Vent & plumbing

Generate a parametric vent grille

This page builds a vent grille to your own measurements and exports it as an STL. Pick a frame shape, type the outside size and thickness in millimetres, choose an opening pattern, and the model is recalculated in your browser straight away.

It covers the places where no off-the-shelf grille exists: cabinet backs, PC and printer enclosures, campervan lockers, boiler covers and electrical boxes. Screw holes can be countersunk, and an optional rear collar lets the grille plug straight into a duct or panel cut-out.

Free, no sign-up. Change the sizes in millimetres and download the STL.

Square vent grille with four screw holes in the frame and parallel slots in the middle

Ready-made variants

Each variant is the same template with different settings. Follow the link and the editor opens with those values.

Adjustable sizes

These values are edited in the editor's template panel. A number outside the range is clamped to the nearest limit automatically.

SizeRangeDefault
Shape
FrameCircle, Square, HexagonSquare
PatternSpiral, Radial, Venturi, Round holes, Honeycomb, Square grid, Parallel linesParallel lines
Dimensions
Outer size40–400 mm140 mm
Thickness1–10 mm3 mm
Frame width3–40 mm10 mm
Corner radius *0–50 mm4 mm
Pattern
Opening size1–30 mm1 mm
Rib thickness0.8–10 mm1.2 mm
Slot count *4–4018
Twist angle *0–80 °30 °
Outward flare *0–30.9
Mounting
Screw holesNone, 4 holes4 holes
Screw Ø *2–8 mm4 mm
Countersink *On / OffOn
Back collarOn / OffOff
Collar Ø *20–380 mm100 mm
Collar length *5–100 mm25 mm

Sizes marked with a star appear in the panel only when the related shape, style or option is active.

What it is used for

  • Heat relief in cabinet backs, sideboards and TV units
  • Fan openings in PC cases and 3D printer enclosures
  • Moisture vents in campervan, boat and cabin lockers
  • Air inlets on boiler, meter and switchgear covers
  • Direct replacement for a cracked plastic grille

Printing tips

Orientation
Print face down. The visible side comes out glass smooth off the plate, and the countersinks and collar stay above 45°.
Layer height
0.2 mm is fine. Drop to 0.16 mm if you want crisper ribs on small openings.
Infill
20-25% infill with 3 perimeters. Wall count matters more than infill on a part this thin.
Supports
None needed. Both the collar and the countersinks are modelled to print support free.
Material
PLA is enough indoors. Use PETG or ASA near a boiler, a flue or a sun-facing wall, since PLA softens around 55 °C.

Tips

  • Make the screw hole 0.3-0.4 mm larger than the screw shank so the thread does not bind.
  • Keep rib thickness at 1.2 mm or more with a 0.4 mm nozzle; thinner ribs print as a single line and snap easily.
  • Small openings multiply fast; if the panel warns that openings were scaled up, open the pattern size slightly.
  • Leave a border about twice the screw head diameter so the hole edge does not split.

Choosing a pattern for airflow

The seven patterns differ in open area and in feel. Parallel lines give the highest open area and slice fastest. Honeycomb and square grid build a stiffer face at the same opening size, so the grille does not flex when you press it.

  • Passive venting: parallel lines or round holes, least restriction
  • Surfaces people press on: honeycomb or square grid
  • Fan fronts and visible faces: spiral or venturi, twist 20-40°

Outside size, border and collar

The outside size is the edge the grille sits on: a diameter on a round frame, and the across-flats distance on square and hex frames. To cover an existing hole, add at least 10 mm so the border overlaps the edge.

  • Collar height should exceed panel thickness by 10 mm
  • With a collar on, the open area is clipped to the collar bore
  • Turn countersinks off if you want the screw head proud

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure the grille I am replacing?

Caliper the outer edge of the frame and the distance between screw holes. Enter the outside size as measured; the holes are placed in the frame corners, and changing the border width shifts them if the spacing does not match.

Can the grille be larger than 220 mm?

The outside size goes up to 400 mm, but most desktop beds are 220-256 mm. For large sizes place the model diagonally, or print it in two halves and join them with a strip behind.

Is it suitable for a bathroom or kitchen?

Yes, both PLA and PETG handle water. Choose PETG where hot steam is constant, because PLA distorts after long exposure above 50 °C.

Do I need an account to download?

No. There is no sign-up, no email and no payment; enter the dimensions and download the STL directly.

Similar templates

Set the sizes to fit your part

Open the template in the editor, enter your values and download a print-ready STL. No account needed.

Open in editor