A Gridfinity script for creating cutouts to produce a custom fit to real-world objects objects.

Process

Overview

The achieve an a nice fit we will photographing a real-world object, converting it to a to-scale stencil, and then using that in OpenSCAD to cut the recess.
The key challenge here is getting the scale correct.

Complete process

Step 1. Photograph the object with a scale reference

Method 1: Take photo with phone

  • Place a ruler, caliper, or object of known size (like a coin) flat next to the item.
  • Ensure the camera is directly above and level.
  • Avoid perspective distortion — use the longest focal length you can (zoom in a little if possible).
  • Enable the flash the produce sharpe edges

Method 2: Use a Scanner (Best Precision, Small Objects)

If the item fits on a flatbed scanner:

  • Scan it at known DPI (e.g. 300 DPI → 118.11 pixels/cm).
  • Make note of the DPI for when importing in to Inkscape

Example Taking image with phone

Image taken with iPhone, using calipers for scale
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Step 2. Import into Inkscape

  • Download and install Inkscape
  • Open the photo.

Step 3. Set the scale of the drawing

  • Using image from scanner
    1. Import the scan into Inkscape.
    2. Set the image’s real scale using that DPI noted above (Inkscape often auto-detects it).
    3. The SVG is to real-world scale (e.g., 1 mm = 1 mm).
  • Using photo from camera
    1. Measure a known length of the reference object in Inkscape using the ruler or dimension tools.
    2. Compute the scaling factor
       \text{scale factor} = \frac{\text{real size}}{\text{measured size in Inkscape}}
    3. Apply that factor to the entire drawing (Object → Transform → Scale).

Example settings scale

Using the calipers, measured 70 → 200 for a distance of 130mm. On screen measurement was 94.18mm. This gives are scale of 1.38(1.38 = 130/94.18).
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Step 4. Trace the shape

  • Trace or outline the shape using Path → Trace Bitmap or manual Bézier tools.
  • user the Detection mode that best outlines the shape.
  • Apply the trace.
  • Clean up the trace removing anything that is not needed, including the reference object and any

Trace the shape

Step 5. Export to file

  • In Inkscape select the path that was created
  • Open the export dialog File → Export
  • in the Export dialog select:
    • The Custom tab
    • Ensure the DPI is 96 (or note the value for use in OpenSCAD)
    • Enable Export Selected only
    • Change export type to Plane SVG (.svg)
    • Clieck Export

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Step 5. Inport svg in to Gridfinity

  • Open Gridfinity Custom Cutout
    • Online using Makerword
    • locally using OpenSCAD
    • Upload the saved SVG
    • Set the DPI if its not 96
      • OpenSCAD treats SVG units as millimetres by default (assuming your Inkscape file uses mm).
    • Adjust the bin size to suit
    • Generate the cutout sample
      • This generates a minimal print for testing the fit.
      • Adjust using padding a depth as needed.
    • Once happy generate the Gridfinity bin.

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