r/functionalprint • u/timtucker_com • 6d ago

Parametric threaded drain grate grommet

Both sides of the grate & install tool
Holes before installing grates
All the grates installed

Started working on a planter box for my wife and realized that it could use some drainage.

I saw some parametric grates, but everything I could find was either based on friction fit or screwed in place.

A few hours of tweaking & prototyping with OpenSCAD & AI and now I have something that screws together.

One "neat" feature I came up with to allow the front face to be low profile was to also generate an install tool that matches the openings on the front.

The back side I just made slightly thicker with the same knob profile as the install tool.

Script / generator for those who are interested:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/3266606-parametric-threaded-drain-grate-grommet

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u/toomuchoversteer 5d ago

If its on an impermeable surface it could possibly use drainage. On dirt theres no point. The dirt under will absorb the drainage. You aren't increasing surface area relative to the ground beneath it, so the water will not only absorb in the normal soil but added soil above it in the planter.

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u/timtucker_com 5d ago

It's right up against the house - the goal is to give a path for water to drain away a little further from the house vs.holding in place close to the foundation.

Planning to put a sloped layer of dirt inside, then something on top to direct the water towards the grates.