MOLLE/PALS library: four-way patch base

Shapes for further customization, for example to create patches with emblems to show on your backpack or vest. Import in FreeCAD or any other software.

By design the face itself is not at the same height as the belt allowance—you will need supports.

• Designed to be printed with a 0.2mm or 0.4mm nozzle.

• 6–4 walls, 20%+ infill

• Switch to ‘concentric’ for the top surface pattern above the layer where the belt allowance ends.

• The ideal material for this is: PA66

  • … else use something with a good layer adhesion (>30 MPa) and UV-resistance

Design decisions:

• The “belt openings” are form B for now, for ergonomic reasons:
  Long and short legs meet at an angle pointing to one side and not into the center.

• … it should be tapered at 2× 45°, but for easier printing it’s steeper with 2× 60°.
  That taper makes it easier to guide the belt through by pinching it.

• Chamfered at points of interaction to reduce wear and tear.

Revisit this page for updates, follow me for more variants. :-)

Workflow tips and tricks for FreeCAD:

• After importing the STEP file (or whatever else), to add onto it:

  

  • switch to “Part Design”

  • create a new part and make it the active part

  • click on the face(s) you want to attach your design and use “sub-shape binder”

  • hide the imported item

  • draw your sketch on the sub-shape binder

• … or: the face to draw on (with all my patches) goes up to +3mm height. Start your design at that height.

• … or: Select the imported item, then click on “new body:”
  It will be taken over as ‘BaseFeature’ that you can edit freely.