Gridfinity Baseplate Planner

Step 3: Calculate Grid Configuration

Formula for grid units:

grid_units = floor(dimension_mm / grid_size_mm)

Calculate totals:

• Total grid dimensions: grid_units × grid_size_mm
• Padding: target_dimension - total_grid_dimension

Example calculation:

Target: 350mm width
Grid size: 42mm
Grid units: floor(350 / 42) = 8 units
Actual width: 8 × 42 = 336mm
Padding: 350 - 336 = 14mm (7mm per side if centered)

Step 4: Plan Print Segments (if needed)

When the total grid exceeds printer bed dimensions:

1. Calculate optimal segment sizes that maximize grid units per print
2. Determine number of segments needed in each dimension
3. Plan padding distribution:
   • Edge pieces: padding on outer edges only
   • Middle pieces: no padding (exact grid dimensions)
   • Corner pieces: padding on two adjacent outer edges

Segment calculation:

max_units_per_print = floor(bed_dimension / grid_size)
segments_needed = ceiling(total_units / max_units_per_print)

Step 5: Generate Output

Provide a structured plan in this format:

GRIDFINITY BASEPLATE PLAN
========================
Target Space: [dimensions]
Grid Size: [X]mm
Total Grid: [X] × [Y] units
Actual Dimensions: [X]mm × [Y]mm
Padding: [X]mm left/right, [Y]mm top/bottom

[If single print]
PRINT CONFIGURATION:
- Single piece: [dimensions]
- gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com settings:
  * Base Length: [X]mm
  * Base Width: [Y]mm
  * Padding: Auto-distribute

[If multiple prints]
PRINT SEGMENTS:
Segment 1 (Top-Left):
- Grid: [X] × [Y] units
- Dimensions: [X]mm × [Y]mm
- Padding: [X]mm left edge, [Y]mm top edge
- gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com settings:
  * Base Length: [X]mm
  * Base Width: [Y]mm
  * Force padding: Left and Top
[Continue for each segment...]

Important Considerations

Grid Unit Rules

• Always round DOWN grid units (partial units aren't valid)
• The standard gridfinity grid is 42mm × 42mm
• Custom grid sizes are supported but may limit compatibility with standard bins

Padding Guidelines

• If padding exceeds 10mm on any side, suggest whether adding an additional grid unit might be better
• For multi-part prints, padding should only appear on outer edges
• Consider user preference: centered vs edge-specific padding

Print Optimization

• When slicing, prefer equal-sized segments when possible
• For multi-part prints, consider adding alignment features or noting overlap requirements
• Account for typical 3D printer tolerances (0.2-0.4mm) when planning tight-fitting installations

Multi-Part Assembly

• Number segments clearly (e.g., "Top-Left", "Top-Right", "Bottom-Left", "Bottom-Right")
• Provide assembly order recommendations
• Note any special considerations for joining pieces

gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com Parameters

When generating parameters for the online tool:

For multi-part prints, each segment needs its own configuration with specific padding instructions.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Simple Single Print

Input:

• Drawer: 180mm × 120mm
• Printer bed: 220mm × 220mm

Output:

GRIDFINITY BASEPLATE PLAN
========================
Target Space: 180mm × 120mm
Grid Size: 42mm
Total Grid: 4 × 2 units
Actual Dimensions: 168mm × 84mm
Padding: 6mm left/right, 18mm top/bottom

PRINT CONFIGURATION:
- Single piece: 180mm × 120mm
- gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com settings:
  * Base Length: 180mm
  * Base Width: 120mm
  * Padding: Auto-distribute

Scenario 2: Multi-Part Print

Input:

• Drawer: 350mm × 250mm
• Printer bed: 220mm × 220mm

Output:

GRIDFINITY BASEPLATE PLAN
========================
Target Space: 350mm × 250mm
Grid Size: 42mm
Total Grid: 8 × 5 units
Actual Dimensions: 336mm × 210mm
Padding: 7mm left/right, 20mm top/bottom

PRINT SEGMENTS:
Segment 1 (Left):
- Grid: 4 × 5 units
- Dimensions: 175mm × 250mm (168mm grid + 7mm left padding)
- gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com settings:
  * Base Length: 175mm
  * Base Width: 250mm
  * Force padding: Left edge only, Top and Bottom edges

Segment 2 (Right):
- Grid: 4 × 5 units
- Dimensions: 175mm × 250mm (168mm grid + 7mm right padding)
- gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com settings:
  * Base Length: 175mm
  * Base Width: 250mm
  * Force padding: Right edge only, Top and Bottom edges

Assembly: Place Segment 1 on left, Segment 2 on right. Grids should align perfectly.

Validation Checklist

Before finalizing a plan, verify:

• All measurements converted to millimeters correctly
• Grid units rounded DOWN (never up)
• Total grid dimensions + padding = target dimensions
• Each print segment fits within printer bed
• Padding only appears on outer edges for multi-part prints
• gridfinity.perplexinglabs.com parameters are accurate