| name | underware-openscad |
| description | Reference guide for generating Underware cable management channel OpenSCAD code. Provides channel type selection, parameter quick reference, and QuackWorks integration. Use when generating OpenSCAD files for Underware cable routing systems. |
Underware OpenSCAD Code Generation
Generates OpenSCAD code for parametric cable management channels compatible with OpenGrid/Multiboard wall-mounted systems.
Required Reading Before Generating Code
Authoritative source (fetch every time):
Related documentation:
Core Understanding (Critical Architecture)
What Makes Underware Different From Generic Cable Channels
Two-part snap system: Every channel consists of separate Base + Top pieces:
- Base: Mounts to wall/surface with various mounting methods
- Top: Clips onto base, removable for cable access
- Snap profile: Precision-engineered interlock (~3mm overlap)
- Why this matters: User can route cables, snap on tops, remove tops later without unmounting
Path-sweep construction: All channels use BOSL2 path_sweep() for complex geometries:
// Profile defines cross-section shape
// Turtle commands define path through space
path_sweep(baseProfile(widthMM = 25), turtle(["move", lengthMM]))
Profile scaling for width: Multi-unit channels expand by stretching center rectangle:
// 1-unit channel: 25mm wide (standard profile)
// 2-unit channel: 50mm wide (profile halves moved apart, rectangle fills gap)
function baseProfile(widthMM = 25) =
union(
left((widthMM-25)/2, selectBaseProfile), // Left half
right((widthMM-25)/2, mirror([1,0], selectBaseProfile)), // Right half mirrored
back(3.5/2, rect([widthMM-25+0.02, 3.5])) // Center fill rectangle
);
Grid-based dimensioning: All dimensions in 25mm grid units (OpenGrid/Multiboard standard):
Grid_Size = 25 (constant, do not modify)Channel_Width_in_Units = 1 → 25mm wide channelChannel_Length_Units = 5 → 125mm long straight channel
BOSL2 Dependencies (Required)
All channel files require:
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/rounding.scad>
include <BOSL2/threading.scad>
Why these specific libraries:
std.scad: Core geometry operations (path_sweep, turtle, attachable)rounding.scad: Smooth corners on profilesthreading.scad: Threaded snap connector generation
Channel Type Selection Framework (Decision Layer)
By Cable Routing Need
| Routing Need | Channel Type | Key File | Read Subpage |
|---|
| Straight run with cord exits | I Channel | Underware_I_Channel.scad | ./straight-runs.md |
| 90° corner, independent arm lengths | L Channel | Underware_L_Channel.scad | ./corners-junctions.md |
| 3-way intersection | T Channel | Underware_T_Channel.scad | ./corners-junctions.md |
| 4-way cross | X Channel | Underware_X_Channel.scad | ./corners-junctions.md |
| Split one path to two | Y Channel (Branch Split) | Underware_Branch_Split_Channel.scad | ./corners-junctions.md |
| Smooth diagonal transition | S Channel | Underware_S_Channel.scad | ./curves-transitions.md |
| Quarter/half/full circle | C Channel | Underware_C_Channel.scad | ./curves-transitions.md |
| 45° angled corner | Mitre Channel | Underware_Mitre_Channel.scad | ./curves-transitions.md |
| Vertical level change | Height Change Channel | Underware_Height_Change_Channel.scad | ./curves-transitions.md |
By Use Case Examples
| User wants to | Recommended approach | Notes |
|---|
| Route desk power cables horizontally | I Channel with cord cutouts | Use Both Sides cutouts for multiple exit points |
| Turn corner around desk edge | L Channel | Set L_Channel_Length_in_Units_Y/X_Axis independently |
| Create cable junction box | T or X Channel | T for 3-way, X for 4-way crossroads |
| Branch to two monitor cables | Y Channel | Y_Output_Direction = "Forward" keeps both outputs same direction |
| Gradually shift cable run diagonally | S Channel | Bezier curve, specify Units_Over and Units_Up |
| Route around circular desk leg | C Channel | Set Arc_Angle for quarter (90°) or half (180°) circle |
| Transition cables up/down wall | Height Change Channel | Smooth vertical transitions |
When Pattern Is Unclear
Ask these questions:
- Path shape: Straight, corner, curve, or multi-junction?
- Exit points: Where do cables enter/exit the channel?
- Direction changes: 90°, 45°, or smooth curve?
- Mounting surface: Flat wall, under desk, around obstacles?
Default: When unclear, use I Channel (straight) - user can connect multiple segments later.
Universal Parameters (All Channels)
Required Parameters (Always Define)
/*[Choose Part]*/
Base_Top_or_Both = "Both"; // [Base, Top, Both] - Export control
/*[Channel Size]*/
Channel_Width_in_Units = 1; // Width in grid units (25mm each)
Channel_Internal_Height = 12; // Interior height 12-72mm (6mm increments)
/*[Mounting Options]*/
Mounting_Method = "Threaded Snap Connector";
// Options: Threaded Snap Connector, Direct Multiboard Screw,
// Direct Multipoint Screw, Magnet, Wood Screw, Flat
Mounting Method Selection
| Method | Use When | Parameters Needed | Print Orientation |
|---|
| Threaded Snap Connector | OpenGrid/Multiboard with connectors | None (default) | Base flat, Top upside-down |
| Direct Multiboard Screw | Screw directly into board holes | None | Base flat (pre-drilled holes) |
| Direct Multipoint Screw | Honeycomb Storage Wall | None | Base flat (larger holes) |
| Magnet | Curved surfaces, repositionable | Magnet_Diameter, Magnet_Thickness | Base flat (magnet recesses) |
| Wood Screw | Direct wall/desk mounting | Wood_Screw_Thread_Diameter | Base flat (countersink holes) |
| Flat | Adhesive mounting, testing | None | Base flat (no mounting features) |
Common mistake: Using Flat for production installs. This removes all mounting features - only use for adhesive mounting or prototyping.
Advanced Options (Modify Rarely)
/*[Advanced Options]*/
Grid_Size = 25; // ALWAYS 25 for OpenGrid compatibility
Profile_Type = "Original"; // [Original, v2.5] - BETA: v2.5 inverse clip
Flex_Compensation_Scaling = 0.99; // For wide/tall channels, reduce flex
Additional_Holding_Strength = 0.0; // [0:0.1:1.5] - Increase for larger channels
When to use Advanced Options:
Profile_Type = "v2.5": BETA feature, inverse inside clip (not backwards compatible)Flex_Compensation_Scaling: Channels wider than 1 unit or taller than 18mm may flex - scale to 0.99Additional_Holding_Strength: Wide channels (2+ units) benefit from 0.6 extra holding strength
Code Generation Workflow
Step 1: Determine Channel Type
Use decision framework above → select appropriate channel file as reference.
Step 2: Read Channel-Specific Subpage
Navigate to relevant subpage for detailed parameter reference:
- ./straight-runs.md: I Channel (cord cutouts, length parameters)
- ./corners-junctions.md: L, T, X, Y Channels (arm lengths, mitered corners)
- ./curves-transitions.md: S, C, Mitre, Height Change (curve parameters, angles)
- ./mounting-accessories.md: Keyholes, Hooks, Item Holders, Connectors
Step 3: Gather User Requirements
Dimension questions:
- How wide should the channel be? (units × 25mm)
- How tall inside? (12mm min, 72mm max, 6mm increments)
- Length/distance for straight sections? (units × 25mm)
Mounting questions:
- Where mounting? (OpenGrid board, direct wall, desk underside)
- Mounting hardware available? (snap connectors, screws, magnets)
Cable exit questions:
- Where do cables exit? (for I Channel cord cutouts)
- How many cables? (affects cutout count/spacing)
Step 4: Generate OpenSCAD Code
Code structure pattern:
/*Created by [Your context]
Based on QuackWorks Underware by BlackjackDuck (Andy) and Hands on Katie
Licensed Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike (CC-BY-NC-SA)
Documentation: https://handsonkatie.com/underware-2-0-the-made-to-measure-collection/
*/
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/rounding.scad>
include <BOSL2/threading.scad>
/*[Choose Part]*/
Base_Top_or_Both = "Both";
/*[Channel Size]*/
Channel_Width_in_Units = 1;
Channel_Internal_Height = 12;
// ... channel-specific size parameters
/*[Mounting Options]*/
Mounting_Method = "Threaded Snap Connector";
// ... mounting-specific parameters
/*[Advanced Options]*/
Grid_Size = 25;
Global_Color = "SlateBlue";
Profile_Type = "Original";
// ... include complete module code from QuackWorks reference
DO NOT write modules from scratch - copy/adapt from QuackWorks repository:
- Fetch latest
.scad file from QuackWorks
- Preserve all module code (profiles, path_sweep operations)
- Only modify user-facing parameters section
- Keep attribution comments intact (CC BY-NC-SA license requirement)
Common Pitfalls
Pitfall #1: Hardcoding Dimensions Instead of Grid Units
Problem: User requests 75mm long channel, code sets lengthMM = 75.
Why it fails: Underware uses grid units for mounting alignment. 75mm doesn't align to 25mm grid - mounting holes won't match OpenGrid.
Better approach:
// User wants 75mm → suggest 75mm = 3 grid units
Channel_Length_Units = 3; // 3 × 25mm = 75mm
// Or: User wants 80mm → explain rounding
Channel_Length_Units = 3; // 75mm (closest grid alignment)
// Note to user: "Using 3 units (75mm) for grid alignment.
// For 100mm use 4 units."
Pitfall #2: Ignoring Two-Part Export
Problem: Code generates only base or only top, user can't assemble.
Why it fails: Underware requires both parts to function. Base alone has no cable retention, top alone can't mount.
Better approach:
// ALWAYS default to Both for user convenience
Base_Top_or_Both = "Both";
// Explain in comments:
// For printing: Export "Both", slice with parts separated
// For troubleshooting: Export "Base" or "Top" individually
Pitfall #3: Wrong Mounting Method for Use Case
Problem: User mounting to OpenGrid, code uses Flat method.
Why it fails: No mounting features generated - channel won't attach.
Better approach:
// Ask about mounting surface first
// OpenGrid/Multiboard → "Threaded Snap Connector"
// Direct wall → "Wood Screw" with Wood_Screw_Thread_Diameter = 3.5
// Metal desk → "Magnet" with Magnet_Diameter = 4.0, Magnet_Thickness = 1.5
Pitfall #4: Forgetting BOSL2 Dependencies
Problem: User can't render code, errors about undefined path_sweep.
Why it fails: BOSL2 library not included or not installed in OpenSCAD.
Better approach:
// ALWAYS include these three at top of file:
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/rounding.scad>
include <BOSL2/threading.scad>
// Add comment explaining BOSL2 requirement:
// Requires BOSL2 library: https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2
// Install: Download and place in OpenSCAD libraries folder
Pitfall #5: Using Beta Features Without Warning
Problem: Code sets Profile_Type = "v2.5" without explaining implications.
Why it fails: v2.5 inverse clip is not backwards compatible with Original profile. User can't mix old and new channels.
Better approach:
// Only use beta features if explicitly requested
Profile_Type = "Original"; // Default, backwards compatible
// If user wants stronger hold:
Additional_Holding_Strength = 0.6; // Stable, works with Original
// If user explicitly requests beta:
// Profile_Type = "v2.5"; // BETA: Inverse clip, NOT compatible with Original profile
Quality Checklist
Before delivering OpenSCAD code:
QuackWorks compliance:
- ✓ Code copied from QuackWorks reference (not written from scratch)
- ✓ Attribution comments intact (CC BY-NC-SA license)
- ✓ BOSL2 includes present (
std.scad, rounding.scad, threading.scad)
- ✓ Module structure preserved (baseProfile, topProfile functions)
Parameter validation:
- ✓
Grid_Size = 25 (never modified)
- ✓
Channel_Width_in_Units is integer (1, 2, 3, not 1.5)
- ✓
Channel_Internal_Height in 6mm increments (12, 18, 24, ... 72)
- ✓ Mounting method appropriate for user's surface
- ✓
Base_Top_or_Both = "Both" unless user needs individual parts
Dimensional sanity:
- ✓ Dimensions specified in grid units (not raw mm)
- ✓ Channel width accounts for cable bundle size + clearance
- ✓ Internal height sufficient for thickest cable + movement
- ✓ Length/arm dimensions align to 25mm grid for mounting
Channel-specific requirements:
- ✓ I Channel: Cord cutout count/spacing matches cable exit needs
- ✓ L Channel: X and Y axis lengths set independently
- ✓ T/X Channels: Mitered corners option considered for thick cables
- ✓ Y Channel: Output direction (Forward/Turn) matches user's layout
- ✓ S/C Channels: Curve parameters create smooth transitions (no sharp bends)
User communication:
- ✓ Explained channel type selection rationale
- ✓ Noted any dimension rounding to grid units
- ✓ Documented mounting method choice
- ✓ Warned if using beta features (v2.5 profile)
- ✓ Provided print orientation guidance (Base flat, Top upside-down)
Navigation: Channel-Specific Reference
Read these subpages for detailed parameter reference:
| Subpage | Contains | Use For |
|---|
| ./straight-runs.md | I Channel (straight with cord cutouts) | Linear cable runs, desktop cable management |
| ./corners-junctions.md | L, T, X, Y Channels | Corner turns, multi-path junctions, cable splits |
| ./curves-transitions.md | S, C, Mitre, Height Change Channels | Smooth curves, diagonal transitions, vertical routing |
| ./mounting-accessories.md | Keyholes, Hooks, Item Holders, Connectors | Wall mounting, accessory integration, modular connections |
Documentation References
Official Underware sources:
BOSL2 library:
Related spirograph skills:
- For system selection guidance, see the home-organization skill
- For OpenGrid accessory code generation, see the opengrid-openscad skill
Ecosystem integration:
- Underware integrates natively with OpenGrid mounting systems
- Use OpenGrid boards under desk, snap Underware channels into grid
- See home-organization skill for Underware + OpenGrid combination strategies
