In July 2016 I was lucky enough to get hired for a most interesting project on Upwork: a “full stack” solution for 3D printing of shoe insoles. This has turned into an ongoing series of projects, adding all shaping adjustments one could wish for. To date, it remains an internal project for the client that cannot be linked to directly yet.
The app that does the heavy lifting on the server is coded in Python, using Blender. A basic shape in a .blend file is manipulated according to user input, then subdivided for the object of delivery. In front of the app is a custom proxy server, also coded in Python, serving requests from internet clients via Apache, replying to Ajax calls made by Javascript from the web page interface.
A Three.js viewport offers a navigable view of the insole as the parameters are changed, and an STL file may be downloaded for 3D printing. The design of the interface is presently desktop-centric, although it is responsive and does work on mobiles. It may be refactored in the future. As part of the ongoing work, the client also hired me for setup and maintenance of the AWS server, where one of the tasks has been to implement HTTPS via LetsEncrypt.
A SHOE version of the project has also been done, creating an adjustable summer shoe for ladies, but that project has been left dormant.
This was my first major, advanced project on Upwork, and I’m eternally grateful to the client for trusting me to deliver on the requirements.