Design a Channel That Hides Your Cables (Raceway)

THE BASIC RACEWAY:

A channel (open trough) that runs along a desk surface or wall.
Cables sit inside.
A cover (optional) hides them.

PARAMETERS:

raceway_length = 200mm   # how long
raceway_width = 30mm     # how wide
raceway_depth = 15mm     # how deep
cable_count = 4          # how many cables
cover_thickness = 2mm    # if including cover

DESIGN STEPS:

Step 1: Create the open channel.
  A U-shape extruded along the length.
  Inside: cavity for cables.

Step 2: Add mounting features.
  Holes for screws (to attach to desk surface).
  Or: clips that grip the desk edge.

  Most common: screw holes spaced every 80mm.

Step 3: Design the cover.
  A flat panel that fits over the channel.
  Snap-fit or screwed.

  Snap-fit: print integrated.
  Screwed: separate panel + screws.

Step 4: Add cable entry/exit.
  Slots where cables enter and exit.
  Typically: one at each end + maybe one in the middle.

EXAMPLE DIMENSIONS:

For a 200mm desk-edge raceway holding 4 cables:
  Length: 200mm.
  Width: 30mm.
  Depth: 15mm.
  Cover: 30×200×2mm.

  Mounting holes: 4 (every 50mm).

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:

A long rectangular box with the top open or covered.

  Cables enter on the left; exit on the right.
  Mounted to desk edge with screws.

PRINT SETTINGS:

  Material: PETG (durable; some flex).
  Walls: 3.
  Infill: 15% gyroid.
  Print orientation: open side facing up (best for adhesion + clean walls).

  Time: 60-90 min for a 200mm raceway.

ASSEMBLY:

  Drill mounting holes in desk (or use existing edges).
  Mount raceway with screws.
  Insert cables.
  Snap on cover (if applicable).

VARIATIONS:

CABLE LOOP / CIRCLE:
  Instead of straight, curved.
  Wraps around desk corner.

SLOTTED COVER:
  Cover has slots for cable entries.
  No need for separate entry/exit slots in channel.

TIERED RACEWAY:
  Multiple levels for different cable types.
  Power on bottom; data on top.

SINGLE-CABLE RACEWAY:
  Very small (10×3×100mm).
  For just one cable.

INTEGRATED LIGHTING:
  Add slot for LED strip.
  Power cable + LED strip in same channel.

  Functional + aesthetic.

PRO TIPS:

For wall-mounted raceways:
  Use wall anchors + screws.
  Distribute load: 1 mount per 30-50cm.

For desk-edge raceways:
  Use clamps (no holes in desk).
  Or: hot glue (removable; doesn't damage).

  Avoid permanent adhesive.

WHEN RACEWAYS DON'T FIT:

  Curved desk surface: design custom curves.
  Multiple desks: design separate per desk.
  Constantly changing cables: skip raceways; use flexible sleeves.