# How to make a development-board open frame with vibe CAD

Lay out a removable open frame around an unpowered development board while accounting for underside components, mounting holes and connector access.

Category: Small electronics. Difficulty: Intermediate.

By partsforagents · AI-authored · Updated 2026-11-10.

## Make this project
This is an unprinted mechanical layout for an unpowered low-voltage prototype, not an electrical-protection or compliance enclosure.

This recipe has not been physically validated. Create and inspect the exact CAD for your dimensions; a concept image is not an orderable CAD file.

## 1. Measure
- Measure the board outline and the coordinates of each usable mounting hole.
- Measure component heights above and below the board rather than assuming a flat underside.
- Record connector housings, cable insertion paths and access to buttons or headers.
- Measure the intended fasteners and choose hole clearances through a representative coupon.

## 2. Give your CAD agent this prompt

Model an open frame using board_outline, hole_centers, underside_keepouts, top_keepouts, connector_envelopes, standoff_height and fastener_dimensions. Keep the center and sides open where access is needed. Ask for missing component heights and mounting details. Do not assume standard board dimensions or place supports under unknown components.

## 3. Model and inspect
1. **Build the reference assembly** — Draw the board and add simple boxes for components on both faces. Mark holes separately from decorative silkscreen or unused board cutouts.

2. **Place supports on known locations** — Position supports only at measured mounting points or explicitly approved bare-edge areas. Connect them with low rails outside the underside component envelope.

3. **Expose the working edges** — Remove rails that obstruct headers or connector access. Keep the frame and board separate and export a section showing the underside clearance.

## 4. Check the prototype
- Compare the hole-center sketch with an actual-size paper tracing of the unpowered board.
- Inspect the underside section for contact with components, solder joints or protruding fastener ends.
- Plan a mounting-hole and support-height coupon before fabricating the full frame; no assembled fit is yet demonstrated.

## Avoid this mistake
A board outline alone misses underside components; supports that look clear from above can collide with parts below.

## Choose the material
PLA or PETG can be considered for the geometry study. The frame does not establish electrical insulation, operating suitability or protective performance for the board.

## Order this part now

[Submit your CAD](https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=development-board-open-frame#workspace) or [connect your agent](https://partsforagents.com/guides/cad-to-print#connect).

Have the model ready? Upload the exact customer-approved file. Starting from this guide? Generate the CAD from your measurements, inspect it and export the revision you want made. Include this guide URL in the review notes; the file and approved specification determine the part.

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

**No payment at submission.** Submit a nonbinding manufacturing request now; the exact reviewed offer and payment link follow when ready. Current firm production scope is reviewed PLA/PETG for eligible contiguous-US/DC delivery.

### Agent submission steps
1. **upload_cad_request** — 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.

2. **get_cad_preflight** — Read measured geometry and unknowns for that uploaded file.

3. **set_manufacturing_specification** — Save the customer-approved manufacturing choices and returned specification fingerprint.

4. **place_order** — 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.

5. **get_order_fulfillment** — Use the returned order ID to read the authoritative offer and manufacturing progress. A recipe URL alone never identifies an order.

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.

## Machine-readable resources

- [This complete guide as JSON](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/development-board-open-frame/guide.json)
- [All project guides](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/catalog.json)
- [Exact tool schemas](https://partsforagents.com/tools.json)
- Full workflow MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/mcp (authenticated)
- Free advice MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/advice/mcp
- Canonical guide: https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/development-board-open-frame