Clearance & fit checks

Understand what the geometry and movement guides test, what warnings mean, and what still needs a physical check.

Geometry is only part of the picture#

Mount Maker checks generated geometry and validates its STL representation before exporting. It does not perform a general strength, minimum-wall, self-intersection, or load analysis. A closed surface is not a guarantee of printability or safe retention.

Always inspect the result in your slicer and against your real hardware. Choose materials, orientation, wall settings, and supports for the actual part and load.

Check bolt and tool paths#

On an action-camera mount, head and tool diameters define the vertical, top-entry access cylinders. The checks report obstructions; only explicitly enabled Add bolt access holes removes sleeve or support material.

The tool does not model angled screwdriver access or fasteners inserted from below. A path that looks clear in the guide still needs checking with your chosen screw, driver, frame, and camera.

Use Show cut preview to inspect the material removed by access cuts. A connected result may still have weakened a retaining wall. Narrow or limited-height cuts may leave an obstruction.

Check camera insertion#

Enable Check camera insertion and define the camera box in the aligned sleeve's coordinates before mount pitch. The bottom height is measured from the trimmed sleeve underside. X and Y offsets refer to the prepared sleeve origin.

Insertion travel extends along local Y: positive from the front, negative from the rear. The complete swept box is checked against added mount material, not against the imported sleeve itself.

The app cannot infer camera dimensions, switches, cables, or the intended sleeve fit from the STL. Enter and verify the envelope yourself.

Read the guide colors#

With Show clearance guides enabled, teal indicates clear paths and red indicates obstructions. These shapes are display-only and never enter an exported STL.

Clearance warnings are advisory. A blocked path does not automatically prevent export. Invalid geometry and unfinished live edits do prevent saving or exporting until the controls recover.

Check moving FPV cameras#

FPV movement checks use a conservative envelope of the rectangular body over the tilt range, against tabs, standoffs, and frame-height planes. The envelope can over-report an obstruction in space the camera never occupies.

The check excludes camera wires, electronics, real frame cutouts, screw length, and driver access. Check the full physical assembly throughout the movement range.

Before flying#

Confirm that cameras, antennas, and electronics cannot escape their holders.
Check hardware engagement, screw access, and wiring strain.
Inspect clearances to props, frame plates, batteries, and moving parts.
Inspect the print for poor bonding, thin regions, and damaged retention features.
Recheck fit after changes to the model, material, or print orientation.

These are design and inspection steps, not a certification or an engineering load assessment.