Title: SketchUp Ruby API & UI Developer for CNC Cabinet Manufacturing Automation
Overview:
We are seeking an experienced developer to build a custom manufacturing automation system for a custom cabinetry business. The system includes an external Data Parsing UI (Desktop App) and a SketchUp Ruby Extension to generate production-ready models for CNC (Vectric Aspire).
To manage scope, the project is divided into an initial MVP (Phase 1) and an advanced roadmap. We require an architecture that supports both.
Phase 1: Core MVP Features
- Data Parsing UI: A user-friendly desktop interface (e.g., Python/Tkinter or C#) that reads a specific Excel/CSV cutlist, allows the user to map/edit hardware rules (stored in an external JSON/CSV config), and passes the data to SketchUp.
- Absolute Geometry Engine (Ruby): Generate cabinet parts dynamically in SketchUp using absolute spatial coordinates (X = Thickness, Y = Depth, Z = Height). No Dynamic Components formulas inside the geometry.
- Strict CNC Machining Rules (No 3D Holes):
- The script MUST NOT generate volumetric 3D cylinders. All drilling is represented by flat 2D Circles on the panel faces.
- Every circle must be automatically assigned to a specific Tag based on its drilling depth (e.g., “10MM_DEPTH”).
- Edge Banding Scribe Mark: Automatically generate a 100mm long 2D marker line on the surface near the edge that requires banding, assigned to a specific Tag for a 0.5mm CNC scribe toolpath.
- Grain Direction Lock: A toggleable feature that locks grain orientation by generating a 2D directional arrow (vector/text) on the part’s face to ensure correct nesting rotation in the CAM software.
Future Roadmap (Architecture must support these for later stages):
- Post-Creation Editing: A Custom Context Menu (Right-Click) to swap drawer types, hardware, or dimensions on an existing generated cabinet without rebuilding from scratch.
- Automated Nesting/Flat-Pack Mode: A function to disassemble the 3D kitchen and lay all parts flat at Z=0 (Top face up) for instant DXF export.
- Color-Coded Visual QA: A toggle mode that colors parts based on material thickness or edge banding requirements for quick visual inspection.
Requirements:
- Proven portfolio showing advanced SketchUp Ruby API development.
- Experience with CNC workflows, CAM software (Vectric Aspire), and woodworking geometry.
- Ability to write clean, commented code that allows future expansions.
Budget & Terms:
- Please provide a Fixed-Price quote for Phase 1 (MVP) only.
- Must sign an NDA and assign full code ownership to us.
- Detailed engineering specification documents (including exact hardware drilling coordinates) and sample files will be provided to shortlisted candidates.