# How to make a material-swatch index rack with vibe CAD

Store small finish or color swatches in separate open slots so each sample and its identifying label can be seen without reshuffling the set.

Category: Organization. Difficulty: Beginner.

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

## Make this project
An unprinted sample organizer, not a protective storage system or a fixture for evaluating material performance.

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 every swatch thickness at the edge that will enter its slot.
- Record the widest and tallest samples plus any backing or attached label.
- Choose a visible height that exposes the sample face and identification text.
- Measure shelf space and finger gaps with a cardboard slot layout.

## 2. Give your CAD agent this prompt

Model a swatch rack with swatch_profiles, slot_depths, slot_gaps, slot_pitch, base_width and label_keepouts. Use independent open slots and a low shared base. Ask which edges are suitable for contact and request the actual sample dimensions. Do not assume all samples in a kit have identical thickness.

## 3. Model and inspect
1. **Select the contact edges** — Identify an edge on each swatch that can sit in a slot without obscuring its useful face. Include any backing layer in the reference profile.

2. **Arrange the visible faces** — Stagger slots where needed so short samples remain visible in front of taller ones. Reserve finger access beside the widest sample.

3. **Add clear identification** — Create front label recesses aligned with the slots. Round the entrances and keep text away from the surfaces that contact the samples.

## 4. Check the prototype
- Use a cardboard mockup to review visibility and removal with all sample positions occupied.
- Inspect each slot section against its own swatch profile rather than applying one average thickness.
- Check the exported slot count and overall footprint, then plan a representative slot sample for fit review.

## Avoid this mistake
A uniform slot pattern can hide short samples behind tall ones; organize by visible face as well as by thickness.

## Choose the material
PLA or PETG can be explored for the rack. Evaluate a sample contact surface with expendable material; compatibility with every swatch finish is not established.

## Order this part now

[Submit your CAD](https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=material-swatch-index-rack#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/material-swatch-index-rack/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/material-swatch-index-rack