SnapTray - LiDAR Tool Tray Generator

Transform your tools into custom-fit 3D-printed trays in minutes using iPhone LiDAR

SnapTray is a complete iOS app that captures tool layouts using LiDAR, automatically detects tool outlines, and generates ready-to-manufacture tray files for 3D printing or foam cutting.

Features

LiDAR Scanning: Capture precise 3D depth data of your tools using iPhone Pro's LiDAR sensor
Fiducial Detection: Automatic ArUco marker + coin detection for accurate scaling
Auto-Segmentation: Intelligent tool outline detection with depth measurement
Smart Geometry: Automatic offset, filleting, and finger notch generation
Multi-Format Export:
- DXF for foam cutting (laser/CNC)
- STL for 3D printing (Ender 3, Prusa, etc.)
- PDF with scale calibration template for verification
Material Presets: Optimized for PLA, PETG, TPU, and foam with configurable tolerances
Print-Ready: Generates calibration templates to verify scan accuracy

Requirements

Hardware

iPhone with LiDAR sensor (iPhone 12 Pro or later, iPad Pro 2020 or later)
4 Fiducial markers (see setup guide below)
Matte background (black foam board recommended)
3D Printer (optional): Ender 3 V3 Plus or similar FDM printer
Foam cutter (optional): Laser cutter or CNC router

Software

iOS 15.0 or later
Xcode 14.0+ (for building from source)

Installation

Option 1: Build from Source

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/SnapTray.git
cd SnapTray

Open in Xcode:
```
open SnapTrayApp.xcodeproj
```
Configure signing:
- Select the SnapTrayApp target
- Go to "Signing & Capabilities"
- Select your development team
- Xcode will automatically create a provisioning profile
Connect your iPhone and select it as the build target
Build and run (⌘R)

Option 2: TestFlight (Coming Soon)

Public beta link will be provided here

Setup Guide

1. Create Fiducial Markers

You need 4 fiducial markers for accurate scale detection. SnapTray supports two methods:

Method A: ArUco Markers + Coins (Recommended)

Print ArUco markers:
- Download from docs/aruco_markers.pdf
- Print at 100% scale (no fit-to-page)
- Each marker should be 50mm × 50mm
- Cut out the 4 markers
Attach to coins:
- Use 4 US quarters (24.26mm diameter)
- Tape one ArUco marker to each coin
- This provides both visual markers and physical scale reference

Method B: Coins Only (Backup)

Use 4 US quarters placed at corners
Less accurate than ArUco markers, but works

Method C: ArUco Markers Only

Print 4 markers and use them directly
Scale will be estimated from marker spacing

2. Prepare Scanning Surface

Background:
- Use a matte black foam board (prevents reflections)
- Size: At least 12" × 18" (30cm × 45cm)
- Avoid glossy or reflective surfaces
Lighting:
- Use diffuse overhead lighting
- Avoid direct sunlight or harsh shadows
- LED panel lights work great
Workspace:
- Clear, flat surface
- Good contrast between tools and background

3. Print the Scale Calibration Template

Open the app and create a test scan
Export the PDF report
Print the scale calibration page at 100% scale (important!)
Verify with a ruler that the scale bars match real measurements
Adjust your printer settings if needed

Usage Instructions

Step 1: Arrange Your Tools

Place the matte background on a flat surface
Position the 4 fiducial markers at the corners of your desired tray area
- Form a rectangle (doesn't need to be perfect)
- Spacing: 150-300mm apart works well
Arrange your tools flat on the background
- Leave 10-20mm spacing between tools
- Ensure tools lie flat (not standing up)
- Avoid overlapping

Step 2: Capture with LiDAR

Open SnapTray and tap "Start New Scan"
Position your iPhone:
- Hold 60-100cm (2-3 feet) directly above the tools
- Keep the phone level (parallel to surface)
- Use both hands for stability
Wait for plane detection:
- Green "Plane detected" indicator will appear
- This typically takes 1-2 seconds
Capture:
- Tap the camera button
- Hold steady for 2-3 seconds during capture
- The app will process the scan automatically

Step 3: Review & Adjust

Check detected tools:
- Each tool should have a colored outline
- Verify tool count matches your layout
Tap any tool to adjust:
- Add a label (e.g., "10mm wrench")
- Override depth if needed
- Adjust finger notch size/position
- Disable tools you don't want
Tray Settings (gear icon):
- Select material type
- Adjust tray thickness (default 12mm)
- Set edge margin (default 10mm)
- Fine-tune XY interference for fit

Step 4: Export Files

Choose export format(s):
- DXF: For foam cutting or 2D laser work
- STL: For 3D printing
- PDF: For documentation and scale verification
Share files:
- Tap the share button on each file
- AirDrop to Mac, save to Files, or email
Verify scale (important!):
- Print the PDF report
- Check that the scale bars match real measurements
- If off, recalibrate and rescan

Material Settings

Interference (Fit) Explained

Interference = how much the pocket is offset from the tool outline

Negative values = tighter fit (pocket smaller than tool)
Positive values = looser fit (pocket larger than tool)
Zero = exact fit (not recommended)

Preset Values

Material	XY Interference	Z Offset	Use Case
PLA (Snug)	-0.25mm	0mm	Secure hold, easy removal
PLA (Loose)	-0.15mm	+0.5mm	Easier insertion
PETG (Snug)	-0.30mm	0mm	Slightly flexible
PETG (Loose)	-0.20mm	+0.5mm	Quick access
TPU	-0.40mm	0mm	Grippy, shock-absorbing
Foam (Laser)	+0.30mm	0mm	Accounts for compression
Foam (CNC)	+0.20mm	0mm	Tighter foam fit

Custom Tuning

Print a test coupon:
- Create a small scan with 2-3 tools
- Export and print
Test fit:
- Try inserting your tools
- Too tight? Increase interference (more positive)
- Too loose? Decrease interference (more negative)
Save your settings:
- Adjust in the app
- Rescan with new settings

Troubleshooting

Scan Issues

Problem: "Plane not detected"

Solution: Ensure good lighting and the phone is level
Move phone slightly up/down to help ARKit lock onto the surface

Problem: Tools not detected

Solution:
- Increase contrast (darker background)
- Ensure tools are flat and not overlapping
- Check lighting (avoid harsh shadows)

Problem: Fiducial markers not found

Solution:
- Print markers larger (60-70mm)
- Ensure markers are visible and not obscured
- Use coins as backup scale reference

Problem: Scale is wrong

Solution:
- Print the PDF calibration template
- Measure with a ruler
- If off by >5%, rescan with better fiducial placement
- Ensure coins are actual US quarters (24.26mm)

Export Issues

Problem: STL won't open in slicer

Solution: Update your slicer software (Cura, PrusaSlicer)
Try opening in a 3D viewer first (Windows 3D Viewer, Blender)

Problem: DXF has overlapping lines

Solution: This is normal - the DXF includes multiple layers (original, simplified, offset)
Use only the "POCKET" layer in your CAM software

Problem: PDF scale bars don't match ruler

Solution:
- Ensure you printed at 100% scale (no fit-to-page)
- Check printer settings
- Some printers have calibration offsets

Print Quality Issues

Problem: Tools don't fit (too tight)

Solution: Increase XY interference by +0.1mm increments

Problem: Tools are loose

Solution: Decrease XY interference by -0.1mm increments

Problem: Rough pocket surfaces

Solution:
- Reduce layer height (0.15mm or 0.12mm)
- Increase wall count to 4-5
- Calibrate e-steps and flow rate

File Formats

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format)

Use: Foam cutting, laser cutting, CNC routing

Layers:

WORKSPACE: Original scan area boundary
TRAY_OUTLINE: Outer tray dimensions with margin
TOOL_X_POCKET: Final pocket paths (use this for cutting)
TOOL_X_NOTCH: Finger notch circles
TOOL_X_LABEL: Text labels
TOOL_X_DEPTH: Depth annotations

Software Compatibility:

AutoCAD
LibreCAD (free)
Inkscape (free - import as DXF)
Fusion 360
SolidWorks

STL (Stereolithography)

Use: 3D printing

Format: Binary STL

Units: Millimeters

Software Compatibility:

Cura (Ender 3 recommended slicer)
PrusaSlicer
Simplify3D
Bambu Studio

Model Details:

Tray base with pockets subtracted
Chamfered edges (optional)
Drain holes (optional)
Magnet cavities (optional)
Embossed labels (optional)

PDF Report

Pages:

Overview: Scan image, summary, workspace dimensions
Measurements: Table of all tools with dimensions and depths
Scale Calibration: Printable rulers and grid

Use:

Print for reference while assembling trays
Verify scan accuracy
Documentation for shared projects

3D Printing Guide (Ender 3 V3 Plus)

Recommended Settings

Material: PLA
Nozzle: 0.4mm
Layer Height: 0.2mm
First Layer: 0.24mm
Walls: 4
Infill: 15-20% (grid or gyroid)

Temperatures:
- Nozzle: 205-210°C
- Bed: 60°C

Speeds:
- First layer: 20mm/s
- Walls: 40mm/s
- Infill: 60mm/s

Bed Adhesion: Brim (for large trays)

Slicing Tips

Orientation: Print flat (as exported)
Support: Not needed for standard trays
Brim: Add 5-8mm brim for trays larger than 150mm
Warping prevention:
- Use blue tape or PEI sheet
- Level bed carefully
- Add mouse ears to corners for very large trays

Material Alternatives

PETG (tougher):

Nozzle: 235-245°C
Bed: 80°C
Retraction: 5mm (reduce stringing)

TPU (grippy):

Nozzle: 220-230°C
Bed: 60°C
Print speed: 25mm/s (slow)
Flow: 95% (prevent over-extrusion)

Post-Processing

Deburring: Remove brim/raft with hobby knife
Sanding: Light sand on edges (220 grit)
Optional liner: Cut thin EVA foam sheet for extra grip

Advanced Features

Tolerance Wizard (Future)

Create a test coupon with multiple interference values:

Slots at -0.5, -0.4, -0.3, -0.2, -0.1, 0, +0.1, +0.2, +0.3, +0.4, +0.5mm
Print and test fit to find your optimal value

Multi-Drawer Projects

Save layouts for common drawer sizes:

IKEA Alex (395 × 575mm)
Harbor Freight tool cart
Custom drawer dimensions

Batch Processing

Scan multiple tool sets and export all at once

FAQ

Q: Do I need an iPhone Pro? A: Yes, LiDAR is only available on iPhone 12 Pro and later (Pro/Pro Max models), and iPad Pro 2020+

Q: Can I use this for non-tool items? A: Absolutely! Works great for crafts, board game inserts, jewelry, parts organizers, etc.

Q: What if I don't have a 3D printer? A: You can:

Export DXF and have foam cut at a local shop
Send STL to online 3D printing services (Shapeways, Craftcloud, etc.)
Use the PDF as a template to cut foam by hand

Q: How accurate is the depth measurement? A: LiDAR accuracy is ±2-5mm. The app uses median filtering to improve this to ~±1-2mm for most tools.

Q: Can I edit the STL after export? A: Yes! Import into Fusion 360, Blender, or TinkerCAD to add custom features.

Q: What's the maximum tray size? A: Limited by:

Your 3D printer bed (Ender 3: 220×220mm)
LiDAR range (optimal: 60-100cm distance = ~400×300mm scan area)
For larger trays, split into multiple sections

Project Structure

SnapTrayApp/
├── SnapTrayApp.swift           # Main app entry point
├── Models/
│   └── Project.swift           # Data models
├── Processors/
│   ├── LiDARCaptureManager.swift    # ARKit + LiDAR
│   ├── ArucoDetector.swift          # Fiducial detection
│   ├── SegmentationProcessor.swift  # Tool outline detection
│   └── GeometryProcessor.swift      # Offsets, fillets, notches
├── Exporters/
│   ├── DXFExporter.swift       # DXF generation
│   ├── STLExporter.swift       # STL generation
│   └── PDFExporter.swift       # PDF reports
└── Views/
    ├── ContentView.swift       # Main navigation
    ├── CaptureView.swift       # AR camera UI
    ├── ConfirmView.swift       # Tool review/edit
    └── ExportView.swift        # File export

Contributing

Contributions welcome! Please:

Fork the repo
Create a feature branch
Submit a pull request

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file

Acknowledgments

Apple ARKit & RealityKit for LiDAR APIs
OpenCV community for fiducial detection algorithms
3D printing community for tolerance recommendations

Support

Issues: GitHub Issues
Discussions: GitHub Discussions
Email: [email protected]

Roadmap

Made with ❤️ for makers, by makers

Stop wasting time searching for tools. Make a custom tray in minutes.

Name		Name	Last commit message	Last commit date
Latest commit History 66 Commits
SnapTrayApp.xcodeproj		SnapTrayApp.xcodeproj
SnapTrayApp		SnapTrayApp
BUILD_FIXES.md		BUILD_FIXES.md
PRINTING_GUIDE.md		PRINTING_GUIDE.md
PROJECT_SUMMARY.md		PROJECT_SUMMARY.md
README.md		README.md
SETUP.md		SETUP.md
XCODE_PROJECT_SETUP.md		XCODE_PROJECT_SETUP.md
XCODE_SETUP.md		XCODE_SETUP.md

rkaelle/SnapTray

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