BETA

Shadow Boards

Design custom tool cutouts for neat layouts, visibility, and quick access.

Launch app Explore more apps
Shadow Boards
Shadow Board 1
Shadow Board UI
Shadow Board 2

Designing a shadow board is slow and complicated fast and easy.

The challenge

Designing shadow boards by hand takes time and patience. Each tool must be traced, positioned, and checked for fit, and even minor adjustments can mean redoing the layout. The process is slow, error-prone, and often results in wasted time and cluttered workspaces.

Design automation

Design automation captures tool geometry, positions each item efficiently, and updates layouts instantly as changes are made. It removes repetitive, manual steps that slow down traditional design, while still giving you full control over placement, spacing, and the overall layout. The result is a faster, more consistent process that keeps precision and flexibility exactly where you need them.

The result

The Shadow Boards App in the Additive App Suite is a fast, browser-based tool that transforms any toolset into a clean, organized shadow board – ready for 3D printing, machining, or laser cutting in minutes, with precise layouts that fit perfectly every time.

Shadow Board

Automatic placement

Organize tools instantly with perfect spacing and minimal manual setup.

Shadow Board 2

One click, perfect fit

Tool and finger pockets generate in a single click based on the outline of your tools.

Shadow Boards
Launch app
sb-4

Visual tool identification

Add shadow color accents for quick tool identification.

5 simple steps and your design is ready

Design workflow

Step 1

Set up a board

Begin with a blank board, setting its dimensions to shape the foundation of your layout.

Launch app
sb-1
Step 1
Step 2

Upload your workpieces

Upload 3D models of your workpieces or tools, and the app can automatically arrange them with precsion and visual balance.

sb-2
Step 2
Step 3

Shape the cutouts

Generate cavities that follow every contour, creating a seamless fit for each item, including finger cutouts for easy access and handling.

sb-3
Step 3
Step 4

Add a shadow highlight

For quick and easy visual reference, add a shadow highlight in a contrasting colour to make each tool stand out clearly on the board.

sb-4
Step 4
Step 5

Export ready to manufacture

Export for production in file formats compatible with your 3D printing workflow or other manufacturing processes.

Launch app
Screenshot 2025-10-17 at 11.00.02
Step 5

Explore featured apps

Robotic Fingers Design tailored robotic fingers to handle delicate or irregular parts precisely

Robotic Fingers

Design tailored robotic fingers to handle delicate or irregular parts precisely
Learn more
Clamping Jaws Design custom jaws that hold complex parts securely

Clamping Jaws

Design custom jaws that hold complex parts securely
Learn more