Dynamic rack builder UI with interactive 3D preview

[kellervater]

Problem

OpenSCAD and MakerWorld's PMM currently don't support dynamic parameters that adapt based on user input (e.g., adding/removing parameters when "Add a new level" is selected). This significantly limits the flexibility users have when planning custom rack configurations.

Proposed Solution

Build a web-based dynamic UI that allows:

1. Adaptive Parameters: Form fields that dynamically appear/disappear based on user choices (e.g., number of rack levels, connector types)
2. Live 3D Preview: Real-time visualization of the configured rack similar to OpenSCAD's customizer
3. Export Capability: Generate ready-to-print STL files or OpenSCAD code with the selected parameters

Research & Potential Approaches

3D Viewer Libraries (STL/Web-based)

• Three.js: Most popular WebGL library for 3D rendering (ts-3d-model-viewer, stl-viewer)
• model-viewer: Google's web component for 3D model display
• Existing solutions support STL, OBJ, GLTF formats

Parametric Configurator Examples

• OpenJSCAD: JavaScript-based CAD with web customizer support
• Parametric-3D-Configurator-Web-App: Angular + OpenJSCAD example
• FreeCAD-Configurators: Python-based parametric models with modifiable parameters

Technical Stack Options

1. Frontend Framework: React/Vue/Angular for dynamic UI
2. 3D Rendering: Three.js or model-viewer custom element
3. Geometry Generation:
   • OpenJSCAD for web-native SCAD-like modeling
   • Server-side OpenSCAD rendering + STL delivery
   • Pre-compute common configurations

Acceptance Criteria

• Dynamic form with conditional parameter fields
• Real-time 3D preview that updates as parameters change
• Export to STL/3MF for printing
• (Optional) Export to OpenSCAD code for further customization
• Responsive design for mobile/tablet/desktop

Additional Considerations

• Performance: Large/complex models may need optimization or caching strategies
• Hosting: Static site (GitHub Pages) vs. server-side rendering requirements
• Integration: Could this become part of the main HomeRacker docs site?