Playground Ceramics
A web-based parametric design platform for creating custom ceramic objects suitable for FDM 3D printing. Design dinnerware sets, custom vessels, mug handles, and slip casting molds with intuitive controls and real-time 3D preview.
Table of Contents
Platform Overview
Playground Ceramics is a multi-application design studio with four specialized tools:
| Application | Description |
|---|
| Dinnerware Designer | Create complete dinnerware sets with consistent parametric styling |
| Vessel Generator | Design custom vases with section-by-section control |
| Vessel Designer V2 | Draw a vessel profile with pen points and bezier handles |
| Handle Generator | Create mug handles that integrate with Dinnerware projects |
| Cast Form Generator | Generate 4-part slip casting molds from vessel geometry |
Features
Platform-Wide
- Central Dashboard: Manage all projects from a single hub
- Theme System: Light/dark mode with accent color selection
- Typeface Selection: Choose from multiple font options
- Project Management: Search, import, export, and organize projects
- Local-Only Privacy: Runs entirely in your browser with no server required
Dinnerware Designer
- 7 Dinnerware Items: Plate, Soup Bowl, Pasta Bowl, Mug, Tumbler, Saucer, Serving Bowl
- Global Style Parameters: Wall angle, thickness, footring settings
- Per-Item Overrides: Customize individual pieces while maintaining consistency
- Row/Grid Layout: Arrange items in different viewing modes
Vessel Generator
- 6 Anatomical Sections: Lip, Neck, Shoulder, Body, Waist, Foot
- Section Controls: Independent height, diameter, and curvature per section
- Flat Wall Mode: Toggle between curved and flat walls per section
- Section Linking: Lock diameters between adjacent sections
- Multiple Lip Styles: Straight, Flared, Rolled, Beaded, Squared, and more
Vessel Designer V2
- Pen-Drawn Profile: Define the exterior vessel silhouette from a locked centerline/base point
- Bezier Editing: Add straight points, drag curve handles, edit points, delete points, and undo/redo
- Live Radial Preview: Revolve the drawn profile into a 3D vessel with automatic wall thickness and rim closure
- STL Export: Export valid drawn profiles directly for 3D printing
Handle Generator
- Mug Integration: Import mug data from Dinnerware projects
- Squared Handle Style: Modern Hasami-inspired design with rounded corners
- Cross-Section Options: Oval, Round, Rectangular, D-Profile
- Attachment Controls: Height, angle, blend radius
- Preview Modes: View handle with transparent, wireframe, or solid mug
Cast Form Generator
- 4-Part Mold System: Automated decomposition into foot + three wall sections
- Shrinkage Compensation: Built-in scaling for clay shrinkage (anisotropic support)
- Slip Well Generation: Integrated spare/reservoir for slip casting workflow
- Registration Keys: Automatic notch/key generation for precise mold alignment
- Shell Thickness Control: Adjustable plaster wall thickness
- Import Flexibility: Load vessels from Vessel Generator, Dinnerware Designer, or external STL/OBJ files
- Multi-Part Export: Export all four mold components as separate STL files
All Applications
- Real-time 3D Preview: Interactive viewport with orbit controls
- STL Export: High-quality manifold geometry for 3D printing
- Warning System: Alerts for potential printing issues
- Project Save/Load: Save and share designs as JSON files
3D Printing Requirements
Recommended Printer Specifications
- Technology: FDM/FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- Build Volume: Minimum 200mm x 200mm x 200mm
- Heated Bed: Recommended for PLA and PETG
- Layer Height: 0.2mm recommended, 0.1mm for fine details
Recommended Materials
- PLA: Easy to print, food-safe varieties available
- PETG: More durable, slightly flexible, food-safe options available
- ABS: Heat-resistant, requires enclosed printer
Post-Processing
- Smoothing: Consider acetone vapor (ABS) or sanding for finished surfaces
- Food Safety: Use food-safe filaments and seal with food-safe epoxy resin if needed
- Mold Shells: PLA or PETG work well for plaster casting molds
Recommended Print Settings
- Infill: 15-20% for decorative pieces, 100% for structural components
- Wall Thickness: 3-4 perimeters minimum
- Supports: May be required for overhangs > 45°
- Adhesion: Brim or raft recommended for large plates
Quick Start
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/eeismann/dinnerware-generator.git
cd dinnerware-generator
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Start development server
npm run dev
# Build for production
npm run build
# Preview production build
npm run preview
The development server will start at http://localhost:3000 (configured Vite port).
Validation
Use Node.js 20 or later. npm test runs the geometry, scene, storage, import,
worker, registration and profile regression gates without writing generated models.
This is the beginning of the README. Read the rest at the original. Read the full README ↗
