Please integrate OpenSCAD with Printables.com
Here is what happened to me:
1) download a parametric model
2) start openSCAD
3) Oh no! A compatibility error! I need to use this other version of openSCAD!
4) Install that
5) Oh no! Now my other models don't work.
So this is patently ridiculous, and even worse on Linux.
Here is what I would like:
a) find a parametric model on printables
b) enter the dimensions into a form on printables
c) printables generates the correctly sized STL for me to download
Please?
Yes you charge for it. I'd rather pay a few euros then mess about with managing IT problems.
RE: Please integrate OpenSCAD with Printables.com
Support for OpenSCAD would go in line with Prusa's open source ethos, and I would very much welcome it. I think it would be a significant edge that Printables would have over file sharing websites. Even I, who has used OpenSCAD before, kind of shy away from OpenSCAD files just because it can be quite tedius.
Another route for avoiding OpenSCAD for downloaders would be for uploaders to use an HTML file or website to allow users to generate STLs instead. For example https://www.printables.com/model/425966-parametric-sliding-lid-box . It's pretty cool. I think those HTML files use OpenSCAD in the background, although that's just a guess.
Yes you charge for it. I'd rather pay a few euros then mess about with managing IT problems.
I think you're in the overwhelming minority for this though... I probably wouldn't pay for such a service.
RE: Please integrate OpenSCAD with Printables.com
I meant to say "You can charge for it" but missed a word and it came out "You charge for it"
Given how long openscad takes to generate some models, there would be a non-trivial compute fee if done at scale.
If funding is required, it's possible it might be something for the paid models on Printables, where it can be funded by the platform fee. For example buying the model allows you to use this feature X times per month.
Some of the other 3d model sites already have this feature, currently free, but with a disclaimer saying it might not be in future.