ManyFold: A Decentralized, Open Source Platform for 3D Model Distribution

A new open source tool may eventually revolutionize how 3D models are distributed.

“Manyfold” is a new software project that provides a platform to store and access 3D models. It operates as a web app, and allows access to models in a manner similar to what you might see from Thingiverse, Printables and other popular online 3D model repositories.

The difference is that that the model collection is YOURS. You host it, not Prusa, UltiMaker, Bambu Labs, Creality or other companies. You control everything about the 3D models presented. Here’s some of the functions you can do:

• Browse the collection, including interactive 3D viewing
• Sorting by category and tags, including metadata
• Sharing content publicly or privately
• Automatically reorganize files on storage
• Diagnose issues with 3D model content

There’s one issue you might be thinking about at this point: “Why would I want to browse only my own 3D models? I want to see models from everyone, everywhere!”

There is an answer to this question, and it’s quite fundamental: Manyfold connects to the Fediverse.

If you’re not familiar with the Fediverse, it’s a network of self-hosted social media platforms that interact via a standard protocol called “ActivityPub”.

The Fediverse allows a hosted service to “subscribe” to another and integrate the results. This protocol has been used to create self-hosted, distributed networks that replicate the functions of Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, Flickr and many more — all providing self-control and without the annoying algorithms that push content to you.

In other words, yes, you will see your own 3D models in the collection, but you will ALSO see 3D models from any other self-hosted ManyFold collections, so long as you “federate” with them.

With a sufficiently large Fediverse connection, you will have access to a potentially large amount of content. And it’s content you chose to subscribe to.

An example might be that you have great interest in a particular designer. If that designer operates a ManyFold instance, you can add it to your own and see the designer’s content. You might add ALL of your favorite designers and have a complete collection of relevant 3D models.

It’s also possible that someone may use ManyFold software to create a large instance where many people can upload their 3D models, effectively replicating the large 3D model sites — but without being controlled by a 3D printer manufacturer.

3D printer manufacturers use their 3D model libraries as a way to make their products a bit more sticky with customers. It provides an easy way to provide content for those using their equipment. But these integrations never seem to work well with other manufacturers’ equipment.

ManyFold represents a path to breaking free of manufacturer control, and gaining the ability to manage your own 3D models in the public space.

At this point, it’s very early in the development process, and very few people are using ManyFold. It’s more difficult to get started in ManyFold, as compared to, say, uploading a 3D model to Printables. However, there are plenty of contributors to the project, and there is an ambitious development plan.

The project will inevitably improve the quality and features of the software over time. At some point, one or more of the major 3D printer company owned 3D model repositories will lose trust of their contributors, and ManyFold could be then a platform where designers could find a refuge that is independent of the major companies.

Via ManyFold