Underware 2.0 - Infinite Cable Management! Remixed by BlackjackDuck - Hands on Katie Guild Member MakerWorld: Download Free 3D Models

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Important Update: Since the release of Underware 2.0 for Multiboard, we have released openGrid, a fully open-source grid system. We also introduced Underware for openGrid, a single piece cable management system! We believe this has many improvements over Underware 2.0 on Multiboard. 

If you have not yet started and are open to other grid systems, check out openGrid!


openGrid here: openGrid - Wall/Desk mounting framework/ecosystem by David D

openGrid generator here: openGrid - Tile Generator by BlackjackDuck - Hands on Katie Guild Member


Underware for openGrid here: Underware for openGrid by David D

Underware for openGrid generator here: Underware for openGrid Customizer - BETA by Pedro Leite

Welcome to the Underware 2.0 Channel Customizers! Developed together initially by Hands on Katie and BlackjackDuck and now receiving community contributions via our open GitHub library, this is a fully parametric version of the original Underware. 

Underware is the universal, open-source, modular, extensible and re-usable solution for managing cables, mini-pcs, usb devices…pretty much anything, anywhere!

New Features in 2.0: 

  • Customizable Width
  • Customizable Height
  • New Mounting Options such as T Screw, magnets, wood screws, and adhesive!
  • New Customizable Diagonal Channels
  • New Customizable Y Channels
  • New Customizable Mitre Channels
  • Customizable Radius
  • Customizable Corners
  • Cable Cutouts
  • Multi-color Labeling
  • And more to come!

How to generate your own Underware

  1. Click the Green 'Customize' button at the top of the page
  2. Select the Component type you want to generate
  3. Play with the options until perfect - click generate at any time to preview

Watch this video to find out more:

Key Points

  • Open-source design - The whole solution is open-source, so feel free to extend and come up with your own brilliant solutions.
  • Parametric files - Customize your channels with over 10,000 channel variations without needing modeling skills or downloading CAD software!
  • Printing - all files are printable as they are, without supports. 

Visit Hands on Katie for more instructions:

https://handsonkatie.com/underware-2-0-the-made-to-measure-collection/

Mounting Options and Connectors

Threaded Snap Connector

The threaded snap connector threads into the base channel and then snaps into a Multiboard. This allows for quick placing and removing channels, no need to remove adjacent channels, and allows for offset from board to traverse dual snaps and other obstacles. 

 

Split Printing - NEW FEATURE!

Allows for splitting the part so that layer lines contribute to thread strength. This dramatically improves snap strength for repeated adding and removing of threaded snaps. 

 

Snap Connector Height (Offset from board)

Change the gap between the base channels and the mounting surface. Default is 3mm to match standard Multiboard offsets and to traverse over dual snaps that connect Multiboard tiles. 

If mounting Multiboard tiles using screws and not using dual snaps, set the Snap Connector Height to zero to save filament and have a truly flush set of Underware.

 

Snap Holding Tolerance and Oct Scaling

Connection too tight or too loose? Adjust the bump-outs (Snap Holding Tolerance) or the entire octogon (Oct Scaling) to a better fit. 

Bolts

Bolt mounting screws through the channel into the Multiboard small threaded hole. This approach saves filament while offering a very strong connection. A tool is included to aid screwing and unscrewing. 

Note - This mounting method does not allow channel offsets from the board. If you mount your tiles using dual snaps, you will not be able to traverse dual snaps as they stick out from the board unless you extend the length of the bolt.

 

Thread Length

Change the length of the thread. Default is 6.5 which allows for strong connection through a channel and into a board. Add additional millimeters if needing to offset (although connection will be loose). 

Available Channels

I-Channel (Straight)

 

Length, Width, and Height

Note - Tall channels will have reduced holding strength due to flexing. 

 

Cord Cutouts

Add cord cutouts to the top channel for cord entry and exit. Change number, spacing, width, and positioning. 

 

Text Labels

Add text to your top channels in color, depth, or both.

Note - Font examples here are Raleway and Oswald

L Channel (Turn)

 

Length, Width, and Height

Modify channel length, width, and height. New Feature - Each side can now be edited independently. 

 

Zero Lengths - New Feature

Change a length to zero and the channel will properly render for an edge of desk exit or flush turns to a different channel. 

C-Channel (Curve)

 Width and Height
 

Radius 

Change the radius for wider turns. 

Note: A radius of 1 can be mounted directly against a radius of 2 and so forth if the width is 1. If the width is wider, be sure to multiply the radius by the width. For example, a channel width of 2 will require a radius of 1 to be next to a radius of 3. 

T-Channel

 Width and Height
 Sharp and Mitered Corners (New February '25)

X-Channel

 

Widths and Height

New feature - Change widths independently for different-width intersections.

Add height for more room. 

Y-Channel

 Width, Height, and Length
 

Output Direction

Change whether the outputs continue forward or turn outward.

 

Straight Distance 

This is the length of the straight section before the turns. Note, wider channels may produce artifacts. Changing this straight distance often resolves them. 

Diagonal Channel

 Width, Height, and Length
 

Output Direction

Change whether the outputs continue forward or turn outward.

 

Straight Distance 

This is the length of the straight section before the turns. Note, wider channels may produce artifacts. Changing this straight distance often resolves them. 

S-Channel (NEW!)

 Width, Height, and Length

Height Change Channel (NEW!)

Note: Due to shape, the top needs to be printed in the orientation shown. Some printers may require brim setting to be turned on. 

 Length and Width
 Height 1 and Height 2

Mitre Channel

 Width and Height
 

Distance from edge 

This value calculates (in mm) the distance from the corner to the end of the piece. Each sides are independently configurable. This value automatically adjusts when heights are changed to maintain the same mm. 

Mounting the Item Holder?

I recommend DavidD's flush mount Multiconnect for Underware as this provides the most secure fit. The only time this will not work is if you mounted your Multiboard using snaps and your Item Holder needs to sit on top of them. If this is the case, use the standard Multiconnect.

Mounting on Multiboard? Base Multiboard grid available here:
https://thangs.com/designer/Keep%2520Making/3d-model/9x9%2520Multiboard%2520Core%2520Tile-977730

Want to contribute? Send a pull request? Report an issue? Learn OpenSCAD? All code is available on GitHub. Join the growing community of contributors!:  
https://github.com/AndyLevesque/QuackWorks/

Changelog: 

  • v2.0 - Initial Release!
  • v2.1 - 2024-12-09
    • All Channels
      • Improved threading and added slop parameter for customizable threading ease
      • Improved parameters descriptions (thanks @fawix!)
    • Item Holder
      • Multiconnect on-ramps off by default
      • Multiconnect on-ramps on ½ grid intervals for more contact points (thanks @user_2270779674!)
      • Rounded Corners with rounding parameter (thanks @user_2270779674!)
      • Better naming of height/depth parameters
    • X Channel
      • New ability to have 2 different widths intercept
  • v2.1.1
    • Item Holder
      • Ability to reduce number of multiconnect slots (thanks nedergaard!)
  • v2.1.1
    • Item Holder
      • Reduced dimple default strength (1.5 to 0.8)
  • v2.2
    • Mitre Channel
      • Added internal corner option
      • Fixed length calculations for outside corner
  • v2.3
    • L-Channel
      • L-Channel lengths are individually customizable
      • L-Channel zero-lengths are now possible
      • Thanks macarie (Raul Macarie)!
  • v2.4
    • Snap Connector
      • New split snap connector - no more broken threads!
  • v2.5
    • S-Channel
      • New S-Channel for smother bends and shuffles to other lanes
  • v2.6
    • Height Change Channel
      • New Height Change Channel to transition nicely between two heights without leaving gaps.
    • T Channel
      • T Channel now has mitered corners for easier cable routing. Thanks @Porteregr!
  • v2.61
    • S Channel
      • Fixed mirrored S-Channel direction
  • v2.7
    • BETA - Transition Channel
      • New Transition Channel creates a channel transition between channels of varying height and width
  • v2.8
    • BETA - Strong I Channel holding options
      • There is now a holding strength slider toward the bottom of the parameter options. This changes the profile for stronger grab. Try 0.6 for what I've found to be the sweet spot. 
  • v2.9
    • Keyhole Mounting! 
      • Generate custom keyhole mounts by simply entering the distance between the keyholes of the thing you want to mount and this auto-generates the proper snaps with keyhole spacing! More documentation to follow. 
  • v2.10
    • BETA - Additional holding strength option added to the following channels
      • T Channel
      • L Channel
      • C Channel
      • X Channel
      • Y Channel
      • S Channel
      • Diagonal Channel
  • v2.2 - 2025-05-02
    • Item Holder
      • Added dropdown for Multiconnect vs. Threaded Snap connections
      • Added dropdown for openGrid vs Multiboard mounting surfaces
      • Created threaded snap matching threaded snap profile of Underware (but also a teardrop for vertical printing)
      • Added 'backer only' option
      • Added 'Force Back Thickness' option to override the default back thickness of 6.5mm or 3.6mm depending on mounting style
      • Allowed mm adjustements to the tength of a mm
  • v2.3 - 2025-05-28
    • Item Holder Clamshell Style (BETA - please share feedback)
      • A new Underware item holder customizer now generates clamshell-style holders. This is two item holders that enclose two sides of an item mounted under your desk saving filament and keeping space open for ports or ventilation. The generator automatically calculates the grid points for both Multigrid and openGrid.
      • NOTE: Customizations such as cutouts are not independent of each side yet. I'm still working on this part. 
    • Keyhole Mounting 
      • Added openGrid support (BETA - please share feedback!)
    • X and Y Channels
      • Fixed floating parts when using additional holding strength on channels wider than 1 unit.
  • v2.4 - 2025-06-05
    • Transition Channel
      • Added Riser Offset to allow control of where the riser is positioned - Thanks chilltemp(GitHub)!
  • v2.4.1 - 2025-06-07
    • Mitre Channel
      • Bug fix to resolve overlapping parts on wider channels. 
  • v2.5
    • Item Holder Clamshell Style
      • Cutouts are now mirrored from each other. This allows for much more practical clamshell designs without introducing a ton of additional customizations. If granular control is needed between each side, you can generate one side as needed, export and print the one part, then do the same for the other side. 
  • v2.5.1
    • Height Change Channel
      • Enabled 2.5 profile (thanks Skaronator!)
  • v2.5.2 - 2025-07-18
    • C Channel 
      • Fixed overlapping objects when using larger radius settings
  • v2.6 - 2025-07-22 - Hooks and Grooves!
    • Hooks and Grooves!
      • By popular demand, an Underware hook and groove generator is now available in beta. 
  • v2.7
    • Item holder
      • Added ability to reduce the number of slots generated from the calculated number. This feature was carried over from the vertical item holder.