DESIGN AND 3D PRINT A RADIO DELETE PLATE WITH SHAPR3D

Want to learn how to make a custom radio delete plate switch panel? We’ll show you how to design and 3d print one for your DIY automotive project car using Bambu Lab and Shapr3d.

If you want to learn the basics of designing 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.

With the FREE version of Shapr3d you can remake your very own model that can be 3d printed without worrying about someone else’s design.

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 measure was the correct depth of the radio delete plate insert and the lip where our newly designed clips would be placed.

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

Once all the measurements were completed, we start a new Shapr3D project.

Using the Sketch tool, we recreate 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.

For details on how we made the clip, watch the full video on our YouTube channel:

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.

We used UV-resistant ASA filament, which is perfect for in-car applications thanks to its ability to withstand temperatures up to 220°F.

The result? A snug-fitting, durable radio delete plate with solid mounting clips that actually hold.

STEP 7: REITERATE 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 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.

PRO TIP

If you're 3D printing parts for your car, always choose filaments that can withstand heat.

We used ASA for this project, but other high-temp materials like ABS or PETG can work too.

Just be sure to verify their heat resistance based on your use case with our 3d printing car part filament selector tool: