# Turning my voice into matter with Codex and a 3D printer > Source: > Published: 2026-10-19 22:38:42+00:00 I got the round meter into my first test print, then couldn't get it out without risking damage to the plastic. A more complicated cradle followed. This time the meter just spun round. Technically, it fit. I wanted the simpler design back. I've been using Wispr Flow to dictate designs and changes to Codex, then printing them. This particular conversation was about interchangeable meter inserts for my [CrowdLox 4L cereal-box filament spool holder](https://makerworld.com/en/models/3464778-crowdlox-4l-cereal-box-filament-spool-holder). The holder has a removable desiccant tray and inserts for square, round and rectangular meters. *A printed version of the cereal-box spool holder, assembled with its tray and square meter.* These are photographs of my real prints, with AI used to clean up the backgrounds. The round and rectangular meters both had retaining clips that made removal awkward. Getting a body through a hole was only part of what I needed. After trying the prints, I could explain the change: I'd rather make something more akin to the first one, but just with slots for the bits that grip to be able to pull in and out. I also wanted the frames deeper. That simpler slotted frame worked beautifully for the round meter. The rectangle needed another adjustment: one version was too loose; the tighter one held nicely, but there was too much friction when taking it out. I asked for halfway between the two and moved on to printing the complete round and rectangular inserts. Both held securely and came out comfortably. Those are the sorts of specifications I can now work towards by talking, printing and trying the actual object. *The rectangular-meter version, with the tray visible between the spool supports. The photos show the printed predecessors of the later simplified mount.* There is another change after these prints: I asked to remove the awkward front pedestal because cleaning up its supports was annoying. That mounting revision has been checked digitally, but I haven't printed it yet. I'd never done CAD modelling before any of this. I could learn it, and still could. Making the models with AI was a natural choice for me because I'm so AI-forward, and the results are more than good enough for the kinds of modelling I'm trying to do. The [Minirig 3 holder](https://makerworld.com/en/models/3464782-minirig-3-speaker-holder-for-ikea-skadis) is another result I have around me now: an adjustable cradle on my IKEA SKÅDIS board, with a cable channel and real bolts and nuts. It's printed, installed and holding my speaker. *The printed Minirig holder installed on my SKÅDIS board.* I can also change something that already exists. My [Gridfinity resistor organiser](https://makerworld.com/en/models/3462024-customizable-gridfinity-resistor-organizer) is a taller, customisable 6U remix of [dmc_faLl's CC0 original](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2259302). I became a software engineer because I wanted to make things. Roughly three months ago, I didn't even have a 3D printer. Now I have the printer, Wispr Flow and models capable enough to get physical objects made to my specification. I'm not just a vibe coder anymore. That's what excites me: how much more I can make across software, physical objects, hardware and their crossover with microcontrollers. The conversation can now end with something I can pick up and use. It's crazy. It feels like the future. Want to talk about something I’ve written or built? [Get in touch](https://billiem.uk/contact/). This article was adapted with AI assistance from [an original article on billiem.uk](https://billiem.uk/posts/voice-into-matter/). The original article was reviewed before publication.