CableLable(Parametric)

What can be done?

See Parameters, for what can be altered. The main thing is, that the lables will be “Text Number” when there is a Number to be written.

It is also Wise to integrate a Colorchange on the layer where the first text is visible.

Are there Limits?

Certainly, especially when trying to make biger files, the more Text, and Numbers, the Longer Rendering will take, the Problem here beeing Openscad only utilizing one single core. To complement this, you could open Openscad for Say 4, 6, 8, or whatever Logical cores you have, and split the Text up accordingly.

Parameters

For easy use, use the Customizer. 

cabDim The Diameter of the Cable(s) you want to lable
CircleOutOfCenter Enables you to choose how much of the halfcircle will be cut out of the block, with smaller calbles the percantage should be bigger.
TextSize Text size in mm
cTies amount of cableties whished for attaching
cTieHeight smaller side of the cable tie plus some wiggle room
cTieWidth larger side of the cable tie plus some wiggle room
totWidth  how wide the Lable shall be, has to be chosen according to the textlength
minWall  minimal wall thickness

CombineTextAndNumb Write both the Texts and the Numbers
WriteText writes only Text
WriteNumb writes only Numbers
Text Text that you want to be written
TextNumbStart  smallest number that needs to be labled
TextNumbStop largest number, that needs to be labled
TextNumbSteps Step from one Number to the next.

Defining Text

The way I define the Texts is, i Start in Notepad++ Making a List of every “name” I need. LEts go with the Roman Gods. I then add the [" to the Start, and the "] at the end.

To make it into one single Line so it can be easily put into the Costumizer, there is this simple trick: Press ctrl+h

Insert \r\n into Find what, insert “ , ” into replace with, make sure Extended ist selected, and replace all. You can now select the line and copy it to the Customizer field “Text”.

If you just need numbers there is no need to input text, if you want to combine numbers and text, you can, numberize the Texts you have written within Openscad.

Handling in Prusaslicer

Now if you need to know more about Openscad, skip this part and come back later.

At First we open the STL, that we have created. the First thing to do ist to separate to objects.

This makes handling easier, as well as it allows us, or PrusaSlicer to arrange Stuff. (mind, i have an MMU, hence the Wipetower in Orange.

Now that we have split to Objects and Mine just dont fit on the Buildplate, i Autoarrange everything:

then you have to slice it, and then choose the right LAyerhigt, where the Text is visible for the First time. Then Click on the Plus, for me it sais “extruder change”, but Without an MMU it sais something like “insert colour change”:

Then you have to reslice it again.

This gives you two coloured “cabletie” parts, just like in my Photos. Well I am just to lazy to print twice ;-), of course you can arrange all the “Text plates” and all the “cableTie” parts on a separate buildplate and go from there, that is your choice.

Important; for the “Cabletie” Parts, due to sometimes small surface area, a Brim can be beneficial. The Problem mostly occours, when the Printer tries to make the Arc complete.

WHAT is OpenSCAD? And How do I use it?

WELL in the contrary of the CADs most of the Makers are used to, Openscad is a programming based method of drawings. It is not that easy to make, but for things that are as customizable as this, it is just the better option! Would Î have drawn this part in Fusion360, I would have made more complicatet, and nicer solutions, especially with the Cabletie part, but hey, it works right?

Now if you have never used OpenSCAD here a short tutorial how to use it with My File.

https://openscad.org/ 

Is the place to get install and download it.

Make sure to associate “.scad” files.

Doubleclick on the “cableLabel.scad” file

make sure you see the Costumizer, under “window/Customizer”

Then you can play arround with Text and Numbers, Sliders and Checkboxes.

When you are Happy with what you have, choose render or press “F6” :

When you have alot of Texts, consider getting a coffe, Tea, Coke, or whatever you whish ;-)

There is a Progress bar for the 12 Roman Gods counted to four my I9 11900K took several Minutes (meaning ~20)to Calculate. It will also last a really long time on 999/1000, somehow, just be patient. The Problem is; Turbo boost does not kick in, because only one Processor is Loaded…..

Next you navigate to "File/Export" and choose the desired(STL), or you kan press “F7”.

The exporting process is really fast now. Find the File and open it in Prusaslicer.

Now Have Fun!

I am Thankfull for feedback!