-machines.com. Buying from us guarantees part compatibility, eliminates sourcing headaches, and directly supports the ongoing development of this open-source ecosystem.

Do you offer technical support if I source my own parts?

We provide official, dedicated technical support for users who purchase the official My Machines DIY Kits. If you choose to self-source your parts using our open BOMs, we fully encourage it! However, troubleshooting for self-sourced builds is strictly community-driven. You can rely on this documentation hub to guide your build.

How can I financially support the My Machines project?

The absolute best way to support Edgar and the ongoing development of this open-source ecosystem is by purchasing your hardware, upgrades, and official kits directly from our store. [Optional: You can also support our late-night engineering sessions through our Patreon / Ko-Fi page here.]

How can I contact the creator or the core team?

For business inquiries, official kit support, or partnership opportunities, you can reach out directly through the contact form on our official website: my-machines.com/contacts. For technical discussions and documentation suggestions, GitHub is the best platform.

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