printurd's parametric ping pong paddle 

description

this is a parametric ping pong paddle model designed in openscad. the script lets you experiment with different aspects of paddle design by adjusting parameters such as blade shape, overall width, core thickness, rubber layers, and handle geometry. the model is built from three main components: the blade core, two handle shells that attach to either side of the core, and optional rubber surfaces that can be smooth or feature pips.

configurable options

view mode

• mode: choose between assembly (a complete paddle) or exploded (parts pulled apart for inspection).
• explode: controls how far the pieces are separated in exploded mode.

paddle shape & size

• shape: two outlines are provided: traditional (rounded, classic shape) or modern (slightly squarer profile).
• target_width: scales the outline so the blade width matches your chosen value. this affects the overall proportions of the paddle.

core & rubber

• core_thickness: the thickness of the central blade section. this largely determines the rigidity of the paddle.
• rubber_thickness: the thickness of the outer rubber layers (one on each side).
• rubber_inset: how far the rubber layers are inset from the blade’s edge. in real paddles, the rubber often leaves a narrow exposed border around the blade.
• pip_height: controls the extrusion of small cylindrical pips on the rubber. set to 0 for smooth surfaces.

handle geometry

• handle_oval_width: the side-to-side diameter of the handle’s oval profile.
• handle_oval_height: the top-to-bottom diameter of the handle’s oval profile.
• handle_z_taper: amount by which the handle reduces in height near the blade neck. this creates the slight narrowing where your fingers rest.
• handle_side_height: how far each half of the handle extends above and below the core, defining the clip-on thickness of each handle shell.

neck bevel

• end_taper_length: the distance back from the blade neck over which the bevel is applied.
• end_taper_drop: the depth removed at the neck edge, creating the sloped transition from handle to blade.

important notes

• target width recommendations

  real paddles follow different conventions depending on the outline. traditional blades are usually about 150 mm wide, while modern designs are closer to 156 mm. if you want a model that visually resembles a regulation paddle, set target_width near these values. if you prefer novelty paddles, you can go larger or smaller.

• handle scaling caveat

  the handle dimensions are not automatically linked to blade scaling. if you significantly change the paddle width, the handle may look too bulky or too thin. adjust handle_oval_width, handle_oval_height, and handle_side_height manually to restore proportions that feel comfortable.

design + printing notes

• included print profiles

  i’ve included two print profiles: one for the handle and one for the rubber. these are what i used for my tests, but they’re meant as a reference point. especially for the rubber, you can experiment with infill type and density to tune the “sponginess” to your liking.

   

• where customization happens

  openscad parameters define the geometry, but the slicer is where you can really control the paddle’s feel. by changing infill percentage, wall thickness, and material choice, you can adjust weight distribution and balance. for example, higher infill in the blade core makes it more top-heavy, while higher infill in the handle shifts balance toward the grip.

   

• rubber simulation

  i used ~95a tpu to approximate the paddle’s rubber surface. the included print profile replaces both the sponge and topsheet found on real paddles. it is tuned with specific infill settings to produce a slightly compressible, sponge-like feel. i have tpu for ams that is a bit harder but haven't gotten around to testing it. 

   

• rubber wall settings

  if you add perimeters/walls when printing the rubber, the outer edge will feel noticeably stiffer. try printing the rubber without walls if you want a softer edge that blends more smoothly with the core.

   

• core printing

  when printing the core at standard thickness, some warping is likely. i recommend using a brim or mouse ears to improve bed adhesion. i printed mine in pla-cf, but that might not be the best for something you are gripping all the time. note you should attempt to adjust the infill to reach a weight that is close to a real blade, somewhere between 70-90g I think. 

   

• rubber surface finish

  for a clean, smooth playing surface, i recommend printing on a smooth build plate. tpu adheres too strongly to textured pei sheets, which can make part removal difficult and leave an inconsistent surface finish.
   

• handle profile

  these is a profile that has the settings i used for the handle halves. note that you should print the handle you generate from the scad and not the one in that file. also I have enable a very small fuzzy skin effect on the handle which I think adds a nice texture. 

   

• first-layer and underside patterning

  the underside (bottom surface) of the rubber layer has a big impact on the final top finish. the slicer’s first-layer pattern and the build plate texture will transfer directly to the rubber’s outer face, affecting smoothness, grip, and appearance. alternatively, you can flip the approach and make the top surface the exposed side of the rubber. in either case, experimenting with surface patterns can lead to some interesting results.

   

• pips caveat

  while the model supports pip generation, i haven’t tested printing them in tpu. the small cylinders may be prone to failure with flexible materials, and the geometry is complex enough that preview/rendering in openscad takes noticeably longer.
   

this project is meant as a starting point for experimentation. if you print one of these paddles, i’d love to see how you approached it — whether you tried different materials, slicer tricks, surface textures, or anything else that changed how the paddle looks and feels.