gridfinity-baseplate-planner

# Gridfinity Baseplate Planner

## Overview

This skill provides comprehensive guidance for planning gridfinity baseplates optimized for 3D printing. It handles the complete workflow from raw measurements to printable configurations, including unit conversion, grid optimization, multi-part slicing strategies, and padding calculations.

## Core Workflow

Follow these steps when planning a gridfinity baseplate:

### Step 1: Gather Information

Collect the following from the user:
- **Target dimensions**: The space to fill with gridfinity (drawer, shelf, etc.)
- **Printer bed size**: The maximum printable area
- **Grid size**: Default to 42mm if not specified (this is the gridfinity standard)
- **Padding preference**: Centered padding vs edge-specific padding

### Step 2: Convert Measurements

Convert all dimensions to millimeters for calculation:

| From | Conversion |
|------|------------|
| cm | × 10 |
| m | × 1000 |
| inches | × 25.4 |
| feet | × 304.8 |

### Step 3: Calculate Grid Configuration

**Formula for grid units:**
```
grid_units = floor(dimension_mm / grid_size_mm)
```

**Calculate totals:**
- Total grid dimensions: `grid_units × grid_size_mm`
- Padding: `target_dimension - total_grid_dimension`

**Example calculation:**
```
Target: 350mm width
Grid size: 42mm
Grid units: floor(350 / 42) = 8 units
Actual width: 8 × 42 = 336mm
Padding: 350 - 336 = 14mm (7mm per side if centered)
```

### Step 4: Plan Print Segments (if needed)

When the total grid exceeds printer bed dimensions:

1. **Calculate optimal segment sizes** that maximize grid units per print
2. **Determine number of segments** needed in each dimension
3. **Plan padding distribution**:
   - **Edge pieces**: padding on outer edges only
   - **Middle pieces**: no padding (exact grid dimensions)
   - **Corner pieces**: padding on two adjacent outer edges

**Segment calculation:**
```
max_units_per_print = floor(bed_dimension / grid_size)
segments_needed = ceiling(total_units / max_units_per_print)
`