Technical infrastructure for a better world.

Makerspace with a mission.

What we are?

A grassroots initiative for:

• technical support of social activists and vulnerable or excluded people in the face of a deepening multi-crisis;
• building infrastructure for local communities, creating cooperative workspace free from capitalism;
• spreading technical education and culture.

What are we doing?

We are currently working with MSDN (international network of medical volunteers), manufacturing emergency medical accessories (tourniquets, eye shields, braces) needed in the areas struck by war (Ukraine) or natural disasters (Syria).

Our designs are tested and evaluated by paramedics from rescue groups and street medic foundation in Poznań.

Our other designs are mainly accessories for people with disabilities (the co-founder of our initiative rides a wheelchair). We are preparing for testing a lightweight and replaceable orthopaedic sole, improved stirrups to immobilize legs on a wheelchair, seat belts and levers to assist in riding on difficult terrain. We also tested a special drawbar, allowing the wheelchair to be towed behind the bicycle.

All of our designs, once tested, will be available to the public under an open licence.

We consider our initiative as a “template” of solutions for a network of similar communities (see "COMFY Network" below). We are in partnership with the emerging “Szmira” design cooperative in Kraków. Likewise, we also have contact with interested grassroots initiatives in France, Germany, and Serbia.

How do we work?

We work on the principle of artel (informal cooperative), carrying out our projects, or those commissioned to us by various stakeholders. We finance the artel from personal income from our salary and pension, donations, and the sale of 3D-printed tokens in the form of refrigerator magnets.

Currently, (February 2023) we have a Creality CR-10v3 3D printer received for free use and a Pfaff 284 sewing machine purchased from donations. In addition, we have a set of handy hand and power tools.

Artel currently operates in the founders' flat in Poznań. As more people (and funds) arrive, we will be able to rent a separate location for the workshop.

What do we plan to do?

We aim to become self-financing and to obtain legal personhood in the form of an association. This will enable us to take on more serious challenges and, above all, work with more partners.

On the technical plane, we wish to be able to build equipment from scratch, both to expand our base and to help other initiatives start their facilities.

Our strategic goal is to bring modern manufacturing technologies to the awareness and practice of humanitarian or social activists and local communities facing a deteriorating economic situation.

What do we need?

Above all, better equipment.

The printer we are using, even despite the planned modifications and improvements, does not provide us with either the quality or performance necessary for our projects. In addition to this, to be able to further expand our machinery on our own, we need more diverse machining equipment.

Our “short list” includes:

• a precision 3D printer for small, high-quality jobs (models, moulds, unitary spare parts);
• a versatile CoreXY printer with two independent heads for jobs requiring multiple materials (two colours in a layer or main material + soluble support) or fast production of many small parts;
• a small 3D scanner for repairs (replacing damaged parts with new prints);
• a table-top CNC machine tool with spindle and laser head for machining wood, plastics, and aluminium;
• precision column drilling machine;
• a universal (wood, plastic, aluminium) miter saw with slider.

With such expanded equipment, we will be able to both help more people and take on more serious projects. It will also allow us to conduct workshops and online education for more people willing to participate in artel and the network as a whole.

The COMFY Network

COMFY stands for Community-Operated Manufacturing Facility

What does it mean for us?

• Network means an agreement of independent communities and initiatives that want to build production infrastructure within the framework of COMFY's objectives and want to help each other to develop and to overcome barriers they may face.
• Community-operated means that the members of these groups and initiatives make decisions collectively, on terms they agree on, guided by the good of the surrounding communities rather than the pursuit of personal gain.
• A manufacturing facility is any place where people, using tools and technical knowledge, create objects, knowledge or provide services that improve the lives of others.

What else distinguishes COMFY communities?

• We apply the principles of social permaculture: caring for people (starting with ourselves), caring for the planet, caring for the equitable distribution of the fruits of our labour.
• We reject exploitation, domination, and concentration of power or resources. Recognizing the value of knowledge and experience in concrete matters, we also protect the boundaries of individuals and communities from overly expansive individuals.
• We consider technology as a tool for doing good for individuals, communities and the whole world. Just because we can do something is not a sufficient reason to do it. Every collective activity we undertake contributes to the common good.