MakeBlock Parametric Straight Bracket

This is a parametric bracket generator for MakeBlock which can generate parts of various sizes. All MakeBlock structural parts use M4 screws with the holes separated by an 8mm pitch, so I created this generator to generate flat parts with a specified number of holes in the x and y directions (as well as the part thickness). Most printers close inner holes up a bit, so a 2mm radius will create a part where the M4 screws "bite", and 2.4mm radius will create one where they're loose and need a nut.

You can also create longer openings within the part (such as I did in the 3x9 part) by adding the "open" row or column to the appropriate "open_" array, starting at column/row zero. For example, to make a 3x3 part with a cross in it, put 1 in the open_xs and 1 in the open_ys with rows=3 and columns=3. For multiple rows or column, separate with commas, (eg. 0,1,2). Note that you can create islands with this feature, so be careful.

MakeBlock is a hobby robotics platform which spans from kids learning bots to advanced self-balancing bots, 3-d printers, robot arms, engravers, and more.

MakeBlock

Makeblock makes some great educational robots. This is not a replacement for buying original parts for them, but something to enable students learning with Makeblock to make their own custom parts they may need for a specific build. And even besides Makeblock, the parts here are generic enough that they may be useful for any similar project by changing the default settings.

This part can be used as part of any curriculum where Makeblock robots are used, or (by changing the default settings), any curriculum which requires structural parts with configurable regular holes for screws.

(I am not associated with Makeblock in any way.)