ModelMint

This project is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that acts as a bridge between the Claude Desktop application and the OpenSCAD 3D modeling software. It allows you to design, refine, and export 3D-printable models using simple, natural language conversations.

Instead of writing code, you just describe the object you want to build, and this server handles the file creation, previews, and final export for you.

---

Features

• Conversational 3D Modeling: Design complex objects through an iterative, step-by-step conversation.
• Live Previews: Generates a .png preview image of your model every time you make a change.
• Code Generation: Automatically writes and saves the .scad source files for your models.
• STL Export: Converts your final design into a .stl file, ready for any 3D printer slicer software.

---

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following software installed on your Windows machine:

1. Claude Desktop: The application used to interact with the server.
2. Node.js: The runtime environment for the server. The LTS (Long-Term Support) version is recommended.
3. OpenSCAD: The 3D modeling software. Crucially, its installation folder must be added to your system's PATH variable.

---

Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to get the server running.

1. Install Dependencies: Open a terminal in the project directory and run:

   npm install

2. Compile the Code: This project uses TypeScript. You must compile the source code into JavaScript by running:

   npm run build

   This command creates a build folder containing the index.js file that Claude will run.

3. Configure Claude Desktop: You need to tell Claude how to find and run your server.

   • Navigate to %APPDATA%\Claude\ in your File Explorer.
   • Create or edit the file claude_desktop_config.json.
   • Add the following configuration, ensuring the args path is the absolute path to your compiled index.js file.

   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "openscad_designer": {
         "command": "node",
         "args": [
           "path_to_built_index.js"
         ]
       }
     }
   }

4. Restart Claude: For the changes to take effect, you must completely quit and restart the Claude Desktop app. Right-click its icon in the system tray (bottom-right of your screen) and select "Quit."

---

How to Use

Once set up, a "tools" icon will appear in your Claude chat input bar.

1. Start a new conversation.
2. Begin designing with a simple prompt:

   "Let's create a 3D model. Make a simple box that is 50mm wide, 30mm deep, and 20mm tall. Name it my_box."

3. Check your workspace folder: You will see my_box.scad and my_box.png appear.
4. Continue refining the design:

   "Now, cut a circular hole through the center of the box."

5. Export the final model:

   "This looks great. Export my_box to STL." You will now find my_box.stl in the workspace folder, ready for printing.

---

Troubleshooting

Claude runs on the last cache created even if you close the window so you don't get latest changes right away. To avoid this make sure to close claude destop via task manager.