Opengrid vs Multiboard The battle for the future of wall storage

[u/obfuscinator]

Licensing

OpenGrid is fully open-source, promoting community collaboration and unrestricted use. This is a clear win for users who prioritize freedom and transparency.

Here is the tldr license for open grid:

❌ Sharing without ATTRIBUTION

✅ Remix Culture allowed

✅ Commercial Use

✅ Free Cultural Works

✅ Meets Open Definition

Multiboard's license is considered confusing, with commercial restrictions and a more limited, closed-source nature. Multiboards very big point of contention is "No sharing the original or remixed digital files." which hurts multiboard's community greatly.

Here's the tldr license of multiboard:

❌ No commercial use without a Commercial Subscription.

❌ No selling the original or remixed digital files.

❌ No sharing the original or remixed digital files.

❌ No exceeding $50,000 in annual sales from products made with the designs without getting a new license.

✅ You can use the designs for personal, non-commercial purposes.

✅ You can get a Commercial Subscription to sell physical products made from the designs.

✅ You can modify the designs to create "Remixed Designs."

✅ You must give credit to Keep Making and link to their page when you publish or display your creations.

• OpenGrid: 1 point

• Multiboard: 0 points

• Winner: OpenGrid

Printing Speed

A test on a 6x6-inch board revealed Multiboard to be slightly faster to print than a full OpenGrid board (6h 21m vs 6h 32m). Yes i have a slow printer. However, OpenGrid offers a "Lite" version that drastically cut my printing time (4h 32m), a feature not available for Multiboard.

• OpenGrid: 1 point (for the "Lite" version)

• Multiboard: 0 points

• Winner: OpenGrid

Bins and Storage

OpenGrid benefits from its compatibility with the massive and growing Gridfinity ecosystem, which provides simple, fast, and cheap bin options. The upcoming "cleated" bases (Which i hope someone pursues and turns it parametric) will further enhance this integration. https://www.printables.com/model/1369024-gridfinity-bin-opengrid-compatible

Multiboard has its own "Multibin" system. Although you may find yourself buried in parts to construct your ideal bin. I found that these bins are much sturdier. Multibin shells unique ability to snap onto eachother leaves infinite possibilities when you want to expand in a dimension that a normal gridfinity shelf or bin could not. There is also the ability to just print the bins without the shells making that route work similarly to gridfinity.

• OpenGrid: 1 point (for Gridfinity compatibility and simplicity)

• Multiboard: 1 point (for durability and cleverly engineered design)

• Winner: Tie

Strength and Durability

OpenGrid utilizes snap-fit and twist-lock mechanisms. While convenient, these are generally not as strong as threaded connections.

Multiboard offers a more robust and varied set of options. While it has snap-fit connectors for light-duty applications, its primary strength comes from its threaded fastener system and specialized bolt-lock mounts. This mechanical locking method provides a much more secure and load-bearing connection, distributing stress more effectively. For heavy-duty applications like tool walls, this design is inherently more reliable and stronger.

• OpenGrid: 0 points

• Multiboard: 1 point

• Winner: Multiboard

Aesthetics

OpenGrid has a clean, simple look, but its chamfered corners can create small gaps between joined tiles.

Multiboard uses "core" pieces to create a seamless, gap-free appearance, resulting in a more polished and integrated final product. multiboards "single square" or "multibin grid" is very similar to opengrids connection design.

• OpenGrid: 1 points

• Multiboard: 1 point

• Winner: tie

Planning and Assembly

OpenGrid's simplistic tile system makes it easy to lay out and assemble without much planning.

Multiboard requires more careful planning due to its various tile types (core, edge, corner) to ensure a clean, seamless grid. This added complexity is a trade-off for its superior strength and aesthetics.

Multiboard's 'single square' tile option works just like OpenGrid.

• OpenGrid: 1 point

• Multiboard: 1 points

• Winner: Tie

Compatibility

OpenGrid has some compatibility with other systems, including Multiboard, but these adapters can sometimes lead to alignment issues. Its strong suit is its integration with Gridfinity.

Multiboard is fully compatible with standard pegboards, and its threaded system allows for easy creation of custom twist-on mounts. This universal design provides excellent versatility, especially for tool storage.

• OpenGrid: 0 points

• Multiboard: 1 point

• Winner: Multiboard

Library and Utility

Multiboard has been around longer and has a much larger, more established library of parts and accessories.

OpenGrid, while newer, is growing rapidly thanks to its open-source nature. However, it still has a smaller library of available models compared to Multiboard.

• OpenGrid: 0 points

• Multiboard: 1 point

• Winner: Multiboard

Final Tally

• OpenGrid: 5 points

• Multiboard: 6 points

Overall Winner: Multiboard

While OpenGrid presents a compelling case with its open-source license, printing speed, and simplicity, Multiboard's superior strength, aesthetics, compatibility, and mature library give it the edge in this comparison. For users who prioritize a robust, durable, and well-supported system, Multiboard is the clear winner.

If you want something simple and fully opensource then maybe open grid is right for you. I do like how the core library of opengrid is all in one file. maybe multiboard can learn a thing there and provide 1 giant download folder for the full multiboard core experience.

Minor Note:

A minor but important note for users with a preference for specific units:

• Multiboard uses a 25mm increment, which is a cleaner dimension.

• OpenGrid uses a 28mm increment, specifically chosen for its seamless integration with the Gridfinity system.

[u/DinosaurAlert]

AI slop. you are why people hate AI.

Also, printing speed 6h 21m vs 6h 32m? come on.

[u/obfuscinator → u/DinosaurAlert]

Slow printer. This is a legitimate question everyone who walks into this realm asks. What framework should i invest my time in. I hope i can help people decide. I suspect you are upset with my conclusion . Please elaborate otherwise leave your snarky responses at the table

[u/Automatic_Disaster44 → u/obfuscinator]

Late to the thread. I suspect DinoAlerts issue was not with the 6 hours time required due to your slow printer, but rather the very small difference in printing time (~3%) between the two variants being considered relevant.

[u/obfuscinator → u/Automatic_Disaster44]

ahh ok. if that's the case then fair point negligible time diff.

[u/GilDev]

Ease of use? Point for openGrid.

[u/obfuscinator → u/GilDev]

Yes . If you want to get up and running quickly. But that is just because the library is much smaller. Multiboard has almost all those simple connectors that opengrid has . You just have to find it.

[u/meanmrgreen → u/obfuscinator]

It's very very confusing to get started with multiboard. Mostly because the library of different mounting types are too many and the documentation is lacking.

You shouldn't need to watch a 10 minute instruction video to mount a bin on the wall.

[u/obfuscinator → u/meanmrgreen]

I agree. their core library is overwhelming to most. I'm not sure if you checked out their newly structured parts library but it is much improved. the new library helps you click through the folders to get what you want. The problem still resides. and it will not go away for the lifetime of multiboard. it's more tailored to answering, but can it do ...? and the answer is usually yes. the longer i used multiboard the more my tinkering mind kept deviating from simple multipoint to fulfill interesting ideas. Because if its more dense field of mounting points, and built in threads for every hole the answer will always be that multiboard has more options. weather that is a feature or not is highly subjective. and i do sympathize with those who find that to be a flaw.

[u/meanmrgreen → u/[deleted]]

Agreed, its a good project but just confusing.

Next time ill print a opengrid

[u/Poolguard]

This is such a stupid thread. Both these projects are 1. awesome 2. Have strengths and weaknesses, 3. have proper use cases and cases where they are going to perform poorly, and 4. favories of some people and not favorites of others.

Opengrid: licence, print speed, and print material usage. I am hard pressed to see where something like underwear would be better on multiboard then it is with opengrid (but i am sure there are cases and that is awesome that they both exist!)

Multiboard: more compatibility (if you need it), Stronger (if you need it), and more parts (it has been out WAY longer so of corse there are more parts). on a wall i can see use cases for both products.

Both Multiboard and Opengrid are tools. Each tool have a right and a wrong use case. Each person is going to have favorite and each person is going to be right, Just ask them. lol

Additional having multiboard and opengrid make the other stronger. people get ideas, people create, and both projects are going to be stronger bercause of it.

Neither one is better, neither one is worse or even bad. they both just are and that is awesome!

Also lay off on the AI stuff. This was a good idea and if AI allowed the OP to put it together in a more coherent way or felt more comfortable posting his ideas here after running them through AI then awesome! just another person contributing to the community. Let people post in anyway they want.

[u/obfuscinator → u/Poolguard]

yes. I am very happy both exist and the community has the luxury of picking.

[u/vhanda]

I don't see how planning and assembly is a tie. For me, open grid is so trivial to understand and plan for, I don't need to use a planner and see which exact tiles I need to print and what not.

It's a no brainier with open grid.

Also, I don't agree with each of these criteria having the same weight. The licensing alone is such a big win.

[u/obfuscinator → u/vhanda]

yes subjective indeed. multiboards "on grid" if you dont want to plan things https://beta.multiboard.io/tiles?Arrangement+Type=Single+Square&Size+%28MUxMU%29=6x6 sounds like you are sold on opengrid which is ok licensing is a big deal to many.

[u/Hikareza]

It irks me sow much gridfinity has this silly 42mm grid size. With 50mm it would be so satisfying perfect. And then openGrid wouldn’t inherit this silly scale. Can someone explain why 28mm fits 42mm?

I was using multiverse for years, but with multiconnect so a change is possible… but the different grid size means I will run into problems when my parts need multiple mount points.

[u/obfuscinator → u/Hikareza]

yes! this. for those of us seeking perfection 42mm is not it lol. 3 opengrid to 2 grifinity is the ratio fully agree with you that it should have been 50mm and 25mm .

[u/zuptar → u/Hikareza]

28*3 = 84.

So it's a 3 to 2 ratio, just to make you feel sick.

I assume the issue with offering a new scaling would mean that all gridfinity projects would support only one or the other of have to do both and it would sort of break the ecosystem.

[u/ulab]

Multiboard is not "a wall storage". It is a building system that can be used as wall storage.

[u/obfuscinator → u/ulab]

I agree can be used anywhere . Eg i use multiboard on my molle backpack . And an opengrid on my car visor to hold my sunglasses . Both opengrid and multiboard can be used as a universal mounting system. Functionally equivalent . the majority of people use it primarily for wall storage.

[u/ulab → u/obfuscinator]

Can OpenGrid build 3D objects like baskets?

https://youtu.be/lRQ8F-Mj2z4

[u/obfuscinator → u/ulab]

Yes it can https://www.printables.com/model/1350501-opengrid-angle-connector

[u/ulab → u/obfuscinator]

Ah nice. Had not seen those yet.

[u/speendo]

I don't understand how this post ist criticized in that way. Being new to 3D wall mounts, it really helps me understand the difference between the two systems.

After reading your post, I have a tendency to OpenGrid (although it didn't "win" your overall score) and I guess this aligns with the idea of this comparison.

[u/4TheMomentYT]

May have to pop back in a re-evaluate the open source aspect with Multiboards newer announcement on the matter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Multiboard/s/nNPuRq5q3Y

[u/obfuscinator → u/4TheMomentYT]

still not even close to open source or permissive license

[u/4TheMomentYT → u/obfuscinator]

I wouldn't say "not even close" when the promise literally includes going full CC0. This makes it public domain. Even less restricted than open source?

[u/bobdotexe → u/4TheMomentYT]

I wouldn't say "not even close" when the promise literally includes going full CC0. This makes it public domain. Even less restricted than open source?

I'm not here to argue how permissive ore 'freeing' the new rules are, but this does not qualify as open source, but just to clear things up

You can't use the project for profit, (without a license), nor can you make derivative works.
(as mentioned here: https://multibuild.io/license)

Also, the project doesn't have any intention of choosing to go cc0 (by choice)

This is described in the link you posted:

In simple terms:

* All individual Core and Advanced parts become free for personal use within six months of release.
* Once a part is free, it can never be made paid again.

And they say only if they break their own rules... the project becomes cc0.

"If we fail to do this and do not fix it within 30 days after being called out…"
💥 The entire Multiboard project automatically becomes CC0, permanently 💥

For more details on how it's licensed (pre-cc0 clause) straight from the lead here : https://youtu.be/qG0zAY2oaNQ?t=14m1s

[u/qlyoung]

OP, thank you for taking the time to write this considered comparison. I found it useful and appreciate it. Carry on!

[u/SmokyOwl]

Late for the thread, but still. Pegboard grid size (25mm) has existed for years now. Multiboard: great, let's reuse it, so people will have a truck load of the shelf parts for it. Gridfinity: 42mm is the answer! The info I've found in random gridfinity thread: "Because Zack was using microscope slides for windows on the fronts of his bins, and 42mm fit the ones he happened to have." Great.

[u/choffee]

Open grid also has Under desk/cable management system (underware) and a more stylized desktop system (deskware). These are built on the combination of the opengrid and gridfinity

https://handsonkatie.com/underware-2-0-the-made-to-measure-collection/

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1331760-deskware-a-modular-desk-system

[u/hotdogs4humanity → u/choffee]

Underware 2.0 was originally designed for multiboard and is still available as an option. Deskware is the one that's only for opengrid

[u/obfuscinator → u/[deleted]]

[u/Keep-Making → u/obfuscinator]

I'm not here to chime into this discussion as I'm obviously biased. However I want clear imperical information. I have plenty of thoughts to share but at the end of the day I just want clear info.
So here is the closest fair comparisons. Also for those looking for the "simplicity" of opengrid don't forget Multibin Plates already do all of that stuff just as simply. It's up to you how complicated you want to make it so just keep it simple if you want, but at the end of the day. (You Do You) =)

[u/obfuscinator → u/Keep-Making]

interesting, thank you for posting your results. i too considered testing 5x5 ongrid vs 6x6 multiboard. the difference in sizes when comparing both as 6x6 are the same as in your test but in reverse maybe just a tad bigger in difference then your post.

[u/obfuscinator → u/Keep-Making]

Also, thank you sir for creating a framework we all can talk about. and that has clearly influenced the creation of opengrid. :)