Guides for designing functional 3D prints

Reference values and methods: tolerances, screw holes, measuring, and the dimensions of popular systems like IKEA SKÅDIS and Gridfinity.

• Guide · Tolerances

  3D printing tolerances: how much clearance a fit needs

  How much clearance do 3D printed parts need? Practical FDM tolerance values for press, snug, sliding and loose fits, and how to calibrate your printer.

• Guide · Measuring

  How to measure parts with calipers for 3D printing

  A practical guide to measuring shafts, holes, slots and depths with digital calipers so your 3D printed replacement part fits first time.

• Guide · SKÅDIS

  IKEA SKÅDIS pegboard dimensions for designing accessories

  IKEA SKADIS pegboard dimensions for designing accessories: 5 × 15 mm slots, 40 mm grid with 20 mm offset, 5 mm board thickness, board sizes.

• Guide · Gridfinity

  Gridfinity dimensions for designing your own bins

  Gridfinity specification for designers: 42 mm grid, 7 mm height units, 41.5 mm bins, base profile 0.8/1.8/2.15 mm, magnet and screw holes.

• Guide · Screws

  Screw hole sizes for 3D printed parts (M2–M8)

  Hole sizes for metric screws in 3D prints: clearance holes, self-tapping holes, heat-set inserts, hex nut traps and countersinks for M2 to M8.

• Guide · Replacement parts

  How to design a replacement part for 3D printing

  Step-by-step method to recreate a broken part with 3D printing: identify interfaces, measure, choose material and orientation, test and iterate.

• Guide · AI + OpenSCAD

  Using ChatGPT and other chatbots for OpenSCAD

  Chatbots write OpenSCAD that looks right but renders wrong. The common failure modes and a reliable workflow for AI-generated CAD you can print.

• Free tool

  3D printing tolerance calculator

  Hole sizes for press, snug, sliding and loose fits for your printer.