Gridfinity-ShadowBoards

This template is used to create Gridfinity shadow boards using Python scripts and OpenSCAD.

Highlights

Instructions

Prerequisites

• Python: Make sure you have Python installed on your PC. If not, download and install the latest version from python.org. Ensure to add Python to your system PATH during installation.
• OpenSCAD: Download and install the latest version of OpenSCAD from openscad.org.
• OrcaSlicer or Bambu Studio: Download and install either OrcaSlicer from OrcaSlicer releases or Bambu Studio from Bambu Studio.

Preparing Your Photos

1. Take Photos: Use a lightboard to take photos of your tools or components. Ensure to include a 2" disc in the photo for scale reference (the STL file for the disc can be found in the STL folder). For the lightbox, I used a 2 ft x 2 ft LED panel ceiling light fixture. An example from Menards is model number GT-FP-22BLP. I also wired a switch to this and an extension cord to plug it into an outlet. Based on your ambient lighting conditions, you will need to fine-tune your Threshold Input value.
2. Example Image: An example image taken on a lightbox is located in the Pictures folder. If you want to practice on this file, the ideal settings are:
   • Threshold Input: 160
   • Offset: 0.05
   • Token Size: 2.0 These settings will yield an image like the one shown above.
3. Crop Photos: Ensure the borders of the photos are all white.
4. Touch-Up Photos: Edit the photos as needed to create the shape you want to outline.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create DXF Files

Run the provided Python script to create your DXF files. This script will also copy the file path of the generated DXF to your clipboard.

Step 2: Generate STL Files with OpenSCAD

1. Open the Step 2 OpenSCAD file.
2. In the customizer, input the path to your DXF file (paste from clipboard using Ctrl+V).
3. General Settings:
   • Adjust gridx, gridy, and gridz to match the size of your desired shadow board.
4. Finger Slot Options:
   • Customize the size, angle, and position of the finger slots.
5. Cut Depth:
   • Set the depth for the cuts.
6. Render and Export:
   • Click the "Render" button (F6) to render the model.
   • Once rendered, click "Export" to save the STL file.

Step 3: Slice the File

1. Open OrcaSlicer or Bambu Studio to add any text and slice the STL file.
2. Use the color painting feature to fill the outline with a color that pops, like red. Add a nice trim to the top using the layer height. Standard colors used are:
   • Black for the main print
   • Red for the tool outline
   • White for the text/trim
3. A template is available in the repository for this step.

Setting Up for the First Time

1. Setup Python:
   • Download and install the latest version of Python from python.org. Ensure to add Python to your system PATH.
2. Install Dependencies:
   • You can either run the install_extensions.bat file or use the following command to install the required dependencies:

     pip install colorama ezdxf fonttools iniconfig numpy opencv-python packaging pillow pip pluggy pyparsing pyperclip pytest typing_extensions

Credits

This project uses code from kennetek's gridfinity-rebuilt-openscad project for creating the Gridfinity base bins.

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Feel free to modify or expand upon these instructions based on your specific needs. Happy creating!