Intro

There are many awesome filament swatch systems and formats out there. Unfortunately, I haven't come across one which fulfills all my needs.

My requirements

Customization

I need something which is customizable, that is to say, having the ability to turn features on and off.
For example I like to see how transparent some filaments are, for that a simple window with different thicknesses is used. But this feature isn't really needed for darker filament, since it is already opaque to begin with. For that reason it can be really convenient to be able to turn off the transparency preview just for specific filaments.

Easy to search

I would like to be able to browse through all my samples quickly and efficiently. For that I chose the rolodex concept, which is a rotating index card system. To browse through your samples you simply turn a knob and the current filament swatch falls down, revealing the next swatch.

Standardized Format

I would like to have a well known and established format. I chose to use (by default) the credit card format. If you want, you can change the format, which is the beauty of OpenSCAD, although I do think having a standardized format is beneficial. Even if you choose not to use the Rolodex system (omitting the holes) then the swatch has the exact size of a credit card and can be stored in a plain old credit card case for example.

Features

Overview

- vertical or horizontal swatch
- four lines of text
- changable font and text style
- can be engraved or embossed
- icon cutout to indicate favorites
- position is customizable
- transparency preview
- with layer heights from 0.2mm to 1.0mm (customizable)
- position is customizable
- rolodex holes
- can be removed
- distance between holes customizable

Text Labels

Labels can both be embossed (raised above the surface) or engraved (cut below the surface). The depth / thickness can be changed.
Engraved can be useful if you don't have an AMS and don't want to manually change filaments for differently colored text.

There are 4 lines which you can put labels into (let me know if you need more).

Variables

- line_1_text: the label for the first line
- line_2_text: the label for the second line
- line_3_text: the label for the third line
- line_4_text: the label for the fourth line

- line_1_font: adjust the font and font style for the first line (normal / bold / italic)
- line_2_font: same as above but for line 2
- line_3_font: same as above but for line 3
- line_4_font: same as above but for line 4

- line_1_font_size: font size for line 1
- line_2_font_size: font size for line 2
- line_3_font_size: font size for line 3
- line_4_font_size: font size for line 4

- text_margin: margin between text and edge of the card
- line_margin: space between each line of text
- Text_Thickness: how far to raise the text above or below the card surface. Set to negative if you want to engrave text, positive to emboss text.

Transparency Preview

Interesting variables are `Layer_Height_Side` and `layer_height_depth` which change the position and size respectively

Variables

- layer_height_preview: enable or disable this feature
- layer_height_heights: each individual layer height
If you want to add or remove layers you'll have to adjust the code. For example if you just want to have 0.2mm and 0.6 then the line would look like `layer_height_heights = [0.2, 0.6];`
- Layer_Height_Side: which side the preview window is on (top, right, bottom, left)
- layer_height_depth: how far in the window goes (it uses the entire side its on, but the depth can be adjusted)
- layer_height_margin: how far away the preview window is from the wall of the swatch
- layer_height_reverse_heights: reverse the order of the preview

Icons cutouts

to indicate favorites (or the opposite)
Interesting variables are `favorite_icon`, `favorite_size` and `Favorite_Location`.

Variables

- favorite: enable or disable this feature
- favorite_icon: choose between a few icons like star or heart (if you have any suggestions for more icons, let me know)
- favorite_size: the size of the icon
- Favorite_Location: choose the location for the icon (bottom right and bottom left are on the thin rolodex cutout part)
- favorite_offset_x and favorite_offset_y: offset the icon from the walls of the swatch

Print Settings

- I recommend using arachne wall generator for better looking text
- if you chose to use embossed text choose the Color Painting tool with the height range tool type and color in the tex

Spacers

To get the swatches to fall evenly, I recommend using spacers but they aren't necessary however. You can find them in the print profile on the second plate.

Inspiration

The idea came from Joe from 3D Printy, who creates both amazing practical models, as well as beautiful aesthetic models.
You can find all of his projects on their website.

Closing Thoughts

In case you don't have a rolodex, you can print one. For your convenience I've uploaded the model here.

If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to let me know in the comments!