# Open-Source Machines Catalog

**78 buildable open-source machines.** Prices are rough USD (converted at HK$7.8). Chinese sourcing (AliExpress / Pinduoduo / Taobao) is usually 30-50% cheaper.

## 3D Printing

| Machine | Origin | Price | HK$ | Difficulty | Why it's special | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **LayerFused C201** | US | $150–200 | HK$1,170–1,560 | Easy | Under $200 and a full step-by-step YouTube build series by Makers Mashup. The cheapest honest entry into building a printer from scratch. | [YouTube playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyYZUiBHD1QjaYx7eCEW8zXvsgwEbAykY) · [Writeup](https://www.hackster.io/news/this-open-source-3d-printer-design-will-cost-you-less-than-200-to-build-59b03e33e918) |
| **Ender 3 to Switchwire** | Community | $150–250 | HK$1,170–1,950 | Medium | Don't build new — convert a cheap Chinese Ender 3 into a Voron Switchwire. Cheapest route to a genuinely good printer. | [GitHub](https://github.com/boubounokefalos/Ender_SW) · [Voron mods](https://mods.vorondesign.com/details/e1YOsV5tBlpfZovPJqXVLA) |
| **x-scara** | Community | $150–400 | HK$1,170–3,120 | Hard | SCARA arm doubling as a 3D printer and CNC. Articulated-arm kinematics — you write your own inverse kinematics. Deep rabbit hole. | [GitHub](https://github.com/madl3x/x-scara) |
| **MakerGear Micro** | US | $150–250 | HK$1,170–1,950 | Easy | An open-source printer that is ITSELF 3D-printable. Designed so a kid can build it. Nice gentle intro. | [GitHub](https://github.com/MakerGear/MakerGear_Micro) |
| **Mini Kossel (delta)** | Netherlands | $200–400 | HK$1,560–3,120 | Medium | Delta printer — the head moves on three arms, not a gantry. Weird kinematics, cheap frame, and you learn real robotics maths. | [GitHub](https://github.com/jcrocholl/kossel) · [RepRap wiki](https://reprap.org/wiki/Kossel) |
| **Rook MK1 / Rook 180** | US | $250–350 | HK$1,950–2,730 | Easy | Cheap, mostly-3D-printed CoreXY from Rolohaun. Widely called the best FIRST CoreXY build. Officially kitted by Chinese LDO Motors. | [GitHub](https://github.com/rolohaun/Rook) · [Printables](https://www.printables.com/model/387431-rook-mk1-3d-printer) · [LDO kit](https://store.ldomotion.com/collections/3d-printers) |
| **Open5x / Rep5x (5-axis)** | UK | $250–400 | HK$1,950–3,120 | Hard | Retrofits a normal printer with two extra rotation axes. Prints curved surfaces and overhangs with NO supports. From Imperial College London research; Rep5x is the newer DIY retrofit. | [Open5x GitHub](https://github.com/FreddieHong19/Open5x) · [Rep5x GitHub](https://github.com/dennisklappe/rep5x) |
| **Hangprinter** | Sweden | $300–600 | HK$2,340–4,680 | Hard | A 3D printer with NO FRAME. The toolhead hangs from your ceiling on cables and anchors to the floor. Prints metres-tall objects in a whole room. Genuinely the most 'wait, what?' machine here. | [Site](https://hangprinter.org/) · [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangprinter) · [Overview](https://all3dp.com/open-source-hangprinter-prints-without-frame/) |
| **Voron 2.4 / Trident** | Russia | $300–1,600 | HK$2,340–12,480 | Hard | The gold standard open-source CoreXY. GPLv3, insane mod ecosystem, and Chinese kit makers (LDO, FYSETC, Siboor, Mellow) sell everything. Best documented printer on earth. | [GitHub](https://github.com/VoronDesign/Voron-2) · [Wiki](https://voron3d.wiki/) · [CN kit](https://www.fysetc.com/products/voron-2-4-r2-pro-kit) · [中文教程](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1AF411J7fU/) · [YouTube](https://www.cnckitchen.com/blog/building-a-voron-24-r2-in-2022-ldo-kit) |
| **Voron V0.2** | Russia | $300–450 | HK$2,340–3,510 | Medium | The desktop-sized Voron. Cheapest way into the Voron ecosystem, and Chinese kits + 保姆级 Chinese tutorials are everywhere. | [GitHub](https://github.com/VoronDesign/Voron-0) · [FYSETC kit](https://www.fysetc.com/) · [中文教程](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1vL41177YE/) |
| **HyperCube Evolution** | Community | $300–400 | HK$2,340–3,120 | Medium | Budget CoreXY. Built by a huge number of people, all parts off-the-shelf, fits in a 300mm cube. Lots of build logs. | [Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2254103) · [Community](https://www.reddit.com/r/hypercubecorexy/) |
| **Positron V3.2** | US / China | $350–450 | HK$2,730–3,510 | Medium | A printer that prints UPSIDE DOWN and folds flat for travel. Wild engineering; kitted by Chinese LDO. | [Site](https://positron3d.com/) · [LDO kit](https://kb-3d.com/store/positron/1154-ldo-positron-v32-3d-printer-build-kit-1714355343710.html) |
| **BLV mgn Cube** | China | $400–600 | HK$3,120–4,680 | Medium | Open-source CoreXY on MGN linear rails, designed for cheap sourcing. Kitted by Chinese FYSETC; very popular in the Chinese maker scene. | [Site](https://www.blvprojects.com/blv-mgn-cube-3d-printer) · [GitHub](https://github.com/BenBlv/-BLVCube) · [FYSETC kit](https://www.3dprintersonlinestore.com/fysetc-blv-mgn-cube-kit) |
| **Cerambot (clay)** | Taiwan | $400–600 | HK$3,120–4,680 | Medium | Prints in CLAY. Make pots, cups, sculptures, then fire them in a kiln. Compatible with normal slicers (Cura/Slic3r). | [Site](https://www.cerambot.com/) · [Extruder files](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3196872) |
| **White Knight belt printer** | US | $600–900 | HK$4,680–7,020 | Medium | Belt instead of a bed = INFINITE Z. Print a 1.5 m long part in one go. NAK 3D Designs, fully open. | [Design](https://3ddistributed.com/mrrf-2019/white-knight-3d-printer/) · [Discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/bf60ny/infinite_z_white_knight_belt_driven_3d_printer_by/) |
| **Micron / Micron+** | US | $600–700 | HK$4,680–5,460 | Medium | A shrunken Voron by the PrintersForAnts community. Desktop footprint, full Voron performance. Kitted by Chinese LDO. | [GitHub](https://github.com/PrintersForAnts/Micron/) · [LDO kit](https://west3d.com/products/ldo-micron-3d-printer-kit-micron-plus-180) |
| **Original Prusa i3 MK3S** | Czechia | $600–800 | HK$4,680–6,240 | Medium | Where open-source 3D printing went mainstream. Still one of the best-documented designs ever released. | [GitHub](https://github.com/prusa3d/Original-Prusa-i3) · [Open source page](https://www.prusa3d.com/page/open-source-at-prusa-research_236812/) |
| **VzBot 330** | Australia | $700–1,200 | HK$5,460–9,360 | Medium-Hard | The speed demon. CNC aluminium frame, carbon rods, Klipper. Built to print fast as hell. Kitted by Chinese Mellow. | [GitHub](https://github.com/VzBoT3D/VzBoT-Vz330) · [Mellow kit](https://3dmellow.com) |
| **RatRig V-Core 4.1** | Portugal | $700–1,500 | HK$5,460–11,700 | Medium | Very polished, highly configurable open-source kit. RatRig is a real company built entirely on open-source principles. | [Site](https://v-core.ratrig.com/) · [Product](https://ratrig.com/products/rat-rig-v-core-4-1) |
| **OLSK Large 3D Printer** | Netherlands | $800–1,500 | HK$6,240–11,700 | Hard | Open Lab Starter Kit — big-format printer with an interactive 3D assembly manual. Every part documented for replication. | [GitHub](https://github.com/Open-Lab-Starter-Kit/OLSK-Large-3D-Printer) |
| **Cocoa Press 2 (chocolate)** | US | $1,200–1,600 | HK$9,360–12,480 | Medium | A 3D printer that prints CHOCOLATE. Heated syringe extruder, open-source slicer, actually works. | [Product](https://cocoapress.com/products/cocoa-press-2-3d-chocolate-printer-diy-kit) · [Hackaday](https://hackaday.com/2023/05/01/cocoa-press-chocolate-3d-printer-offered-as-diy-kit/) |
| **M3-CRETE (concrete)** | US | $2,000–8,000 | HK$15,600–62,400 | Very Hard | Prints in CONCRETE at metre scale, from standard NEMA motors and off-the-shelf parts. Open-source construction printing. | [GitHub](https://github.com/sunnyday-technologies/M3-CRETE) · [Writeup](https://all3dp.com/4/new-diy-concrete-3d-printer-from-off-the-shelf-parts/) |
| **SLS4All / OpenSLS** | Czechia / US | $3,000–5,000 | HK$23,400–39,000 | Very Hard | Selective Laser Sintering — nylon POWDER printing. Zero supports, functional parts, actual industrial process at home. The hardest printer genre by far. | [SLS4All](https://hackaday.io/project/184506-sls4all-affordable-sls-3d-printer) · [OpenSLS](https://github.com/MillerLabFTW/OpenSLS) · [RepRap wiki](https://reprap.org/wiki/OpenSLS) |
| **reAM250 (metal)** | US / China | $5,000–20,000 | HK$39,000–156,000 | Very Hard | Open-source METAL 3D printer. Chinese motor maker LDO is a prominent backer of the DIY 3D printing ecosystem behind it. | [Article](https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/build-your-own-metal-3d-printer-with-the-new-open-source-ream250-project-234965/) |

## CNC

| Machine | Origin | Price | HK$ | Difficulty | Why it's special | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **太极创客 DVD-drive mini laser/CNC** | China | $15–30 | HK$117–234 | Easy | Build a working mini laser engraver out of TWO OLD DVD DRIVES for about ¥100. Chinese maker channel TaiChiMaker open-sources the whole thing with full GRBL tutorials. The cheapest machine on this list, period. | [Project page](http://www.taichi-maker.com/arduino-cnc-laser/) · [bilibili](https://space.bilibili.com/103589285) · [GRBL host software](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1h441157Wa/) |
| **Arduino CNC Shield 3-axis** | China | $30–80 | HK$234–624 | Easy | An Arduino Uno + CNC shield + A4988 drivers = a working CNC controller for pocket money. The absolute cheapest way in. Chinese kits are everywhere. | [中文教程](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1P4411F71c/) · [OpenBuilds](https://builds.openbuilds.com/builds/simple-cnc-router-nema17-v-slot-2040-arduino-grbl.8485/) |
| **3D printed drill press** | Japan | $40–60 | HK$312–468 | Easy | 3D-print a drill press that actually drills METAL, for about $45. Absurd value for money. | [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/3d-printed-drill-press-can-drill-through-metal-costs-around-usd45-to-create-your-own-drill-press) |
| **Open-source vacuum former** | Community | $100–300 | HK$780–2,340 | Easy | Heat a plastic sheet, suck it over a mould. Make RC bodies, F1 shells, packaging. Simple, cheap, very useful. | [OSE wiki](https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_Vacuum_Forming_Machine) · [OpenBuilds build](https://builds.openbuilds.com/builds/vacuum-forming-machine.5071/) |
| **Open-source 3D printed lathe** | Community | $100–400 | HK$780–3,120 | Hard | A printed lathe — normally you'd say impossible, but this technique opens the door to rose-engine and gear-cutting lathes. | [Hackaday](https://hackaday.com/2024/10/23/a-3d-printed-open-source-lathe/) |
| **3018 + GRBL** | China | $150–300 | HK$1,170–2,340 | Easy | The cheap Chinese gateway drug. Buy it, then flash open-source GRBL and upgrade it. Cheapest possible way to learn CNC + G-code. | [GRBL firmware](https://github.com/gnea/grbl) · [Setup guide](https://howtomechatronics.com/tutorials/how-to-setup-grbl-control-cnc-machine-with-arduino/) |
| **4-axis CNC hot wire foam cutter** | Community | $200–500 | HK$1,560–3,900 | Medium | Cuts TAPERED AIRFOIL WING CORES from foam. This is literally the aerodynamics machine for F1 in Schools / RC planes. Reuses RAMPS + Arduino + 3D-printer hardware. rcKeith has a full video series. | [GitHub](https://github.com/rahulsarchive/4AxisFoamCutter) · [Foldable version](https://github.com/MichaelRechtin/CNC-Hotwire-Foam-Cutter) · [OpenBuilds](https://builds.openbuilds.com/builds/hot-wire-4-axis-cnc-foam-cutter.2361/) |
| **MPCNC (Mostly Printed CNC)** | Canada | $300–500 | HK$2,340–3,900 | Easy-Medium | Conduit pipe + 3D-printed parts. The classic first CNC. Ryan Zellars has documented every single step and there are thousands of builds online. | [Docs](https://docs.v1e.com/) · [Site](https://www.v1e.com/) · [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXf0vDExLLX1lb2cpyiOFbg) |
| **Root 3 / Root 3 Lite** | UK | $300–500 | HK$2,340–3,900 | Medium | Fully 3D-printed CNC with a 5-part video build series. Lighter and cheaper than MPCNC, nicer looking too. | [Site](https://www.rootcnc.com/) · [GitHub](https://github.com/RootCNC/Root-3-Lite-CNC) · [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hghy18PulWPo6cQd6N7WnEv9tpS6zwJ) |
| **DIY 2x72 belt grinder** | Community | $300–600 | HK$2,340–4,680 | Medium | The knife-maker's workhorse. Free PDF plans and CAD exist; huge YouTube build community. Grinds metal fast and flat. | [Free plans](https://mazaydiy.com/2x72-belt-grinder/) · [BladeForums plans](https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/free-2-x-72-belt-grinder-plans-2020-version.1705344/) |
| **DIYLILCNC** | US | $300–500 | HK$2,340–3,900 | Easy | A free, open set of plans for a 3-axis CNC mill buildable by one person with basic shop skills. Old but still a great starting point. | [Plans](https://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-projects/cnc-machine-diy-plans-and-build-instructions.html) · [Guide](https://github.com/maxvfischer/DIY-CNC-machine) |
| **LowRider v4** | Canada | $400–700 | HK$3,120–5,460 | Medium | V1E's big one — cuts FULL 4x8 SHEETS of plywood. Runs on wheels along your table. Can also carry a diode laser module (like your DAJA). | [Docs](https://docs.v1e.com/lowrider/) · [Build video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMyjop0B4wU) · [Printables](https://www.printables.com/model/1034840-lowrider-4-cnc) |
| **Shapeoko 2** | US | $400–650 | HK$3,120–5,070 | Easy-Medium | The classic fully-open-source desktop CNC. Buildable over a weekend, GRBL-driven, enormous tutorial base. | [GitHub](https://github.com/shapeoko/Shapeoko_2) · [Wiki](https://wiki.shapeoko.com/) |
| **DIWire Bender** | US | $400–700 | HK$3,120–5,460 | Medium | Feeds wire off a spool and bends it into arbitrary 2D/3D shapes from a digital file. A completely different kind of CNC. | [GitHub](https://github.com/diwire/DIWire-Bender) · [Make: article](https://makezine.com/article/digital-fabrication/machining/make-your-own-cnc-wire-bender/) |
| **IndyMill** | Poland | $500–800 | HK$3,900–6,240 | Medium | Metal-frame DIY router by Nikodem Bartnik, designed for simplicity. Chinese GTROB community produced full 中文 tutorial versions (51k views on bilibili). | [GitHub](https://github.com/NikodemBartnik/IndyMill) · [Site](https://indystry.cc/indymill/) · [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLktKi_COpyPRd8JZfjhskWSvsFN3Cb1v8) · [中文版](https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1RA411v75T/) |
| **OpenEDM (spark erosion)** | Community | $500–1,000 | HK$3,900–7,800 | Hard | Electrical Discharge Machining — burns through HARDENED STEEL with electric sparks and ZERO cutting force. Cuts shapes no drill or mill can touch. | [GitHub](https://github.com/OpenEDM) · [Hackaday](https://hackaday.com/2021/04/30/homemade-edm-machine-moves-from-prototype-to-production/) |
| **PrintNC** | Community | $600–900 | HK$4,680–7,020 | Medium-Hard | STEEL frame + linear rails + ballscrews for under $700. The cheap DIY machine that actually mills aluminium properly. 3D-printed parts, steel motion. | [GitHub](https://github.com/threedesigns/printNC) · [Wiki](https://wiki.printnc.info/en/home) |
| **Millennium Milo v1.5 / 2.0** | Canada / China | $700–1,500 | HK$5,460–11,700 | Medium-Hard | Desktop CNC MILL (not a router) — cuts aluminium, steel and PCBs. Open source, kitted by Chinese LDO with a proper electronics box. | [GitHub](https://github.com/MillenniumMachines/Milo-v1.5) · [LDO kit](https://west3d.com/products/milo-v2-cnc-kit-by-millennium-machines-and-ldo-systems) |
| **OpenBuilds WorkBee / LEAD** | US | $700–1,200 | HK$5,460–9,360 | Medium | The most popular kit-based open CNC ever. Endless build videos, huge forum, all files downloadable. | [Build](https://builds.openbuilds.com/builds/workbee-cnc-machine.5626/) · [OpenBuilds](https://builds.openbuilds.com/) |
| **CNC plasma table** | Community | $1,000–3,000 | HK$7,800–23,400 | Hard | Cuts STEEL PLATE with a plasma torch on a gantry. The big-boy version of a CNC router. | [GitHub](https://github.com/ccholas/DIY-CNC-Plasma-Table) · [OpenBuilds](https://builds.openbuilds.com/?id=305) |
| **Mekanika Pro MK2 / FAB** | Belgium | $1,000–4,000 | HK$7,800–31,200 | Hard | Open-source PANEL CNC — cuts full 1300x2700mm sheets for furniture and cabinets. Ball screws, prismatic rails, full CAD released. | [Site](https://www.mekanika.io/en) · [GitHub](https://github.com/mekanika-dev/pro) · [Docs](https://support.mekanika.io/open-source/cnc-pro) |
| **Lasersaur** | Switzerland / US | $3,000–6,000 | HK$23,400–46,800 | Hard | A fully open-source 100W CO2 laser cutter with a big bed. Real optics, real power, fully documented. The reference open laser. | [GitHub](https://github.com/nortd/lasersaur) · [Wiki](https://github.com/nortd/lasersaur/wiki) |
| **Multimachine / Open Source Lathe** | US | varies | varies | Hard | Open Source Ecology's lathe + mill + drill press built largely from scrap and cast concrete. Pay in labour, not money. | [OSE wiki](https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Multimachine_%26_Flex_Fab) · [Open Source Lathe](https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_Lathe) |

## Robots

| Machine | Origin | Price | HK$ | Difficulty | Why it's special | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **e-NABLE prosthetic hand** | Global | $30–80 | HK$234–624 | Easy | A global volunteer network giving away 3D-printable prosthetic hands. Print one for ~$50 and change someone's life. Great CAS/service project. | [Models](https://3d.nih.gov/collections/prosthetics) · [Community](https://shop3duniverse.com/blogs/3d-printed-prosthetics-and-assistive-technology/10-years-of-free-3d-printed-prosthetics-with-the-e-nable-community) |
| **EEZYbotARM MK2** | Italy | $50–100 | HK$390–780 | Easy | A 3D-printed 4-axis robot arm for about $60. Cheapest real robot arm on this list and a perfect first robotics build. | [Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1015238) · [Instructables](https://www.instructables.com/EEZYbotARM-Mk2-3D-Printed-Robot/) |
| **MeArm / SmallRobotArm / Adeept** | China / UK | $50–150 | HK$390–1,170 | Easy | Servo arms you print and bolt together in an evening. Adeept's Arduino arms are fully open and very cheap on AliExpress. | [SmallRobotArm](https://github.com/SkyentificGit/SmallRobotArm) · [CN roundup](https://www.ncnynl.com/category/open-arm/) |
| **Open Syringe Pump** | US | $75–400 | HK$585–3,120 | Easy | 3D-printed precision liquid pump. Cheaper and more flexible than $1000 commercial units. Used for bioprinting, food engineering and microfluidics. | [GitHub](https://github.com/manimino/OpenSyringePump) · [Appropedia](https://www.appropedia.org/Open-source_syringe_pump) |
| **PiKon telescope** | UK | $100–200 | HK$780–1,560 | Easy | A 3D-printed telescope using a Raspberry Pi camera as the eyepiece. Cheap, open, and you can image the planets. | [Make: article](https://makezine.com/projects/gaze-across-the-solar-system-with-a-3d-printed-raspberry-pi-telescope/) · [Hackster](https://www.hackster.io/news/pikon-a-3d-printed-raspberry-pi-powered-telescope-608d1abfc9f1) |
| **OpenAstroTracker** | Germany | $150–300 | HK$1,170–2,340 | Medium | A 3D-printed GoTo star tracker for astrophotography. Tracks the sky so you can take long-exposure photos of galaxies with a normal camera. | [GitHub](https://github.com/OpenAstroTech/OpenAstroTracker) · [Wiki](https://wiki.openastrotech.com/OpenAstroTracker) |
| **OpenFuge centrifuge** | US | $150–250 | HK$1,170–1,950 | Easy | Open-source lab centrifuge for ~$200 from off-the-shelf parts. Spins samples at thousands of RPM. | [Instructables](https://www.instructables.com/OpenFuge/) · [Writeup](https://www.thelabworldgroup.com/blog/build-your-own-centrifuge-20000-diybio-project-called-openfuge/) |
| **OpenFlexure microscope** | UK | $200–400 | HK$1,560–3,120 | Medium | A LAB-GRADE 3D-printed microscope with a sub-micron positioning stage. Used in real research labs and clinics in developing countries. | [Site](https://openflexure.org/) · [Projects](https://openflexure.org/projects/) |
| **OpenBCI EEG** | US / China | $200–400 | HK$1,560–3,120 | Medium | Open-source brain-wave (EEG) hardware. Read your own brain signals and control things with them. AliExpress sells compatible 8/16-channel boards. | [AliExpress module](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000244594585.html) · [Academic BCI](https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/ucibci/2017/03/29/portable-low-cost-and-open-source-brain-computer-interface-bci-arduino-based-system/) |
| **Thor robot arm** | Spain | $250–400 | HK$1,950–3,120 | Medium | Open-source 6-DOF arm, fully 3D printable, same joint configuration as real industrial manipulators. AngelLM's design. | [Site](http://thor.angel-lm.com/) · [GitHub](https://github.com/AngelLM/Thor) |
| **Dummy-Robot (稚晖君)** | China | $250–400 | HK$1,950–3,120 | Medium | Chinese maker 稚晖君's viral super-mini 6-axis arm. Fully open source, designed in Fusion 360, enormous bilibili following. | [GitHub](https://github.com/peng-zhihui/Dummy-Robot) · [CN roundup](https://beets3d.cn/robot-arm-open-source-can-3dprint.html) |
| **BrailleRAP braille embosser** | France | $250–400 | HK$1,950–3,120 | Medium | Open-source BRAILLE EMBOSSER built on RepRap parts. Commercial ones cost $2500; this is a tenth of that and it makes real accessible documents. | [Site](https://www.braillerap.org/en/) · [GitHub](https://github.com/braillerap/BrailleRap) |
| **OpenPCR thermal cycler** | US | $400–600 | HK$3,120–4,680 | Medium | A $500 open-source PCR machine — the DNA-copying machine labs use. Real molecular biology at home. | [Site](https://openpcr.org/) · [Hackaday](https://hackaday.com/2020/01/26/put-the-power-of-pcr-in-your-pocket-with-this-open-source-thermal-cycler/) |
| **LumenPnP (pick & place)** | US | $500–3,000 | HK$3,900–23,400 | Hard | An open-source robot that PLACES ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS onto circuit boards — a real PCB assembly line at home. Feeders, vision alignment, the lot. Stephen Hawes documents every revision on YouTube. | [GitHub](https://github.com/opulo-inc/lumenpnp) · [Creator site](https://stephenhawes.com/press/) · [Overview video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0hn9Ue1qgc) · [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LumenPnP) |
| **FarmBot** | US | $1,000–3,000 | HK$7,800–23,400 | Medium-Hard | An open-source CNC FARMING robot. It plants seeds, waters, and weeds a garden bed by coordinates, driven from a web app. | [Site](https://farm.bot/) · [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FarmBot) |
| **Annin Robotics AR4 / AR5** | US | $2,000–3,000 | HK$15,600–23,400 | Hard | A 6-axis INDUSTRIAL ROBOT ARM you can build yourself, sitting on a desk. Machined or 3D-printed parts, Python-programmable. Chris Annin's build series is legendary. | [Site](https://anninrobotics.com/) · [Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwWnPqnSizQ) |

## Material

| Machine | Origin | Price | HK$ | Difficulty | Why it's special | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Polyformer (bottles to filament)** | US | $80–150 | HK$624–1,170 | Easy | A 3D-PRINTED machine that turns PET water bottles into 3D printer filament. Print it on your Bambu, feed it drink bottles, get free filament. Peak 'you built WHAT?' project. | [Printables](https://www.printables.com/model/296063-polyformer) · [Writeup](https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/new-open-source-3d-printable-polyformer-recycles-plastic-bottles-into-filament-209877/) |
| **ExtrudeX / Recyclebot** | US | $150–300 | HK$1,170–2,340 | Easy | Grind up failed prints and purge lines, melt them, and get fresh usable filament back out. Closes the loop on your own waste. | [ExtrudeX](https://creative3dp.com/products/extrudex-diy-filament-recycling-machine) · [Recyclebot paper](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468067218300208) |
| **OpenShredder** | US | $200–400 | HK$1,560–3,120 | Medium | A general-purpose 3D-PRINTABLE plastic shredder. The front end for any recycling setup. | [GitHub](https://github.com/specollective/Open-Shredder) |
| **Precious Plastic** | Netherlands | $300–2,000 | HK$2,340–15,600 | Medium | A full open-source recycling WORKSHOP: shredder, injection moulder, extruder and sheet press. Dave Hakkens' project spawned businesses worldwide. | [Site](https://www.preciousplastic.com/) · [Machine plans](https://bazar.preciousplastic.com/machines/) |
| **Felfil filament maker** | Italy | $400–800 | HK$3,120–6,240 | Medium | Desktop filament extruder. Make your own filament from pellets in any colour, on demand. | [Site](https://felfil.com/) |
| **Buster Beagle 3D injection moulder** | US | $500–800 | HK$3,900–6,240 | Medium | A desktop INJECTION MOULDING machine. Make real production plastic parts in aluminium moulds, from recycled pellets. | [Site](https://www.busterbeagle3d.com/) · [Thingiverse MKII](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4799033) |

## Art

| Machine | Origin | Price | HK$ | Difficulty | Why it's special | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **大鱼写字机 DayuWriter** | China | $50–100 | HK$390–780 | Easy | Chinese open-source WRITING/DRAWING robot — GRBL pen plotter, AxiDraw-style, ~¥300-500, 810k views on bilibili with a full tutorial and BOM spreadsheet. Massive in the Chinese maker scene. | [CN roundup + BOM](http://dev.guyuehome.com/detail?id=1825482823486504962) · [Zhihu writeup](https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/394133174) · [midbot variant](https://www.ikuju.com/archives/13911) |
| **Makelangelo polargraph** | Canada | $100–200 | HK$780–1,560 | Easy | A pen plotter that HANGS ON YOUR WALL on two strings and draws giant murals. Ridiculously cheap, and the software is open source. | [Software](https://github.com/MarginallyClever/Makelangelo-Software) · [Plotter list](https://github.com/beardicus/awesome-plotters) |
| **EggBot / Sphere-O-Bot** | US | $100–250 | HK$780–1,950 | Easy | A CNC art robot that draws on EGGS, ping-pong balls, baubles and anything spherical. Open source hardware and software. | [Site](https://egg-bot.com/) · [Sphere-O-Bot](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1683764) |
| **AYAB knitting machine hack** | Germany | $150–300 | HK$1,170–2,340 | Medium | Hack a 1980s Brother knitting machine with an Arduino to knit images from your computer. 'All Yarns Are Beautiful' — open hardware + software. | [Site](https://www.ayab-knitting.com/) · [Shop](https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/835) · [Hackaday.io](https://hackaday.io/project/1611-ayab-all-yarns-are-beautiful) |

## Big

| Machine | Origin | Price | HK$ | Difficulty | Why it's special | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Hydruino hydroponics** | US | $100–300 | HK$780–2,340 | Easy | Open-source Arduino controller for a hydroponic/aquaponic grow system. Fully configurable, no cloud account needed. | [GitHub](https://github.com/NachtRaveVL/Simple-Hydroponics-Arduino) · [OpenHydroponics](https://github.com/evandavey/OpenHydroponics) |
| **Open Source Beehives** | US / Spain | $150–300 | HK$1,170–2,340 | Easy | Sensor-equipped beehives with open data — monitor temperature, humidity and sound inside a hive to track colony health. | [Sensor kit](https://github.com/piettetech/OSBH) · [Project](https://iaac.net/projects/open-source-beehives-project/) |
| **Piggott wind turbine** | Scotland | $500–2,000 | HK$3,900–15,600 | Medium | Hugh Piggott's open plans for a homebuilt wind turbine — carve the blades, cast the alternator, make your own electricity. Proven in the field for decades. | [Plans](https://pureselfmade.com/wind-turbine-diy-book/) · [Background](https://windempowerment.org/research-and-devlopment/small-wind-systems/the-piggott-turbine/) |
| **CEB Press 'The Liberator'** | US | $2,000–4,000 | HK$15,600–31,200 | Hard | Presses local DIRT into building bricks at 10 bricks per minute, for 5-40 cents a block. You could literally build a house with it. | [Project](https://www.opensourceecology.org/portfolio/ceb-press/) · [Wiki](https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/CEB_Press) |
| **OSE Global Village Construction Set** | US | varies | varies | Hard | 50 INDUSTRIAL MACHINES, all open source: brick press, tractor, sawmill, wind turbine, induction furnace, bakery oven. The single deepest rabbit hole on this list. | [Wiki](https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Global_Village_Construction_Set) · [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Source_Ecology) · [MIT Tech Review](https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/16/1125146/civilization-start-kit-open-source-essential-machines/) |

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*Prices assume Western kit sellers; AliExpress/Pinduoduo/Taobao sourcing typically drops 30-50%. Add ~10-15% for shipping to HK. `varies` = priced by labour, not parts.*