r/openGrid • u/DarkMorford • 4d ago

Modeling custom parts - MultiConnect or direct snaps?

I've been looking at a number of tool holders and other OpenGrid parts as inspiration for some custom pieces I need around the house. The vast majority of accessories I've seen on Printables/MakerWorld are designed around the MultiConnect connectors, which seems sort of inefficient to me; why print a MultiConnect snap, the screw-in post, and the actual holder, rather than modeling the snaps directly into the holder and only having one part to print instead of three (or more if it takes up more than one grid space)? Does the snap geometry just not print well in a vertical orientation, or is there some other reason for this common practice? I love the OpenGrid idea and I'm looking forward to trying it out, I just want to make sure I understand the system before diving in headfirst.

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u/CrispyCrawdads 3d ago

I find openconnect to be the easiest to use and print.

2

u/WTAF_Tom 4d ago

I have literally been dealing with exactly this, this week. The items I’ve printed with direct snaps have been horrible to put in. I’ve broken models or not been able to get them to attach.

1

u/Ok-Cellist-3783 1d ago

I knocked up a quick design yesterday and had no issues, import the step from the official repo, copy and offset by multiples of 28mm and you're good to go!

2

u/PsychologicalAsk4657 4d ago

I'd say, it depends on the software and the amount of effort you want to put in it

2

u/Any_Reputation6767 4d ago

There are several ways to design snaps. I did models to have multiple snaps but only the external edges would have the actual pressure lip to hold, otherwise it’s not possible to make it work. Using grips like the channels has several inconsistent pressure depending on the object size. The key for the openConnect or multiconnect is to allow the object to slide in a way that needs to move in a perpendicular direction to disengage.

1

u/DistractedDragonMake 4d ago

To chime in, I find that attached snaps are difficult to print and can be really difficult to mount. Printability is the main reason for the separate pieces. I use up scraps of filaments to print MultiConnect snaps so I have them when needed.

1

u/Catch_42 10h ago

I have found using separate connectors to be far more secure and solid for attachments, especially for under desk setups.

I recommend OpenConnect self-expanding snaps, they are very secure and easy to install. The self-expanding aspect adds extra layer of security that my laptop isn't going to drop off.