Metric Reference Tool (Multi-color Update)

thingiverse

This is a useful reference tool designed to help designers estimate the actual size of parts they're modeling. Growing up in the United States, I struggled with understanding dimensions using the metric system. With 3D printing, it's essential to use the metric system frequently for measurements. As soon as I started designing my first print, I found myself constantly searching online or asking my Google Home assistant "What is [x inches] in millimeters?". I put my design on hold and created this tool instead; it allows you to print out a reference card that you can keep next to you while designing prints. If you're struggling with the metric system like I was, you'll be able to quickly glance at this tool and easily determine approximately how big your model will be or how much clearance you'll have between parts. May 19, 2019 - UPDATE I've revisited my old designs and improved them significantly. I updated some of the formatting on this card and added an option to print it in multi-color from one extruder. The multicolor print was done using my Ender 3 so I could achieve a matte finish on the face of the print without any post-processing. The 45-degree angled edge of the card now measures approximately 40mm. The updated multi-color card was printed with a 0.3mm nozzle and 0.24mm layers using Hatchbox's True Red filament and Solutech3D's Black filament. As always, make sure you have good bed adhesion and print slowly for the first layers to prevent letters from curling up.