In this Organization Guide:
- The Origin: Zack Freedman & The 42mm Standard
- Why it beats buying organizers from Amazon
- Baseplates vs. Bins: How the system works
- The Cost: Is it actually worth the filament?
If you own a 3D printer, you likely suffer from a specific condition: "Too many tiny parts and nowhere to put them."
Enter Gridfinity. Invented by cyborg-maker YouTuber Zack Freedman, it is more than just storage; it is an open-source "standard" for organizing your entire life. It is modular, stackable, and best of all—you can print it yourself.
Here is why thousands of Makers are throwing away their store-bought organizers to print their own.
The Core Concept: The 42mm Rule
Gridfinity is based on a simple grid system. Every unit is 42mm x 42mm.
- The Baseplate: You screw (or glue) a grid of 42mm squares onto your desk or into your drawers.
- The Bins: The bins have a special profile on the bottom that slots perfectly into the baseplate.
Because it is a standard, a "1x1" bin fits in the same slot as a "1x2" bin or a "2x2" bin. It is like LEGO for your screwdriver bits, SD cards, and bolts.
Why is everyone obsessed with it?
Infinite Customization
Do you have a weird set of calipers? Someone has already designed a custom Gridfinity block for it. You don't have to use generic square bins; you can print holders for specific tools that fit perfectly.
It's Open Source
There is no company selling this. It is free. You can download thousands of bins from Thangs or Printables, or use Fusion 360 plugins to generate your own in seconds.
The "Filament Tax" (The Downside)
Before you dive in, you need to know the cost. Gridfinity is not free; it costs Time and Plastic.
Volume Warning:
Filling a single IKEA Alex drawer with Gridfinity bins takes about 1.5 to 2 kg of filament. That is roughly $30-$40 in plastic and about 100 hours of print time.
However, compared to buying high-end organizers (like Kaizen Foam or expensive acrylic bins), Gridfinity is often cheaper and significantly more flexible.
How to Start: Your First Print
Don't try to organize your whole shop at once. Start with your "Junk Drawer."
- Measure your drawer: Figure out how many 42mm units fit.
- Print the Baseplates: Use a fast, cheap filament (like generic PLA). You don't need high detail here.
- Print "Bin-Lites": Look for "Lite" versions of the bins on print repositories. They use 30% less plastic than the original heavy-duty design.
- Sort: Experience the immense satisfaction of dropping a 1x1 bin into the grid. Click.
Conclusion: Order from Chaos
Gridfinity isn't just about storage; it's about workflow. When every tool has a home, you spend less time searching for a 3mm bolt and more time building. If you have a 3D printer sitting idle, this is the ultimate functional print project.
Show us your Grid!
Are you team "Weighted Baseplate" or "Magnetic Baseplate"? Post photos of your organized drawers in the Workshop Organization forum. We want to see your custom caliper holders!
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