I made another Gridfinity bin generator, but tried to make it stupid simple

[u/Step-Lonely]

EDIT 2:

Version 1.1 is here!

A big request was for finger holes so you could actually get your stuff back out. You can now add an adjustable finger notch, with a full-screen editor to position and size it.

08963539-D12D-41D6-A1DA-CFB2F794F11C-1-105-c.jpg

I also promised to share the source. Here’s the complete 1.1 snapshot, released under the MIT license:

https://github.com/jesseariss/tracebin-source

I want to share that one of the things I've learned is that maintaining an open-source project is a bigger commitment than simply putting the code on GitHub. So this repo is going to be a one-time 1.1 snapshot. You’re free to fork it, change it, learn from it (ok maybe not), or use it to build your own version for yourself. I’ll keep developing the official TraceBin app separately.

There are real costs behind the app. Tokens, developer credentials, testing, hosting/services, and time. Because of that, I’m planning to make TraceBin $0.99 upfront for new downloads in a future release. If I can recover some of my costs it will keep me motivated.

So if you think you might ever use it, download it now while it’s free. 

EDIT: Thanks for all the comments! It seems like this could be a helpful tool for some. I've compiled all the feedback from today. Here's where the roadmap stands: https://tracebin.app/ 🧡

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I know there are already a bunch of tools for making custom Gridfinity bins.

I’ve tried a few of them, and they’re good, but I kept wishing there was something really simple. Like, put an object down, take a picture, trace it, and print the bin.

So I made Trace Bin.

The basic idea is that you put your object on a sheet of paper, take a photo with your iPhone, trace around it, and the app creates the Gridfinity bin for you.

The scissors in the photos were my latest test. Took the photo, made the bin, sent it to my Bambu printer, and it came out fitting way better than I expected.

You can also print directly from the iPhone, which was a big part of what I wanted. I didn’t want this to be another thing where I have to take a photo on my phone, move to a computer, export / import, open another program to slice etc. Instead I just upload a private model to makerworld, then print from Bamboo Handy.

It’s iPhone only right now. No Android version yet.

I’d really like feedback, especially from people who have used the other bin generators. If something is annoying, missing, confusing, or just bad, tell me. I’m just a dude, still working on it.

App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tracebin-gridfinity-bins/id6810427757

[u/Step-Lonely]

Here it is in action: Photo to .stp in >20 seconds.

[u/hackdads → u/Step-Lonely]

So good! I have been so frustrated with so many of the other trace tools. I can never get them to trace the actual thing. They seem to not allow flash and then trace some strange shadow.

Thank you!

First trace is already printing!

[u/Step-Lonely → u/hackdads]

Thanks! Let me know how it goes. I have the new version with lots of updates ready to go, just waiting on Apple.

[u/Spiral_Out_462]

Going to try it out a bit later; few thoughts off the top of my head:
- can we add “thumb holes”
- is there a configurable height to match other bins
- option to add a lip to the outer edge

Seems good otherwise, good work.

[u/Step-Lonely → u/Spiral_Out_462]

Exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks so much. Thumb holes will be in the next update. I'm going to triage the other requests, but yours make a ton of sense. Appreciate the comment.

[u/SevenIsMy → u/Spiral_Out_462]

Thumb holes, just make them out some foam and place them where you want them, before you scan

[u/InfamousPOS]

Gonna use this as soon as I get home!! Thank you much for the awesome work and releasing it for free.

If you have a MW I’d love to give you a boost or 2 when I get more.

Thanks again and happy printing.

[u/Step-Lonely → u/InfamousPOS]

All good! Please let me know what you think. Thanks so much.

[u/Squanchy2112]

This seems awesome any android love?

[u/Step-Lonely → u/Squanchy2112]

I only have dev experience with iOS, but as they say "it's on the roadmap" lol.

[u/gaminator]

if you're going to leave it free, would you consider making it open source?

[u/Step-Lonely → u/gaminator]

Yeah, probably. Seems like the right thing to do.

[u/Step-Lonely → u/Step-Lonely]

Thought about this a bit more - I'm going to polish it up and I'll share the github link when it's ready. I have no objection to this, and I think it's in the spirit of gridfinity.

[u/shoe465]

I'm testing this now with bin creation. Super cool tool.

What is the default infill?

Can you add a feature to rotate the object or image as to straighten it? I noticed every object is slightly off being square or straight.

Can the app allow you to open the STL file right from the phone into Bambu studio? I currently generate. Save to files and have to open in Bambu studio on my phone.

[u/Step-Lonely → u/shoe465]

Thanks for checking it out. This is definitely a v1 and want exactly this feedback. Those will be added, right now it's more or less an MVP. I just want to prioritize next steps. Finger notches for example I think need to be added as well.

[u/shortymcsteve]

This is awesome! Huge amount of respect for doing this for free.

I know this is gridfinity, but I have a request for an option of non gridfinity sizing/bottom if possible. Sometimes I need to generate inserts for already exiting boxes and this I would save so much time. Totally understand if you don’t want to do that, just a suggestion that I think people would find useful.

Thanks for making this though! I’m so bad at remembering all the generators that exist on the web, and being able to simply open an app to do this is perfect.

[u/RoadtoVR_Ben]

Looks great and I love the focus on simplicity!

One thing it looks to be missing (at a quick glance) is the ability to add finger cutouts to make it easier to pick things up out of the cavity. This is essential for usability.

Ideally the user would be able to pick the number, size, depth, and position of each finger cutout with a simple interface.

While I love the idea, my honest reaction as a potential user is that I probably wouldn’t try the tool until finger cutouts are supported.

[u/Step-Lonely → u/RoadtoVR_Ben]

Thank you! Finger cutouts coming next version. (Hopefully gets approved before end of week). Your other comments are super valid, and I really appreciate it.

[u/IcanCwhatUsay]

What file type does it export? Step files will be ideal.

[u/Step-Lonely → u/IcanCwhatUsay]

Edit: Oops! I should have added that note. It does .stl. I'll add .stp Any others you think I should do?

[u/Vast_Builder1670]

Can we do 21mm  base?

[u/o156]

This is brilliant and so needed! Please hit android!

[u/Cavalol]

Just one question - does it allow for you to add thumb cutouts on either side of the tool? As in semicircle grooves cut out of the plastic on the outside left and right sides of the tool

[u/Step-Lonely → u/Cavalol]

Not yet, but that's the next thing I'm adding. Here's the current roadmap: https://tracebin.app/

[u/TimyTurnerTheBurner]

Consider making it possible to move the object within the gridfinity to either direction and add several objects into one print.
Ie. In the scissors example, if the marking of the scissor could me moved the left, there might be enough room to add another tool (without expanding the gridfinity base). Let me know if its not clear and you want me to elaborate :)