Parametric Cap & Plug Generator

Ultimate Parametric Plug & Cap Generator Looking for a custom plug or cap that fits your exact needs? This fully parametric generator lets you create custom-sized plugs and caps directly using the MakerWorld Customizer. The design features integrated Crush Ribs that use vertical interference ribs to create a secure friction fit during installation. The ribs lightly compress against the surrounding material, helping the cap stay firmly in place without requiring complex geometry, additional hardware, or supports. Whether you're covering a hole in a panel, creating a protective cap, or securing an opening with a custom diameter and depth, simply adjust the parameters and generate the size you need. Features Fully parametric design Adjustable flange diameter and thickness Adjustable mounting core diameter and height Adjustable flange chamfer Adjustable rib height and width Adjustable number of gripping ribs Adjustable number of generated caps Automatic multi-part generation using x count and y count No supports required Designed for a secure interference fit Parameter Guide Cap Diameter Controls the overall outer diameter of the flange. Increase this value if you need a larger flange to cover a larger opening or provide additional contact with the surrounding surface. Cap Height Controls the thickness of the top flange. Increase this value if additional strength or rigidity is required. Core Diameter Controls the nominal diameter of the inner mounting core. Set this value slightly smaller than the actual hole diameter. The core itself is designed to fit loosely, while the Crush Ribs provide the interference fit that secures the cap. Core Height Controls the length of the inner mounting core. Set this value according to the thickness of the panel or material the cap is being installed into. Chamfer Controls the size of the chamfer around the outer edge of the flange. The chamfer helps prevent elephant's foot from affecting the appearance or dimensions of the flange and provides a cleaner transition around its outer edge. Rib Height Controls how far the Crush Ribs protrude from the mounting core. Larger values create a greater interference with the surrounding hole and can provide a tighter grip. Ribs Count Controls the total number of Crush Ribs around the mounting core. Increasing the number of ribs distributes the gripping force more evenly around the circumference. Rib Width Controls the base thickness of each individual Crush Rib. Adjust this value depending on the material, hole size, and desired amount of interference. X Count Controls the number of caps generated along the X axis. Increase this value when you want to generate multiple identical caps in a single print. Y Count Controls the number of caps generated along the Y axis. Together with X Count, this allows you to generate multiple identical caps at once for convenient batch printing. The generated caps are automatically arranged around the center of the main model, making it easy to create a centered array of identical parts. Sizing Recommendations For the best fit, measure the actual hole diameter before creating the model. The core diameter should be slightly smaller than the hole diameter, allowing the core itself to enter the opening without excessive friction. The outer diameter of the Crush Ribs should be approximately 0.2–0.5 mm larger than the hole diameter. This creates the interference needed for the ribs to compress against the surrounding material and lock the cap securely in place. The ideal amount of interference depends on the material, printer accuracy, hole geometry, and desired fit, so some experimentation may be required. Printing Recommendations Recommended materials: PETG, ABS, ASA, or TPU PLA: Not recommended for applications requiring long-term elasticity or resistance to material creep Walls / Perimeters: At least 4 walls Infill: 20–25% Gyroid Top / Bottom pattern: Concentric for a clean, machined appearance on the flange Supports: None required Print orientation: Print flat with the wide flange resting directly on the build plate I designed this generator to eliminate the need for creating a new model every time you need a different plug or cap size. Simply adjust the parameters in the MakerWorld Customizer and generate a cap tailored to your application. If you find this model useful, I'd really appreciate a Like 👍 and a Boost 🚀. They help support the creation of more free parametric models like this one. I'd also love to see your prints! Feel free to upload your makes, share your settings, and leave a comment with your experience or ideas for future improvements. Happy printing! 😊