Title: Hiring Blender Python Developer — Depth Map → Relief Panel Automation (Sample Code Provided)
Note: I will provide sample scripts and partial working code (macro + add‑on skeleton). You will not be starting from scratch — you’ll be refining, packaging, and extending an existing automation pipeline.
Project Overview
I’m looking for an experienced Blender Python developer to build a fully automated workflow that converts a depth map (exported from OWL 3D) into a 3D relief panel ready for resin printing on a LONGER UV printer.
This is a pipeline automation project, not a modeling job.
The system should function like a Photoshop macro: I drop a depth map into my Documents folder → click one button → Blender generates the relief panel → exports STL → done.
I will provide sample code to accelerate development.
Deliverables
A. Blender Macro Script (Single‑Run Python Script)
A script that:
- Auto‑detects the newest depth map in my Documents folder
- Creates a plane at a fixed size (218 × 123 mm)
- Subdivides it heavily (modifier + mesh cuts)
- Applies the depth map as a displacement
- Applies dramatic relief depth (12–16 mm)
- Adds Solidify (3–5 mm thickness)
- Smooths the mesh
- Cleans the mesh (normals, doubles, manifold)
- Exports STL to the same folder
- Prints status messages in the console
I will provide a working prototype script you can refine.
B. Blender Add‑on (UI Button)
A proper add‑on with:
- A panel in the N‑sidebar (e.g., “Relief Tools”)
- A button: “Generate Relief from Depth Map”
- Running the same pipeline as the macro
- Auto‑loading the newest depth map from Documents
- Exporting STL automatically
I will provide an add‑on skeleton you can build on.
C. Blender Template File
A .blend file that:
- Uses Metric units with scale 0.001 (1 BU = 1 mm)
- Has the add‑on pre‑installed and enabled
- Is ready for one‑click operation
- Requires zero manual setup
D. Auto‑Loader Logic
The system must:
- Scan my Documents folder
- Find the newest
.png,.jpg, or.jpeg - Load it automatically
- Fail gracefully if no depth map exists
Technical Requirements
Relief Geometry
- Plane size: 218 mm × 123 mm
- Relief depth: 12–16 mm (configurable)
- Solidify thickness: 3–5 mm
- UV unwrap automatically
- Displace using UV coordinates
- Midlevel = 0.0
- Strength = variable
Subdivision
- Subsurf modifier (levels 6–7)
- Additional mesh subdivision (100–200 cuts)
Mesh Cleanup
- Remove doubles
- Recalculate normals
- Ensure manifold geometry
- Smooth modifier (factor 0.2–0.4, repeat 5–10)
Export
- STL
- Filename:
<depthmapname>_relief_panel.stl - Export to Documents folder
Acceptance Criteria
The project is complete when:
- I can drop a new depth map into Documents
- Open Blender
- Click one button
- Blender automatically:
- Loads the newest depth map
- Builds the relief panel
- Applies displacement
- Solidifies
- Smooths
- Cleans
- Exports STL
- The STL prints successfully on a LONGER UV resin printer
- The add‑on installs cleanly with no errors
- The macro script runs without modification
- The template file opens ready to use
Skills Required
- Blender Python API
- Add‑on development
- Modifier stack automation
- UV and displacement workflows
- Mesh cleanup scripting
- STL export automation
- Understanding of 3D printing constraints (bonus)
Budget & Timeline
- Flexible depending on experience
- Ideally completed within 1–2 weeks
To Apply
Please provide:
- Examples of Blender Python scripts or add‑ons you’ve built
- Confirmation you understand displacement‑based relief workflows
- Your estimated timeline and cost