[Lao Teng] Essential Modeling Tools: Radius Gauge and Protractor—Tolerance is Irrelevant

• Essential tool for designer modeling:Radius gauge.

Special Note:

• No calibration required. Print this radius gauge using your usual material and parameters. Disregard any minor inaccuracies in the printed dimensions.

• The reason is simple: We don't need the radius gauge to be highly precise; we need the printed part to be precise.

   

• For those who still don't understand, see the examples below:

1. Suppose the arc radius of the part you are replicating is 10mm. Even with a high-precision radius gauge, the measurement is 10mm. So you design a 10mm model. However, due to material shrinkage, the actual printed arc is only 9mm—imprecise and unusable.
2. Now, if you use this printed radius gauge to measure, you find the measurement to be 11mm. You then design an 11mm model. Due to material shrinkage, the actual printed arc becomes 10mm. The model is highly precise.

• We need the precision of the printed part, not the tool itself.
• Therefore, using a self-printed radius gauge yields the most accurate dimensions.

Design Notes:

• This radius gauge set comprises two parts: convex and concave angles, with seven pieces each.
• For ease of use, unlike other designers, I have designed the convex and concave angles as separate sets. Each convex piece has four convex corners, and each concave piece has four concave corners, making them more practical.
• The measurement range for both concave and convex angles is 2mm–29mm, with 1mm intervals.
• For convenient storage, I have created accompanying cases. There are two case heights to accommodate 14 or 7 pieces. A tall case is used for the complete set, while a short case is suitable for storing only the convex or concave angles.