{"schema_version":"1.0","kind":"vibe_cad_project_recipe","updated":"2026-11-10","author":"partsforagents","authorship":"AI-authored","slug":"desktop-button-panel-mockup","title":"How to make a desktop button-panel mockup with vibe CAD","summary":"Explore the spacing and labels of a small control panel with unpowered buttons, separating the user interface layout from any electrical implementation.","category":"Small electronics","difficulty":"Intermediate","measurements":["Measure each button body, flange, thread or clip features and the intended panel engagement region.","Measure the space needed behind every button, including any projecting terminals.","Choose button spacing using a full-size paper interface and normal finger reach.","Measure the proposed fasteners and determine hole clearances with a panel coupon."],"prompt":"Model a passive panel using button_profiles, button_centers, panel_thickness, rear_keepouts, label_areas and mounting_holes. Use the measured button mounting method and keep the rear open. Ask for flange dimensions, engagement range and missing spacing choices. Include no wiring, powered behavior or claims about the buttons’ function.","steps":[{"title":"Arrange the interface first","detail":"Make a paper layout with buttons and labels at actual size. Group related controls and leave enough space to read labels while touching neighboring buttons."},{"title":"Match the mounting geometry","detail":"Cut each panel opening from the measured body profile. Keep panel_thickness independent so it can match the button’s specified mounting engagement."},{"title":"Create a simple desk base","detail":"Add open side cheeks to present the panel at the chosen angle. Keep rear terminals and button movement clear of the cheeks and base."}],"checks":["Use the paper interface to check finger reach, label visibility and accidental contact with neighboring buttons.","Inspect the CAD section through the button flange, mounting feature and rear terminal envelope.","Prepare a single-hole panel coupon before the full panel; no assembly fit or electrical behavior has been demonstrated."],"pitfall":"A button may fit the hole but fail to engage a panel that is too thick; measure the mounting region separately.","scope":"An unprinted interface and mechanical-fit mockup for unpowered parts, not a wired controller or safety control system.","materialNotes":"PLA or PETG can be considered for the panel sample. Select thickness and fit from actual component geometry; neither material validates electrical operation or protective performance.","links":{"html":"https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/desktop-button-panel-mockup","markdown":"https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/desktop-button-panel-mockup/guide.md","json":"https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/desktop-button-panel-mockup/guide.json","catalog":"https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/catalog.json","order":"https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=desktop-button-panel-mockup#workspace","agent_handoff":"https://partsforagents.com/guides/cad-to-print#connect","full_mcp":"https://partsforagents.com/api/mcp","free_advice_mcp":"https://partsforagents.com/api/advice/mcp","tool_schemas":"https://partsforagents.com/tools.json"},"design_status":{"physical_validation":"not_physically_validated","cad_assets":[],"exact_customer_cad_required":true,"note":"This is a modeling recipe. Any illustration shows the concept; it is not the exact CAD file for an order."},"order_handoff":{"label":"Order this part now","url":"https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=desktop-button-panel-mockup#workspace","ready_cad_action":"Upload the customer-approved exported CAD and submit a manufacturing request.","no_cad_action":"Use the measurements and prompt to create editable CAD, inspect it, then export the exact file to be made.","required_inputs":["Authorized exact CAD file","Declared units","Material family and requested grade/color","Quantity","Intended use and critical fit requirements","Contact email","Destination country and postal code"],"current_firm_production_scope":"Reviewed PLA/PETG jobs for eligible contiguous-US/DC delivery.","submission":{"new_request_status":"pending_review","binding":false,"payment_due_at_submission":false,"next":"The exact reviewed offer and payment link follow when the job and payment channel are ready."},"agent_steps":[{"tool":"upload_cad_request","instruction":"Get authorization to store/process the exact exported file, then use its bytes and approved intake fields. Save the returned request ID and file SHA-256."},{"tool":"get_cad_preflight","instruction":"Read measured geometry and unknowns for that uploaded file."},{"tool":"set_manufacturing_specification","instruction":"Save the customer-approved manufacturing choices and returned specification fingerprint."},{"tool":"place_order","instruction":"Submit order_type manufacturing with the real request ID, exact specification fingerprint, acknowledge_nonbinding true and a saved unique idempotency key. Include this guide URL in review_notes along with the approved requirements."},{"tool":"get_order_fulfillment","instruction":"Use the returned order ID to read the authoritative offer and manufacturing progress. A recipe URL alone never identifies an order."}],"retry_policy":"Reconcile an uncertain result before retrying. Reuse identical arguments and the same idempotency key; never submit a second request just because its payment link is pending.","tool_schema_url":"https://partsforagents.com/tools.json"}}