DESIGN AND 3D PRINT A RADIO DELETE PLATE WITH SHAPR3D
⬇️ Download the FREE radio delete 3D STL model here.
⬇️ Or grab the FREE Shapr3D CAD file you can modify here.
If you want to learn the basics of designing 3d printed car parts using super simple CAD software like Shapr3D check out our custom spark plug clip here first.
Now let’s get to tackling a more complex project: fixing issues with a previously downloaded BMW e30 radio delete plate model which falls into 3d printing car interior parts.
THE BIG PROBLEM
The original radio delete plate downloaded from thingiverse was super bulky and had super thin clips that failed during installation.
Our fix? design a new radio delete plate from scratch.
And the first thing you’ll need to do is take all your measurements.
The first measurement we needed to correct was the depth of the radio delete plate insert. The second was the lip where our newly designed clips would be.
Rather than relying on thin tabs, we’re going to build much beefier clips—and add more of them into the design.
STEP 1: SKETCH THE DESIGN
With the [FREE version of Shapr3d] you can remake your very own radio delete plate model that can be 3d printed without worrying about someone else’s design.
And once all the measurements were done, we start a new Shapr3D project.
Using the sketch tool, we created the radio delete plate’s rectangular shape with the measured dimensions, similar to the way we designed our spark plug clip holder.
Once the sketch is completed, you can exit the sketch mode, and select the shape.
Selecting the shape automatically selects the extrude tool.
The tool display arrows to allow dragging the shape up or down to give it some thickness.
STEP 2: DESIGN THE CLIP
We then headed back into the sketching tool and selected the line tool to draw a line which would be the first part of our custom clip.
To make the clip fit snugly, we measured the clip height (2.5mm) and created a rounded curved shape and drew additional lines to create a thicker base.
The general shape will help give the clip strength to keep the plate in place without breaking under pressure like the original part.
The thickness is around 1.5mm at the top of the clip and a gradual thickness increase at the bottom of around 3mm.
STEP 3: EXTRUDE AND COPY CLIP
After sketching, we extrude the shape to around 20mm for a solid, “beefy” clip.
Shapr3D’s copy tool makes it easy to duplicate and reposition the clip on the opposite side of the plate.
We rotate it, offset by 2mm for clearance, and use precise movement to align it perfectly.
STEP 4: OFFSET RADIO DELETE PLATE
Next, we create a 2mm offset around the base of the plate for better fitment and visual appeal.
This helps the plate sit flush and secure in the opening, even if tolerances are tight.
STEP 5: ROUND THE CORNERS
Since the radio insert isn’t perfectly rectangular, we use Shapr3D’s chamfer/fillet tool to pull and make rounded corners into our radio delete plate—adding a polished, OEM-style look.
STEP 6: PRINT THE PART
With the model complete, you can export the design as an STL file and load it into 3D printing slicer software.
💡 PRO TIP: Use UV-resistant ASA filament, which is perfect for in-car applications thanks to its ability to withstand temperatures up to 220°F.
You can even 3d print the part in different colors by changing out your filament from black ASA filament to red ASA filament.
The result? A snug-fitting, durable 3d printed radio delete plate with solid mounting clips.
But there’s one more trick, you can even 3d print your part in more than one color with an AMS or automatic material system [from Bambu Lab].
Just insert your radio delete plate and svg image into your slicing software, center your parts, reduce the height of the image, and merge the objects.
STEP 7: REMIX THE DESIGN WITH PUNCH OUTS
Want to add functionality to your delete plate? You can easily punch out rectangular shapes for making a custom switch panel.
Sketch a rectangle (e.g., 30mm wide), position it, and use Shapr3D’s extrude tool to cut it out.
Want multiple switches? Use the Pattern tool to duplicate your cutout and adjust spacing until everything fits.
Once you’re happy, export the updated model, slice it in your 3d printer software, and send it to the printer again.
FINAL FIT AND FINISH
After printing, we added more clips for a tighter hold and test-fit the plate in the car.
The result? A secure, custom-designed panel that fits like a glove. We even popped a switch into one of the cutouts—and it fit perfectly.
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