Universal Customizable Phone Dock - version 2

thingiverse

This is an advanced iteration of my previous submission, located at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:369475. The upgrade features a more streamlined script from the user's perspective. Simply define your phone's dimensions and all other specifications will be calculated automatically. Additionally, I have optimized the design to minimize excess material usage, resulting in both cost savings and reduced printing time. To generate the STL file required for 3D printing, you must first customize the Python script and execute it within FreeCAD. Customization entails measuring your phone's dimensions (including protective cases) and editing the script accordingly. You will also need to specify the path where the generated STL file will be saved. FreeCAD is an open-source modeling toolset available for download on Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms. To access this versatile software, visit http://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Getting_started. Designing This Project Three key steps were taken to create a stable platform while minimizing material usage: With numerous requests for phone docks of varying sizes flooding in, I determined that the most effective use of my time would be to develop a Python script where basic phone dimensions are defined as variables and all other specifications are calculated by software. FreeCAD provides an ideal environment for this task. Step 1: Design a box slightly wider than the phone, deep enough to allow the phone to lean backward without toppling over, and tall enough to maintain proportion with the phone when inserted. Step 2: Cut a slot in the box that matches the phone's width and depth, ensuring it is large enough for comfortable insertion. Step 3: Eliminate excess material while maintaining structural integrity, preventing the platform from tipping over.