Through the case of the RepRap-base

Through the case of the RepRap-based, Lego-built three-dimensional (3D) printing-milling
machine, this paper sets out to discuss and illustrate two points: First, on a theoretical
level, that modularity, not only in terms of development process but also of hardware components,
can catalyze Commons-based peer production’s (CBPP) replication for tangible
products enabling social experimentation and learning. Second, the hybrid 3D printingmilling
machine demonstrates the digitization of material and the potential of digital fabrication.
We show how the synergy of a globally accessible knowledge Commons as well as
of the CBPP practices with digital fabrication technologies, which are advancing and
becoming more and more accessible, can arguably offer the ability to think globally and
produce locally.