parametric-components

Parametric Components

Help the user create ready-made functional components with configurable parameters. These tools generate complete parts that can be used standalone or combined with other models.

Available Tools

Tool	Use Case
create_enclosure	Electronics project boxes with snap or screw lids
create_gear	Involute spur gears with configurable module, teeth, bore
create_snap_fit	Cantilever snap-fit joints for tool-free assembly
create_hinge	Two-part pin hinge assemblies
create_dovetail	Male or female dovetail joints for interlocking parts
generate_label	3D-printable labels with text and optional QR codes

Workflow

1. Clarify the user's requirements — dimensions, purpose, assembly method
2. Select the appropriate component tool
3. Generate the component with suitable parameters
4. Call measure_model to verify dimensions
5. Call analyze_printability to confirm FDM suitability
6. If needed, use combine_models to integrate with other parts

Enclosure Guide

create_enclosure generates a body and lid as separate models (name_body and name_lid).

Lid types:

• "snap" — Snap-fit ridge on lid, groove on body (no screws needed)
• "screw" — Corner screw posts with holes

Features (JSON array):

• "vent_slots" — Ventilation slots on side walls
• "cable_hole" — Cable passthrough hole
• "mounting_tabs" — External mounting tabs with screw holes
• "screw_posts" — Internal corner screw posts

Example:

create_enclosure(name="project_box", inner_width=80, inner_depth=50,
  inner_height=30, wall=2.0, lid_type="snap",
  features='["vent_slots", "cable_hole"]')

Gear Guide

create_gear uses bd_warehouse's involute gear profile for accurate tooth geometry.

Key parameters:

• module — Tooth size (1.0 = small, 2.0 = medium, 3.0 = large). Meshing gears must share the same module.
• teeth — Number of teeth. More teeth = larger gear, smoother motion.
• pressure_angle — Usually 20° (standard) or 14.5° (legacy). Keep at 20° for FDM.
• bore — Center hole diameter for shaft mounting.

Gear ratio: ratio = teeth_driven / teeth_driver. E.g., 40T driven by 20T = 2:1 ratio.

Example — 2:1 gear pair:

create_gear(name="driver", module=2.0, teeth=20, thickness=8, bore=5)
create_gear(name="driven", module=2.0, teeth=40, thickness=8, bore=5)

Snap-Fit Guide

create_snap_fit creates cantilever beam snap-fit clips. Pass params as JSON:

• beam_length — Length of the cantilever beam (longer = more flexible)
• beam_width — Width of the beam
• beam_thickness — Thickness (thinner = easier snap, but weaker)
• hook_depth — Depth of the hook catch

FDM tip: Print with the beam oriented vertically for best layer adhesion along the flex axis.

Hinge Guide

create_hinge generates two interlocking leaves (name_leaf_a and name_leaf_b) with a shared pin hole.

Parameters (JSON):

• leaf_width, leaf_height, leaf_thickness
• pin_diameter — Add 0.2mm clearance for FDM
• num_knuckles — More knuckles = stronger but harder to print

Dovetail Guide

create_dovetail generates male or female dovetail joints.

• Set dovetail_type="male" for the protruding key
• Set dovetail_type="female" for the receiving slot
• Add clearance=0.2 for FDM printing tolerance
• Use combine_models to boolean-subtract the female shape from your part

Label Guide

generate_label creates a flat plate with raised text, optionally with a QR code.

• size — JSON array [width, height, thickness] in mm
• font_size — Text height in mm (8-12 works well for FDM)
• qr_data — Optional URL or text to encode as QR code on the label

Example:

generate_label(name="wifi_label", text="Guest WiFi", size="[60, 30, 2]",
  font_size=8, qr_data="WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:password123;;")

FDM Printing Tips

• Enclosures: Print body upside-down (opening up) for best overhangs. Print lid flat.
• Gears: Use 100% infill and 3+ perimeters for strength. Print flat (teeth up).
• Snap-fits: Orient beam vertically. Use PETG or ABS for better fatigue life than PLA.
• Hinges: Print leaves flat. Sand pin holes if tight. Use 0.2mm clearance.
• Dovetails: Test clearance with a small sample before committing to a full part.
• Labels: Print with 0.12mm layer height for crisp text. Use contrasting filament colors.