OpenSCAD Parametric Mounting Plate example
Practical parts
Lesson 1 of 22
Make a useful first part by subtracting four clearance holes from a rounded plate.
Try changing:
steplengthwidththicknesshole_diameteredge_distancecorner_radiusLow compile complexity. Four cylinders and one 2D offset; a good first compile.
Visual walkthrough: change step in the workspace Parameters panel to compile each construction stage.
How this model works
The 2D offset rounds a smaller rectangle without changing the requested overall length and width. linear_extrude adds thickness; the hole cutters extend beyond both faces so subtraction has no coincident end faces. Edge distance is measured from each outside edge to a hole center. Assertions protect corner and hole clearance. Geometry uses a millimeter convention, not a manufacturing guarantee.
Make the blank ·
BlankInspect the uncut rounded plate and its overall dimensions.
Inspect the cutters ·
CuttersShow only the four cylinders to be removed. Their extra height guarantees complete through-holes; they are construction geometry, not the finished part.
Subtract the holes ·
FinishedRemove all four cutters from the same blank, leaving the finished mounting plate.
main.scad
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Z up · geometry preview
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Preview or render the model to inspect it in 3D.
Geometry-only STL preview
Grid 10 units · Drag: orbit · Right-drag / two fingers: pan · Scroll / pinch: zoom
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Make it your own
Set the plate to 90 × 45 mm with 6 mm holes. Measure the hole spacing: it should be length minus twice edge_distance. Then add a fifth hole at the center.
Change one parameter at a time and inspect the result. Use the workspace reset action to return to this lesson’s original model.
