It started because I kept downloading STLs that were almost the right size —
the box 4 mm too small, the organizer built for someone else's drawer. So I
started writing generators instead. That got a little out of hand: there are 34
of them now, and today I'm finally showing them to people outside my workshop.
alpaco.it works like this: pick a generator, type your dimensions, watch the
preview update as you type, download STL + 3MF. In the browser. No account, no
ads, nothing locked.
A few of the ones I reach for most:
- Rugged box with a print-in-place hinge and snap latches
- Drawer organizer that splits itself into tiles that fit your print bed
- Threaded jars — 3-start threads that actually screw on, no supports
- Honeycomb Storage Wall panels and holders
- Phone/tablet stand built around your device WITH the case on
- …plus Gridfinity, lithophanes, hose adapters, cookie cutters, keycaps
Two honest things.
It's a beta. Some of these have been printed dozens of times, some twice.
Every generator has a "Report an issue" button that sends your exact settings
along with the report — so if something comes out wrong, I can reproduce it and
fix it instead of guessing. Right now that feedback is worth more to me than
anything else.
It runs on my own machines, which is why it's free and staying free. Nothing
behind a paywall, no "pro" version of the generators. What a coffee actually
buys is the boring part — electricity, the box that renders your model, the
domain — and the evenings that turn into the next generator instead of stopping
at 34.
If one of them saves you an afternoon, that's the whole point. If you reckon
it's worth a coffee, the button is right there. If not, grab your files and go
print something — that's a good outcome too.
— ramzess