A standard 1-½ hole cable grommet to clean up a workbench where a standard horizontal cable grommet is not suitable. This grommet can be used as a standalone unit for a minimalist approach to cable management or with one of the multiple available covers that can be printed. My recommendation is the cable grommet with the flush profile cover.
The printable covers are slide covers and do not lock into place, except for the flush profile cover that uses the screws for resistance (please see design notes at the bottom of the page).
You can use any type of printer filament you prefer. All items should be printed in the orientation they show up in your slicer. My settings are listed below:
If you haven't used a hole saw before, make sure to drill only until the center drill bit pops through the back of the cutting location. Then, switch to the other side of the cut and finish drilling. This will ensure a cleaner look and minimize the chance of blowout. There are many helpful tutorials available online if you need a video guide.
Included in the files is a printable Jig that will provide the perfect height from the workbench surface. This helps speed up the measuring process and ensures that all holes are at the same height when making multiple holes simultaneously.
(Totally boring stuff, go print something why are you reading this?)
This project marks my first significant undertaking in OnShape, as I began to encounter limitations with TinkerCAD. While I enjoyed my experience with TinkerCAD, I desired to delve into parametric design, and OnShape proved to be the perfect platform for my next learning adventure.
The inlet and outlet of the Cable Grommet are rounded to enhance the cables' flexibility and, simultaneously, minimize the contact of sharp edges with the cables. Same care was taken with the internal parts of the covers allowing for less harsh edges touching the cables.
While attempting to integrate a snap connector that would allow the covers to snap onto the cable grommet, I encountered difficulties. Consequently, I opted for standard slide covers instead. However, when using the Flush Profile Cover, the #6 screws inadvertently scratch the back surface (which remains unseen) of the cover, resulting in a decent amount of resistance to keep the cover in place. In light of these challenges, I intend to explore new techniques and strategies within OnShape and may consider creating a V2 of this design in the future.