Configurable Model Rocket Rail Button Backplate/Nutplate
Description
This Thing produces a conformal tube interior backplate for mounting rail buttons or guides in model rockets. Note that this is NOT intended for use with the Thingiverse Customizer - it requires the download and installation of the OpenSCAD CAD tool. The OpenSCAD Customizer works within the tool. Fear not, it installs easily and who knows? You might find it a useful tool. Usage is pretty much self-explanatory, and the best way to figure it out is just to play around with the slider controls a bit. See the blurb below, if you haven't used the Customizer before. This thing was inspired by the backplate designs of [Jack Hydrazine](https://www.thingiverse.com/JackHydrazine/designs) This item, and other configurable model rocket tools I have written are posted and discussed in [this thread on The Rocketry Forum](https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/3d-printable-component-generators.148308/). All of my Thingiverse model rocketry-related designs are collected in this [Thingiverse collection](https://www.thingiverse.com/garyacrowellsr/collections/model-rockets-vcp}. USAGE DETAILS * The plate can contain just a drill hole sized to be tapped or self-tapped with a screw, or, a nut-sized well that can be configured to fit either a press-fitted or glued nut. The drill hole and nut sizes are totally configurable. Note that the Nut Diameter is measured from flat-to-flat. If only a drill hole is desired, set the Nut Diameter to zero. * The overall thickness of the plate is determined by the Nut Thickness and the Nut Standoff Distance. Use these to adjust thickness even if the Nut Diameter is zero and all you want are drill holes. * The slope of the backplate leading from the aft edge to the nut, can be adjusted as required to create a slope that won't interfere with the recovery system deployment. In addition, since a gradual slope might produce a thin, hard to print and flush glue edge, the trailing edge can be trimmed to eliminate this edge. * The forward slope leading up to the nut can be adjusted independently, since it is unlikely to require a gradual slope like the trailing edge. This also makes it possible to use this edge as the print base, so little or no support will be required. * The overall width can also be trimmed with a slope. * By specifying a 'drill spacing' greater than zero, two in-line nuts (or drills) can be placed on the same backplate, for use with rail guides that have two mounting screws. * Input parameters are echoed in the console window. ===================== OpenSCAD Customizer ====================== This file has been created with the intention to use the OpenSCAD 'Customizer', on an installed version of OpenSCAD, which allows the use of Windows-style selection tools to set parameters of the component. The use of this feature requires the following steps: 1. You must be using a recent OpenScad version, at least later than 2019.05 OpenSCAD is available at: http://www.openscad.org/downloads.html 2. Open the Fin_Guide.scad file with OpenSCAD. 3. In the OpenSCAD [View] menu, uncheck the option [Hide Customizer]. The Customizer window should open at the right side of the screen. 4. At the top of the Customizer window, check 'Automatic Preview' and select 'Show Details' in the dropdown box. 5. If you are comfortable with the instructions above, then also in the [View] menu, you can check the option [Hide editor], which will allow the full screen to view the model. You can also check to [Hide Console].
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