OpenSCAD Cranks out Parametric CNC Clamps
If you’ve ever used a CNC router or mill, you know how many details need to align perfectly to achieve acceptable results. While selecting the right bit and figuring out the appropriate feeds and speeds are crucial topics, there’s an even more fundamental task to address first: securing the workpiece so it doesn’t fly off when the tool engages.
Securing basic flat stock is often straightforward, but handling oddly shaped pieces can quickly expose the limitations of traditional c-clamps. When you reach that point, it’s worth exploring these OpenSCAD hold-down clamps from ostat. Thanks to its parametric design, you can input your specific dimensions into the script, and it will generate a bespoke STL file for a custom clamp ready to be 3D printed.
The current implementation of the script allows for easy customization of several parameters:
- Height, overhang, and angle of the front of the clamp
- Rear parameters, though with fewer options
- Bolt parameters, such as diameter and cutout length
You can perform all customizations locally if you have OpenSCAD installed, or you can use MakerWorld’s online customizer for a web-based solution.
You might wonder about the reliability of using a 3D-printed clamp to hold down your workpiece, especially given the potential for significant damage if the piece comes loose during milling. This concern is valid, but the advantage of printing these clamps for a few pennies each is that you can produce many of them, providing ample hold-down force through sheer quantity.
Printed clamps offer a practical, cost-effective solution for securing workpieces, especially when dealing with unconventional shapes. Their customizable nature and the ability to produce them quickly make them a valuable tool in any CNC setup. So, next time you face a tricky workholding situation, remember that many printed clamps can make light work of the task.
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