MCP STL 3D Relief Generator

The MCP STL 3D Relief Generator solves a common bottleneck for developers and designers who need to transform flat imagery into tangible 3D assets quickly. By exposing a simple MCP interface, the server accepts an image—whether a local file or a URL—and outputs an STL mesh that can be sent directly to 3D printers, rendering pipelines, or further processing steps. This eliminates the need for manual depth‑map creation, mesh generation scripts, and complex toolchains, allowing AI assistants to deliver ready‑to‑print models in a single API call.

At its core, the server converts pixel intensity into height data. Darker pixels become lower depressions while brighter areas rise, creating a relief effect that mirrors the original artwork. Developers can fine‑tune the final product with several intuitive parameters: model_width sets the horizontal scale, model_thickness caps the maximum height, and base_thickness adds a solid foundation for stability. The optional invert_depth flag lets users flip the relief, turning highlights into troughs—a handy trick for embossing or debossing applications. For those seeking higher fidelity, the detail_level multiplier scales the input resolution, trading off processing time and file size against visual quality.

Real‑world use cases span from hobbyists printing personalized keychains or coasters to product designers prototyping tactile logos. In a marketing workflow, an AI assistant can ingest brand imagery, generate a 3D relief, and deliver the STL directly to a client’s order queue. In educational settings, students can upload sketches and instantly obtain physical models for rapid iteration. Because the server outputs a direct download link, LLMs can embed these assets into generated documentation or interactive demos without manual file handling.

Integration with existing AI workflows is straightforward: an MCP client can call the mcp_3d_relief tool, pass the image and desired parameters, and receive a JSON payload containing both the depth map and STL paths. The assistant can then include these URLs in responses, upload them to cloud storage, or trigger downstream services such as slicing software. The server’s lightweight design and immediate download links mean that latency is minimal, keeping conversational interactions snappy.

What sets this MCP server apart is its balance of simplicity and configurability. It abstracts away the intricacies of depth‑map generation, mesh tessellation, and STL formatting while still offering granular control over dimensions and detail. For developers building AI‑powered design pipelines, this tool turns the often tedious step of converting images to 3D models into an effortless, repeatable operation that can be automated or exposed as a user‑facing feature.