86 posts tagged with "3D Printing Tips"

In the fast-paced world of 3D printing, staying informed and inspired is essential for makers, hobbyists, and professionals alike. That’s where Print Talk steps in—the podcast that has quickly become a cornerstone for the 3D printing community. With hosts Neil Hailey and Kenneth Jiang leading the charge, Print Talk combines expertise, practical advice, and a touch of humor to help you refine your skills and embrace new ideas.

Whether you’re looking for solutions to common printing challenges, insights into the latest technologies, or simply some creative inspiration, Print Talk has something for everyone.

3D printing is more than a hobby; it’s a tool for innovation, design, and creativity. As technology gets better, the tools we use to optimize the print process get better. Orca Slicer is one of the best slicing software options out there for users who want precision, efficiency, and customization. One of its many features is the ability to create and manage your own filament profiles, and that’s a game changer for getting great results every time.

In this article we’ll go deep into filament profiles in Orca Slicer, what they are, why they matter, and how you can create, fine-tune, and optimize your own custom profiles for your material.

In this episode of Print Talk, Neil Hailey and Kenneth Jiang tackle a common 3D printing headache: stringing. They chat about what causes those annoying little strings on your prints and share simple, practical ways to avoid them. From adjusting retraction settings and temperature to cleaning your nozzle and storing filament properly, Neil and Kenneth break it all down to help you get cleaner, sharper prints. Tune in to learn easy tips to make your prints look polished and professional!

Overview of Pressure Advance​

Imagine you're drawing with a pen that sometimes spills too much ink and other times barely any. In 3D printing, something similar could happen when your printer moves fast and changes its speed– it can mess up how much plastic comes out.

But why does your printer sometimes mess up how much plastic comes out?

In a 3D printer, the filament comes out based on how much pressure is inside the nozzle. It's like a garden hose; you need enough water pressure before the water sprays out. When the printer speeds up or slows down, like when going around corners, it takes a bit for the nozzle pressure to catch up. If the printer moves too fast too soon, not enough filament comes out. And if it slows down too quickly, too much filament comes out. This can make the corners of your print look a bit messy because the printer didn't adjust the filament flow just right for the speed changes.

And here's where Pressure Advance steps in. It's a smart feature that compensates for these changes, ensuring the right amount of filament is extruded as the printer speeds up or slows down. With Pressure Advance, your printer can better handle speed transitions, leading to smoother, sharper prints, especially at those tricky corners.

Introduction​

Welcome to the fascinating world of 3D printing with wood filament! If you're as intrigued as I am about merging the timeless beauty of wood with the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing, then you're in for a treat. Let's dive into what wood filament really is and how it has evolved over the years, transforming the way we think about creating wooden objects.

Introduction​

Have you ever wondered why sometimes your 3D prints just don't turn out right? The answer might be as simple as a clogged nozzle. In the world of 3D printing, the nozzle is like the tip of a pen. If it's clogged, nothing good comes out, and your printing turns into a bit of a mess. That's why keeping your nozzle clean is super important.

But how do you know if your nozzle is clogged? It's pretty easy to spot. Maybe your printer is acting like it's on a coffee break, not extruding any filament. Or perhaps the filament comes out all wonky, making your prints look sad and incomplete. Sometimes, your printer might even make a clicking sound – that's its way of telling you something's not right.

Don't worry, though. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your nozzle clean and clear. Whether you're a 3D printing pro or just starting out, we've got you covered. We'll show you how to spot, fix, and prevent those pesky nozzle clogs so you can get back to printing cool stuff without any hiccups. Let's get started!

Introduction​

In the evolving world of 3D printing, the ability to remotely monitor and manage printers has become an indispensable feature for enthusiasts and professionals alike. As we delve into this guide, our primary intention is to empower users of the Creality K1 3D printer with the capability to access their devices remotely. Beyond mere convenience, this remote access can also harness the power of AI to detect potential print failures, ensuring smoother and more successful print jobs.

Central to our exploration is a tool named Obico. But what exactly is Obico?

Obico is an advanced software platform designed specifically to enhance the 3D printing experience. It's not just about remote access, though that's a significant feature. Obico integrates artificial intelligence mechanisms to monitor ongoing print jobs, detecting anomalies that could result in print failures. By notifying users of such potential disruptions in real-time, it drastically reduces wasted materials and time. Obico also has a fully featured mobile app available for both iOS and Android. Both the web app and mobile app also give you full remote access to the full Mainsail or Fluidd interface from anywhere through Obico’s tunneling feature. This blend of remote access and AI-driven insights underlines Obico's relevance and growing importance in the 3D printing community.

As we proceed through this guide, we will start with the initial steps of setting up Obico on the Creality K1, and then we will walk through some of the nuances of optimizing its features, ensuring you harness the full power of Obico.

Introduction​

Klipper is not any run-off-the-mill 3D printing firmware. Its extensive range of features, upgradability, and growing popularity are making all the news in the 3D printing community right now.

Installing Klipper and getting it running is one part of upgrading to Klipper. The real fun begins when you start configuring it. There are so many things you can install side-to-side with Klipper to improve your 3D printing game.

In this article, we'll be exploring the top 10 Klipper applications that you should install on your 3D printer. These applications are designed to improve Klipper's functionality and provide you with the best possible Klipper experience.

So, let's get started!

Introduction:​

3D printing is an incredible technology, allowing individuals to transform digital designs into tangible objects. With the rise in popularity of 3D printing, the need for mobility and ease of monitoring has become increasingly crucial. This is where mobile apps come into play, allowing users to manage, monitor, and even design 3D prints right from their smartphones. In this article, we delve deep into the world of 3D printing mobile apps, focusing on OctoPrint, Klipper related apps and others that have become essential tools for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Why mobile apps for 3D printing are useful?​

3D printing, once a niche hobby, has quickly expanded into various sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and even at-home projects. With the growth of this technology, the tools surrounding it, notably mobile apps, have seen a surge in development. Mobile apps for 3D printing have brought forth a revolution in how individuals interact with their printers. Here are compelling reasons why these mobile apps are becoming indispensable for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike:

1. Remote Monitoring: One of the most significant advantages of using mobile apps is the ability to remotely monitor print jobs. You don't need to be physically present near the printer. This is especially useful for lengthy print tasks, ensuring that you can keep an eye on the progress from anywhere, anytime.
2. Instant Notifications: Many 3D printing apps come with push notification features. This means you'll be immediately informed of any errors, when a print job is complete, or if there's a need for intervention. It significantly reduces the chances of print failures and wasted material.
3. Streamlined Workflow: Mobile apps often incorporate an end-to-end solution from design to print. You can tweak designs, adjust settings, and then directly send them to the printer, all from a single interface.
4. Accessibility: Mobile apps offer unparalleled accessibility. Whether you're at home, in the office, or even on vacation, you can control and monitor your 3D print jobs. It's especially useful for professionals who manage multiple printers or run 3D printing businesses.
5. Storage and Libraries: Some apps come with cloud storage, allowing users to store their designs online. This not only offers a backup for your projects but also allows you to access them from any device. Moreover, many apps provide integrated libraries with pre-designed models, saving time and effort.
6. User-Friendly Interface: Mobile apps, designed for diverse user bases, often prioritize user-friendly interfaces. This means even if you're relatively new to 3D printing, you can navigate and use these apps with ease, making the printing process more approachable.
7. Integration with Other Tools: Many 3D printing apps integrate seamlessly with design tools, scanners, and other software, creating a unified platform for all your 3D printing needs. This integration streamlines processes and enhances efficiency.
8. Community and Support: Several mobile apps have built-in communities where users can share designs, offer solutions, and provide support. This collaborative approach accelerates learning and problem-solving.
9. Cost Savings: By being able to closely monitor and control print jobs, users can reduce errors and material wastage. Instant notifications and real-time monitoring can prevent failed prints, ultimately saving costs in materials and energy.
10. Scalability: For businesses or institutions with multiple 3D printers, mobile apps can offer centralized control. This means managing multiple print jobs across different devices becomes more straightforward and organized.

The Klipper firmware allows you to wirelessly connect and access your 3D printer from your home network. You can control your Klipper printer using a smartphone, a laptop, or a tablet, as long as the printer and the device are connected to the same home network.

But what happens when you want to go outside and monitor your prints, or the home network's out, and you want to use the mobile network? The stock Klipper firmware is limited to giving you wireless control, not complete remote control.

This is where Obico steps in.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to remotely access your Klipper 3D printer using Obico. We'll also walk you through the installation and configuration process and examine how the Klipper remote access will benefit your 3D printing workflow.

Read on to discover the exciting possibilities of remote Klipper Access!

Introduction​

Picture Source : LazaroFilm via Reddit

Tired of the limited and uninspiring interface options that come with your 3D printers? Need a full-fledged user interface that’s easy to use yet rich with features? Well, Klipper is here to save the day!

Klipper is an open-source firmware that revolutionizes how you interact with your 3D printers. With its various interface options, you can control and access your machines like never before. These interfaces provide a refreshing experience that enhances your entire 3D printing process.

This piece goes into detail about Klipper Interfaces, explaining what they are, why you need them, and which ones are the best. Our goal is to tell you about the different interface choices Klipper has and help you choose the one that works best for you.

So, buckle up, and let’s Klipp-on some interfaces!

Introduction​

Octoprint has changed the way we use 3D printers in more ways than anyone could have thought. Wireless 3D printing, failure detection, smooth time-lapse movies, and a ton of other features make it one of the best 3D printing software on the market today.

Some of these features are built into the program, and others are made possible by the plugin system. The "plugins" allow users to perform a wide variety of operations and increase Octoprint's use.

It can be difficult to know which plugins to install first and what they do as a newbie while setting up a 3D printer. In this article, we’ll help you figure out this ''plugin'' situation and guide you through installing them simply via a Plugin pack.

We’ve compiled a list of the best 11 plugins in Octoprint that you, as a beginner, should take notice of. The purpose is to get you up and running quickly with Octoprint and ensure that you get the most out of it.

Let's get started!

Picture courtesy : adonutforeveryone via Reddit

ABS is an amazing material for 3D printing. It's a type of industrial plastic that was used as one of the first materials for 3D printing in the 1990s. But even ABS can't escape the problem of FDM 3D printing: layer lines.

Fused deposition modeling inherently produces layer lines. It makes your 3D-printed parts special, but let's face it, layer lines don't look good on every model. They make your models look less professional and take away from their visual charm.

Thankfully, you can entirely conceal these layer lines in your ABS components with little post-processing. ABS Smoothing is a process in which the layer lines totally melt, giving your parts a smooth, shiny surface.

In this piece, we'll learn everything there is to know about this process and show you how to make professional-looking 3D prints. Let's print some ABSolutely amazing creations!

Introduction​

Picture Courtesy: Voron Design

Klipper is quickly becoming a popular 3D printing software among both hobbyists and pros. Klipper firmware for 3D printers has a bright future because of its high printing rates, impressive feature set, and open-source architecture.

In this piece, we'll surf this new wave of Klipper 3D printers. We'll go over the basics of Klipper firmware, look at what makes it so great, and find out which printers use Klipper as their default firmware.

Let’s Klipp some printers!

Introduction​

Klipper and Mainsail are one of the best software pairings for 3D printers you can find today. Both of these programs keep getting better over time so that users can have a better printing experience.

Today, we're going to look at the camera streaming part of Mainsail-Klipper. Mainsail's Crowsnest streaming service recently added the camera-streamer project. This makes it easy to get high-quality video from your webcam without using a lot of data.

Everything you need to know about this revision is included in this article. We'll look at how to add a single camera or multiple cameras, as well as how to get a high-quality video stream of your 3D printer to your laptop.

Let's set sail and get the cameras ready!

Picture courtesy: Mainsail

Klipper is fast, it's smooth, and it's really cool. It is quickly becoming the most used software for 3D printers. More and more commercial printers are being built using Klipper, and even more and more printers are being upgraded by enthusiasts so they can use Klipper.

Every day, more and more people hop on the Klipper train, which means that customization is more important than ever. Why shouldn't the printer's firmware be personalized by the user, much like the printer's brand, symbol, and 3D prints?

Today, we'll talk about how you can change the look and feel of your Klipper 3D printer to make it your own. This piece will go over Themes in Mainsail and Fluidd and help you personalize your machine to your liking.

Let’s Klipp away and custom-fit your machine to your taste!

Introduction​

The Bambu Slicer goes well with how fast and well the Bambu machines are. It has a lot of features, is easy to use, and produces high-quality prints. Still, it's not perfect and has some flaws of its own.

Orca Slicer comes into play at this point. OrcaSlicer adds some interesting features to the basic Bambu Studio. You get more printer presets, more detailed print settings, and a bunch of other advanced tools that all make 3D printing better.

This page will talk about everything Orca Slicer. What it is, why it exists, and why it is a good option to its original source. Hold on to your boats because we're going to go deep into Orca Slicer and look at it in detail.

Photo Courtesy- 3D Benchy via Flickr

The 3D printer calibration is crucial to ensure that your machine creates parts as intended. To 3D print your part as closely as possible to the original design, you need to adjust the 3D printing temperatures, material flows, tolerances, and many other factors.

There are several calibration models you can use to find and tune your print settings. But not all of them are needed, and to be honest, some of them are not even good models.

This article aims to do two things. We want you to adjust your machine and make it as accurate as possible so you can make the best 3D prints. And we want to help you find the best calibration models among the hundreds that are already out there.

This will help you save valuable printing time, materials, and work while getting the best calibration results possible. So, without further ado, let's get your 3D printers squared away!

The limiting factor is that, unlike Marlin firmware, Klipper displays limited interface options when you use your 3D printer's LCD display. You still need a laptop or a personal computer to access the full features of Klipper firmware and interact with your 3D printer. Enter KlipperScreen!

This guide will dive deep into every aspect of the Klipper screen. We will detail how to install a Klipper screen on a 3D printer and also look at some of the valuable tips and tricks that can come in handy. The goal is to familiarize you with a helpful accessory that goes well with Klipper and better your 3D printing experience.

Continue reading to find out how to Klipp up your 3D printing.

Image Courtesy : Alan Chia via Wikimedia Commons

You've probably seen more ABS parts than any other kind of plastic. ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is the plastic used in manufacturing. It has been used for a long time to make toys, helmets, kitchen tools, and other things.

Its durability and ease of post-processing make it a popular 3D printing material for both pros and amateurs.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of ABS 3D printing. We’ll learn everything there’s to know about the material - the benefits, challenges, and applications. We've also included some tips and tricks to help you confidently print ABS.

So keep reading and help get your 3D printer some ABS.

Picture courtesy : Keanu Dölle via Wikimedia Commons

A 3D printing slicer is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of the whole process of 3D printing. It takes your digital 3D models and gets them ready for the last step of printing. It is the slicer that affects (to an extent) how well your components print, how strong they are, and how they look.

With so many 3D printing slicers to choose from, you're virtually spoiled for choice. Knowing which one to use and which one is better for your 3D projects may have a big effect on how your 3D-printed items turn out.

In this post, we've done the research for you and put together a full guide to the finest 3D printer slicer software on the market. We'll look at their characteristics, strengths, and flaws to see what makes them different.

Read on to find out all you need to know about 3D printing slicers and select the appropriate one for you!

Picture courtesy: CobaltEchos via Reddit

PolyEthylene Terephthalate Glycol, or PETG, is like the middle sibling in 3D printing. It gives you the strength of ABS while being as easy to print as PLA. PETG is known for its excellent impact resistance and toughness and is a great material for printing functional parts.

In this article, we'll look at everything there is to know about this material. We'll understand what exactly PETG is, what are its advantages and drawbacks and how to optimize your print settings for the best print quality with this material.

So bottle up your designs and get ready to print them with PETG.

Image Courtesy - Marco Verch via Flickr

PLA, or polylactic acid, is a popular and commonly used 3D printing polymer. It's likely to be among the first materials you try with your 3D printers. It is easy to print, cheap, and comes in many different types for many different uses.

There are still a lot of questions about PLA material on various community forums. How do you print it? What is the best printing temperature? Slicing options? These are just a handful of the many queries that consumers have about the PLA filament.

This article aims to answer these questions for good. We'll delve deep into the world of PLA filament in this post and learn everything there is to know about it. By the end, you'll have answers to all of your PLA questions and feel confident in printing it.

Continue reading to improve your PLA skills and 3D print some high-quality models. Let's get started!

Photo Courtesy : 3D Printing Geek via Reddit

Klipper is an advanced 3D printing firmware that gives you a high level of control over how your 3D printer moves. One key part of this control is the measurement and management of your stepper motor's motion. Klipper does this with the help of the Rotation Distance parameter.

Rotation Distance measures how far your print head moves in a single rotation.This value has an impact on the dimensional accuracy and appearance of your prints. and, in turn, is a key factor in determining the final quality of your 3D models.

In this article, we'll talk about what the rotation distance means in Klipper and how you can use it to get the best prints possible. We'll talk about it in detail and go over the steps for setting up the rotation distance for your 3D printer.

Read on to learn how to 3D print highly accurate parts and take your printing to the next level.

Klipper macros are an incredible firmware feature that allow you to swiftly automate complex and repetitive processes with a single click. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these macros can help you streamline your workflow and save considerable printing time.

In this article, we'll learn more about the Klipper macros, their benefits, and lead you through the installation process step by step. We'll also include some handy Klipper macro examples near the end to help you better understand these macros.

Follow along if you're ready to "macrofy" your 3D printer and learn how to implement it into your own 3D printing endeavors.

The Ender 3 series of 3D printers have made all the news for the last couple of years. Featuring an amazing set of features at a budget pricing, Ender 3 has made 3D printing accessible for several hobbyists and first-time users.

Another equally important thing that's been making rounds in the 3D printing community is the Klipper firmware. First released in 2016, Klipper is quickly ranking up amongst users as the go-to firmware for high-speed 3D printing. It's free, easy to use, and has many useful features that help you get the best printing experience.

We've explored the combination of Klipper and Ender in depth with several of our articles. Klipper elevates the performance of Ender 3 well-beyond expectations and with a bit of fine-tuning the print quality rivals even that of the high-end 3D printers.

In this article, we'll explore this partnership in detail and understand how you can fine-tune your Ender 3 to get the most out of the Klipper firmware.

Let's Klippify the Ender!

The first Lithophanes in the 1820s were made out of porcelain material. It was a pretty labor-intensive and expensive process. But, with the rise of 3D printing technology and affordable 3D printers, you can single-handedly 3D print exquisite lithophanes at your home.

That said, 3D printing quality Lithophanes is still a relatively challenging process. You need to fine-tune several little parameters and carefully set your slicer settings to get the best-looking Lithophane on your 3D printer.

In this article, we’ll break down the science behind 3D printing lithophanes. We’ll look at the various tools you can use to prepare a lithophane and understand the crucial factors to consider while 3D printing it.

Let’s print some 3D images.

Klipper’s Input Shaping functionality stands out particularly well owing to its excellent execution and utility. It lets you print at higher speeds while ensuring that the print quality is not affected due to the 3D printer’s fast movements. It’s probably one of the most sophisticated and our favorite features in the Klipper firmware.

Yet, for several users, Input Shaping is still a mystery and a concept that seems too technical and complex to understand.

In this article, we’ll break down Input Shaping in Klipper for you and help you understand how it can assist you in achieving excellent print results. We’ll start by understanding it in detail and learn more about how it works in Klipper. We’ve also included a step-by-step guide that’ll help you configure Klipper for your 3D printer. In this guide, we will tune input shaper on an Ender 3 3D Printer, but this guide is relevant for similar 3D printers as well.

Let’s start shaping our Klipper 3D printers!

Gone are the days in 3D printing where you constantly need to be tethered to a 3D printer. There are now automated software tools that allow you to monitor and control your printer without being present in the same room. Some of these applications give you unrestricted access to your machines and let you operate them from anywhere in the world.

In this article, we’ll look at eight remote 3D printing software you can use to run your 3D printers remotely. These programs are suited equally well for hobbyists and professional 3D printing farms and can be a great way to ease out the manual workload in your workflow.

Let’s power up your remote 3D printing setup!

Update on the Orange Pi Zero 2 for OctoPrint Project​

In an ongoing effort to get find an easy way for makers to install OctoPrint with the Raspberry Pi shortage ongoing, we developed an easy to install raspberry pi alternative for OctoPrint using the Orange Pi Zero 2.

Installation works similarly to installing OctoPi on a Raspberry Pi. You can get a complete OctoPrint Kit that includes a webcam and everything you need to get started, or just the Orange Pi Zero 2 Board in our online store (available for U.S and Canada only).

Introduction​

Klipper is quickly ranking its position as one of the best 3D printing firmware in the community. Using a combination of Raspberry Pi and web interface, Klipper significantly improves your 3D printer’s speed, print quality, and user experience.

Pair it up with Cura, and you open up a world of new possibilities for your 3D printing workflow. Cura is one of the most widely used and popular 3D printer slicers with top-notch features that help you achieve high-quality 3D prints.

Yet, as good as they are, there are some pointers you need to be mindful of when using Cura and Klipper together. In this article, we’ll understand how you can use these two software side-by-side to get the best quality results from your 3D printer.

Let’s Klip and Slice.

Klipper as a 3D printer firmware and PrusaSlicer as a 3D printing slicer have become widely popular in the past few years. They’re both completely free to use and loaded with features, and you get the benefits of open-source development with either of these programs.

It makes sense to use them together to streamline your 3D printing workflow and make the most out of these two pieces of software. In this guide, we’ll go over the process of setting up Prusaslicer with your Klipper 3D printer. It’s simple and quick and can help save you from the hassle of manually uploading your print files.

We’ll begin with understanding the benefits of using these two software together and then look at the detailed setup process. Let’s begin!

Klipper firmware is getting all the praise lately owing to its vast range of features and top-notch performance. It also offers several configuration options to calibrate your printer to deliver high-quality 3D prints.

One crucial parameter we’ll be configuring today is PID tuning for your 3D printer. Setting the correct PID settings ensures that your hot end and print bed are heated in the least time possible and maintain the set temperature with great precision.

This article will guide you through the PID calibration process for your 3D printer using Klipper. It’ll help you to understand more about these PID settings and sort out any heating issues with your machine.

Let’s start tuning up these beds and hot ends!

Introduction​

Pressure Advance in Klipper is designed to compensate for the side effects of instant speed changes that occur during fast print speeds. It reduces stringing, gives your prints sharp corners, and delivers a high print quality even at speeds above 100 mm/s.

But tuning pressure advance in Klipper and understanding its functioning can be puzzling to new Klipper users. So, in this article, we’ve gathered all the information you need to know about Pressure advance and set it up in Klipper. It’ll help you understand the benefits of this feature and how you can use it to sharpen up your 3D prints.

Let’s Advance!

Klipper firmware has been around since 2016 in the 3D printing community. It’s free, open-source, and has steadily become a mainstream 3D printing firmware, second only to Marlin.

Yet, Klipper’s earlier versions missed key features like the Octolapse, Exclude objects, and plug-in integration found on Octoprint and Marlin combo. This lack of certain valuable features restricted users from using Klipper as their primary 3D printing firmware.

However, since the recent updates, some of these features are slowly making their way into the Klipper firmware. For example, you can now shoot Octolapse-like videos on your 3D printer using the Klipper timelapse.

Likewise, Klipper now also supports the Exclude objects functionality to rescue you from failed prints. But, it needs some initial setup and configuration, which might be puzzling to new Klipper users.

So, this article will take you through the entire process of setting up Exclude objects for your Klipper 3D printer. We’ll look at this feature in detail and understand how you can use it in your 3D printing workflow.

Let’s exclude the failed prints.

3D Printer Failures/Courtesy: Fabbaloo

If you are new to 3D printing, we are sure you have encountered numerous print failures. Thankfully, this is not something new or unique. It happens to even the most seasoned users. But obviously everyone wishes to improve their 3D printing skills and so knowledge of 3D printer failure detection becomes essential, and this is exactly what we will cover in this article.

3D printing and failures​

Because 3D printing is rapidly becoming popular in a variety of industries, it is critical that every student, as well as manufacturing and design professionals, understand the technology. Though you may not need to understand its complexities, having a working knowledge will help you in your career.

3D printing is a manufacturing process that converts a digital CAD file into a three-dimensional physical model by layering thin layers of material one on top of the other. This is also known as additive manufacturing because material is added rather than removed, as is the case with most conventional technologies.

However, 3D printing is still in its early stages and thus prone to failure. DIY and desktop 3D printing, in particular, frequently fails, and users must use a trial-and-error approach to eliminate or reduce failed prints.

Camera mount for Creality 3D printer/Courtesy: Thingiverse

Creality's Ender 3 3D printer is one of its best-selling models, and it's popular among students, enthusiasts, and hobbyists. As a result, it is safe to say that Ender 3 users are mostly hustlers looking for ways to get the most out of their 3D printer. Many users do not see the need to connect a camera to their 3D printers, but it can greatly improve your 3D printing experience. Many feel that installing. Camera is a tedious task but it is not so. In fact, it is quite easy. All you need is a good camera and a camera mount. This article discusses the various Ender 3 camera mounts that can be installed on your 3D printer.

Klipper is one of the few 3D printing firmware that natively supports an external camera for monitoring your 3D printer. Klipper’s web interface makes it easy to attach a camera to the Raspberry Pi and monitor your printing progress.

But Klipper is a relatively new firmware with limited resources and guides detailing its various features. As a new user or beginner, it’s easy to get confused about the installation and configuration of a camera on your Klipper 3D printer.

This article aims to make this process easy for you and help you set up a camera on your Klipper-connected 3D printer. Read on to learn in-depth about Klipper’s camera setup procedure and how a camera can benefit your 3D printing workflow.

Introduction​

Using the timelapse feature in Klipper, you can record your entire 3D printing process and share bits of it on your social media platforms. These videos are also a great tool to analyze print failures and pinpoint the causes behind a failed print.

Yet, despite their usefulness, setting time-lapse videos in Klipper can be challenging for several users. And while it's a relatively easy setup, the initial configuration can confuse beginner Klipper users easily.

In this article, we'll simplify this process for you. We'll go over the entire procedure step-by-step and configure the timelapse functionality for your Klipper instance. By the end of this guide, you'll be able to record picture-perfect timelapse videos of your 3D prints and share them within your social circle.

Let's start shooting.

Nozzle Scraping Bed Surface​

What Is It?​

Inaccurate bed leveling, low initial layer height, or incorrect Z-offset settings can cause your printer's nozzle to scrape against the printing bed. It might damage the nozzle and the print bed and restrict the filament from flowing out of the nozzle.

If left unchecked for a while, it can build up pressure in the hot end and cause the extruder motor to skip steps. Nozzle scraping is relatively minor but one of the most common issues faced by beginners and new 3D printer users.

Blobs or Zits​

What Is It?​

Blobs or Zits are the tiny dots on your print's surface and directly affect its overall quality and appearance. These are often the result of incorrect retraction settings or high printing temperature and negatively affect the surface finish of your 3D printed part.

Sometimes, you can easily remove them with sanding, but big blobs can be challenging to remove and may leave an impression on your parts. For this reason, it's best to tune your printer to not create them in the first place rather than try to remove them through post-processing.

Broken Filament​

What Is It?​

The filament is a relatively fine plastic thread, which can break easily under certain conditions. If your filament breaks mid-way during a print, it will cause a print failure leading to a loss of print time and effort.

Filament usually breaks due to poor quality control, high humidity, or extreme tension in the filament path. These conditions are essential to consider if you're planning to print large-sized objects or want to use your printer for batch 3D printing.

Filament Stops Extruding Mid-Print​

What Is It?​

Your 3D printer can stop extruding filament mid-way during printing, leading to a failed print and losing printing time. The most likely and apparent reason might be your printer running out of filament material.

But, in some cases, nozzle clogs and defective extruders too can be a potential issue.

First Layer Issues​

What Is It?​

First layer issues reduce the chances of a successful print and are often the cause behind several failed 3D prints. Some of the significant and most common first layer problems are - prints not sticking to the bed surface, the first layer too rough, the nozzle not extruding filament or holes and lines in the bottom of your prints.

These problems can either affect the quality of your prints or cause them to fail, leading to loss of filament and printing times. Therefore, it's crucial to eliminate these issues and ensure a smooth and even initial layer.

Gaps in Print surfaces​

What Is It?​

Often 3D prints can have small visible gaps on their top surfaces, outer walls, and between the infill structure and the inner walls. These cavities ruin the appearance of your 3D-printed model and might also affect its structural integrity. Often, the cause behind gaps in your 3D prints is related to slicer settings, and you can quickly resolve these gaps by fine-tuning specific settings.

Inferior Surface Quality above Supports​

What Is It?​

Supports are essential to provide a base for the overhangs in your 3D prints. But incorrect support settings can affect your print's quality and appearance. If the top of your support is too close to the print's surface, it might leave marks and blobs. Whereas, if there's too much gap between the support and the print, you will encounter filament drooling and poor overhangs.

In an ideal scenario, the support should easily detach from the print's surface without leaving any marks. Moreover, the supported area of the print shouldn't indicate any filament drooling or signs of a support structure underneath it.

Inferior Surface Quality underneath Supports​

What Is It?​

With extreme overhangs, you need to use support structures that use the print's surface as their base. In such cases, the support pillars can adhere firmly to your print, affecting your part's surface quality. Less distance between the support base and the print can make removing the supports a challenge.

Popular slicers such as Cura and PrusaSlicer circumvent this issue using Tree Supportstructures. Tree supports have minimal contact with your 3D prints and help you achieve better-looking parts even with large overhangs.

Inaccurate Dimensions​

What Is It?​

Incorrect printer calibration can lead to dimensional inaccuracies in your final 3D printed parts. An inaccurate part will not fit well with other elements and lead to issues during the final assembly of your printed design. It's not an issue with 3D-printed showpieces or aesthetic parts but will cause significant problems with complex assemblies or functional designs.

For simplicity, we'll broadly classify these inaccuracies as positive and negative dimensional errors. If your print has a positive error, it indicates the observed measurement is more than the designed value. If your print's observed measurement is less than the design value, it indicates a negative print error.

Layer Shifting​

What Is It?​

Layer shifting is one of the most undesirable problems in 3D printing, and there's no way to recover your prints from this issue. A layer shift is unpredictable, not easy to diagnose, and leads to a print failure. Layer shifts are more likely to occur during long printing jobs due to the continuous strain on the printer's mechanical and electrical components.

The best way to prevent layer shifting is to perform periodic maintenance of your printer and ensure that each component performs optimally.

Alternatively, if your prints fail due to the layer shifts, you can use Obico to quickly catch the failed prints and stop it. The Obico software offers you complete remote control of your 3D printer, and helps you save on filament and printing time.

Poor Quality Bridges​

What Is It?​

Long bridge segments in your 3D prints can sag a little due to the lack of supports or high printing temperature. In these cases, the filament lines drool down and spoil the appearance of your 3D prints. Excessive sagging ruins the bridge's structural integrity and might even cause interference issues with mating components.

Prints Difficult to Remove From Bed​

What Is It?​

A low layer height, improper bed level, or extra bed adhesion can cause the prints to stick firmly to the print bed. Certain materials like PETG stick too well with glass beds and hairspray. In many cases, the prints either broke halfway or had a piece of bed surface stuck to their bottom layers.

To avoid this issue, you must calibrate your first layer height and use the appropriate printing surface per your material. The key is to strike a perfect balance such that your prints stick well enough not to get knocked off quickly but not too firm that it becomes difficult to remove.

Stringing Issues​

What Is It?​

Stringing is denoted as the oozing of filament from the nozzle when the print head travels between two points on your 3D model. It's caused due to excess filament oozing out of the nozzle due to improper retraction settings or high filament temperature.

Stringing issues result in extra efforts during the post-processing to clean your prints and might still leave small blobs or dots on the print's surface. Although it might not affect the print's structural integrity in severe cases, it impacts the print quality and is an undesirable attribute for printing aesthetic or showpiece items.

Under extrusion​

What Is It?​

Under extrusion is caused when there's an interruption in your filament flow. Gaps in your layers, irregular layer lines, or webbed layers in your 3D model indicate an inadequate filament flow to the nozzle. It's one of the most common printing issues and is prevalent with Bowden drive extruders due to the long path of the filament.

Warping and Split Layers​

What Is It?​

Warping or curling occurs mainly on the initial few layers of your part, leading to a failed print, poor print quality, or a dimensionally inaccurate part. Whereas layer splitting usually takes place in the middle of the top portion of your printed pieces. Split layers directly affect your part's structural integrity, resulting in an unappealing-looking 3D print.

The primary reasons behind both these problems are the printing temperature and ambient temperature of your 3D print. If there's a significant difference between your hot and bed temperature and the surrounding environment, you will experience warping and layer splitting in your 3D-printed parts.

3D printing is an evolving technology and engineers are constantly upgrading it to eliminate any primal issues in it. Till recently it was common to tether your 3D printer to your computer to run print jobs. But now, you can easily add WiFi to your 3D printer.

Adding WiFi to your 3D printer gives you an unprecedented advantage and we will be discussing the same in this article and how to set it up with ease.

The Basics of 3D Printing?​

Creality Ender 3 FDM 3D printer/Courtesy: Creality

3D printing is a manufacturing technology that creates three-dimensional objects by adding layers of material one on top of the other until the entire object is formed. Because it produces objects in an additive manner, the process is also known as additive manufacturing.

In comparison to traditional manufacturing methods, this process eliminates the need for tooling and reduces material waste.

The entire ecosystem of the 3D printing process can be used to explain how it works. Here's a quick rundown:

• Software: 3D printing begins with design software, which is used to create a 3D model. After that, the 3D model is sliced in a slicing software to generate a G-code file.
• Hardware: As the 3D printer can only read G-code files, the file is uploaded to the printer, which prints the designed object.
• Materials: Materials for 3D printing include filaments, resins, polymer or metal powders, and metal wires.
• Post-processing: After the 3D printer prints the object, the part usually needs to go through some sort of post-processing stage, such as support structure removal, sanding, acetone vaporing, UV curing, washing, coloring, dyeing, Hot Isostatic Pressing annealing, and so on.

Introduction​

Klipper is an upcoming and popular 3D printing firmware that's quickly becoming the standard in high-speed 3D printing. Its extensive feature set, vibrant community, and continuous development make it the go-to option for several new users and professionals.

Yet, Klipper is still in its nascent stages, and there's little information available on how to get the most out of the firmware. It causes new users to limit themselves to the basic functionalities and miss out on some valuable features of the Klipper firmware.

In this article, we'll go over some of the useful tips and tricks you can use with your Klipper 3D printer to get the most out of it. It'll help you use Klipper in the best way possible and improve your 3D printing experience.

Let's get started with some tips and tricks to optimize your klipping experience.

What are we doing?​

We are planning to develop an easy to install, no compromise raspberry pi alternative for OctoPrint. We will bulk order an alternative single board computer. It will be equivalent to or better than a raspberry pi 3B+ 1GB. It will be guaranteed to let you easily install OctoPrint without any additional configuration. Aside from the fact that raspberry pi's are very hard to find, this alternative provides all of the following:

• Install OctoPrint through a streamlined process similary to the OctoPi image developed for Raspberry pi.
• Guaranteed to work with OctoPrint
• Monitor and control 3D printer using a camera that is guaranteed to work (if purchasing kit)
• Get customer support from the Obico team

Get on the list so we can let you know when it's time to place the order.

How much will it cost?​

We are planning to offer two options:

Board-only :​

$35 - $40 + Shipping

The board will include the board and the easily installable package to install OctoPrint. Customer support from the Obico team is also included. We are currently looking at the Orange Pi Zero 2 but this could change.

Kit :​

$80 - $95 + Shipping

The kit will include the board (currently looking at Orange Pi Zero 2) , power cable , case and a camera guaranteed to work with OctoPrint out of the box. The pre-built OctoPrint package for easy installation will also be included. Customer support from the Obico team is also included.

Take our short survey to get on the list to purchase a board or kit for OctoPrint. As soon as we have over 200 people interested, we will reach out to collect your payment so we can place the order.

When will I get it?​

We will place the order as soon as we have enough interest to place a bulk order (approximately 200 units to share this with your friends who might be interested too). Once the order is placed, we anticipate being able to receive the boards within approximately 3-4 weeks, and we anticipate we will be able to ship them out to you within the next week or two.

Why is the Obico team doing this?​

The purpose of this project is to establish a no compromise Raspberry Pi alternative that allows for easy OctoPrint Installation. Traditionally, OctoPi, a Raspbian based SD card image for the raspberry pi that includes everything needed to run OctoPrint.

If you've tried to buy a raspberry pi in the past year, you know that buying one at msrp is not at all easy. You may be able to get lucky through the Raspberry Pi locator, but even this is not at all guaranteed.

There are a number of options for using OctoPrint without a raspberry pi, including using an android device with Octo4A, installing on a Mac or Windows device, among other non raspberry pi single board computers. All of these options work, but they all come with their own set of unique disadvantages and increases the level of difficulty required for users who aren't familiar with Linux.

What is the Obico team actually doing?​

Our plan is to:

1. Source a comparable alternative to the raspberry pi and purchase in bulk
2. The board will be minimally equivalent to the Raspberry Pi 3b+ with 1GB ram
3. Take pre-orders for the boards and ship them to users when they arive. We will not make any money on the boards. See pricing example breakdown below.
4. Develop an easily installable Octoprint image that allows easy installation through the Raspberry pi Imager (this is a non-trivial task)

Board Only​

Kit​

Note:

As mentioned above, we have not finalized the exact board we will purchase in bulk due to the rapidly changing supply chain conditions. Because, of this prices may change slightly.

Add your email to the list so we can let you know when it's time to place your order!.

The 3D printing world and its terminology can be confusing at times, especially if you are new to 3D printing. We've gathered a collection of 3D printing industry terms and acronyms that you're likely to encounter along the way.

For each term, a small explanation is provided that should help you understand its definition and how it fits in the world of 3D printing.

Would you like to upgrade your 3D printer? There are several modifications you can make to your 3D printer to transform it into an impressive machine. These modifications apply to the hardware, software, and firmware features of the 3D printer. The beauty of it is some of these modifications can be 3D-printed directly at home. Others can be purchased and mounted on your 3D printer to improve specific aspects of your 3D printing activities.

We have compiled the best of these upgrades and modifications for the 3D printer in the list below. From a brand new automatic bed levelling sensor to a simple 3D printable extruder, you won't recognize your 3D printer once you're done with these upgrades. Unlike these Ender 3 upgrades, which are for a specific model, note that this is a general guide for various 3D printer upgrades that can help improve 3D printing quality and user experience. It isn't for any specific printer and will generally apply to most open-source 3D printers on the market.

When and Why Should You Upgrade Your 3D Printer?​

You should upgrade your 3D printer if, first, the stock firmware has some issues. You may also need to do this to make the printer faster, more accurate, and effective with its function. Upgrading the 3D printer is also done to protect the machine, user, the printed objects and make it easier to use.

But 3D machine upgrades and modifications are best left to the pros. If you're a new beginner, we recommend not doing a bunch of hardware upgrades. Instead, take some time to get to know the machine. Often, people do too many upgrades when first starting, but they don't understand why they are doing them or if they are even necessary at all.

You need to know the machine, its strengths, and its weaknesses. You should not necessarily upgrade when unsure what the problem is, as it is easy to misdiagnose issues this way.

Best 3D Printer Upgrades​

There are many upgrades and improvements for the 3D printer that you can print out yourself. However, for most of them, it will be necessary to buy them. In this section, we have listed the essential components, software, and firmware that will improve both your 3D printer and the quality of the prints.

Octolapse with Octoprint is like a match made in heaven. These two go very well with each other and help you create awesome time lapse videos. And even though installing Octolapse is easy with Octoprint, setting it up and configuring it to deliver high-quality timelapse videos is slightly tricky.

In this article, we'll look at the detailed procedure for setting up Octolapse for your Octoprint instance with Cura and PrusaSlicer settings. We'll also share some tricks and tips to fine-tune your image settings to get the best quality footage for your 3D printing timelapse video.

Let's start with understanding the Octolapse plugin.

Introduction​

Klipper is quickly becoming the de-facto choice for fast 3D printing. 3D printer manufacturers such as Voron and Prusa3D have contributed to its popularity by using firmware in their machines. And as Klipper's completely open-source and free-to-use, you can install it virtually on any 3D printer, old or new.

In this article, we'll go over the installation process of setting up the Klipper firmware using the Klipper Installation And Update Helper (KIAUH). It's an effortless and interesting way to install Klipper on your 3D printer.

Let's start Klipping!

We're sure you've often thought about accessing OctoPrint over the internet and that too from anywhere in the world from any device. Controlling your 3D printer over a local network is simple, whereas establishing a remote connection is more difficult. If you're curious about how it's done easily, you've come to the right place

This article addresses this question and provides a how-to guide for accessing OctoPrint while away from home.

What is OctoPrint?​

OctoPrint is one of the best free and open-source 3D printer remote monitoring and control software applications. It allows you to better manage your 3D printer activities and run it more efficiently. The software with its wide range of plugins enhances your 3D printing output.

If you are new to OctoPrint, you can get started by reading our guide on how to set up OctoPrint.

How does it work?​

OctoPrint is typically run on a Raspberry Pi that is linked to your 3D printer. It connects to your 3D printer via USB cable and essentially takes control of it. It can send commands to control and operate the 3D printer. These can range from simple tasks like moving the printhead in the three axes or starting/stopping prints to more complex tasks like converting linear g-codes to arc codes, accessing your 3D printer from remote locations, even outside your local network, and more.

In short, OctoPrint simplifies and gives you more control over your 3D printer operations, allowing you to print more efficiently.

To run OctoPrint, OctoPi, an OctoPrint image preconfigured for the Raspberry Pi with pre-installed OctoPrint, mjpg-streamer as a webcam server, and a couple of scripts is commonly used to allow for simple initial setup.

Why is a remote access solution for OctoPrint needed?​

This question has been addressed in several articles about the need for an OctoPrint remote access solution. To understand this, consider a situation in which you start a print and monitor it to ensure that it does not fail, but you suddenly need to go out for work. But as you leave the house, one question lingers in your mind: what's going on with my print?

We've all been there, and this is just one example of when a remote access solution comes in handy.

But did you know that OctoPrint is only available on your local network?

While what we said is correct, it is also true that there are multiple ways to access OctoPrint over the internet to give you access from anywhere, which we will discuss in this article.

Before we proceed, if you are the inquisitive type and want to understand why you can't use OctoPrint anywhere but on your local network? Then read our article on Accessing OctoPrint Remotely, which will explain the issue.

Introduction​

3D printers are a mere assembly of various stepper motors, controllers, and structural components. It is the 3D printer's firmware that ties everything together and brings your digital gcode file into the physical world.

Marlin was the first 3D printer firmware developed way back in 2011 for FDM 3D printers. Erik Van Der Zalm designed it for Ultimaker 3D printers which used 8-bit microcontrollers. Since 2011, Marlin has come a long way, and several 3D printers worldwide use some variant of the Marlin for their functioning.

But, in 2016, Kevin O'Connor released the Klipper firmware as an alternative to Marlin. Klipper promises high-speed 3D printing, better print quality, and several other features superior to Marlin. And it has grown tremendously since the first release and is quickly becoming the go-to firmware choice for many 3D printing hobbyists and manufacturers alike.

In this article, we'll compare Marlin and Klipper's firmware based on various criteria and understand the differences between these two. It should help you make an informed decision and choose the one that best matches your needs.

Let's get started.

Introduction​

Klipper firmware has become the go-to choice for high-speed 3D printing on a budget. It integrates the computing power of a Raspberry Pi with your 3D printer's controller to give you a clean, smooth, and fast 3D printing experience.

As Klipper is merely a firmware, you need an interface to interact with your 3D printer. Mainsail OS, Octoprint, and Fluidd are the three popular types of Klipper interfaces that are easy to use and help you to take full benefits of Klipper's features. We already have a guide that details the procedure of installing Klipper on an Ender 3 with Mainsail OS.

In this article, we'll go over the step-by-step procedure to install Klipper on an Ender 3, but with the Fluidd web interface. Read along to find the benefits of Fluidd and Klipper on your 3D printer.

If you are new to OctoPrint, then you have come to the right place. We bring you a detailed FAQ guide that will answer all of your burning questions about OctoPrint to help you get started.

Table of Contents​

What is OctoPrint?​

OctoPrint Interface/Courtesy: OctoPrint

OctoPrint is a free and open-source software application that allows you to monitor and control your 3D printer from a remote location. It's typically installed on a Raspberry Pi board and connected to a 3D printer. Many users chose the software because of its simplicity and ease of use, and the features and functionality it offers to enhance the overall 3D printing experience.

OctoPrint was created and is maintained by Gina Häußge, a German software engineer. Since its launch in 2012, it has evolved into a tool for users to improve their 3D printing experience. The software can now assist you in wireless 3D printing, monitoring and controlling 3D printers and even print farms from anywhere in the world, slicing 3D models, detecting failures, receiving notifications, and much more.

OctoPrint is a free, open-source program that enables you to remotely control and monitor your 3D printer. And with the right plugins, you can also get 3D printer status notifications. Octoprint was developed a decade ago in 2012 by German software engineer Gina Häußge and is commonly run on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer (SBC).

With OctoPrint, you can move the bed and extruder, control the temperature, and more. Even better, you can use a mobile app or a cloud server to set up job scheduling and keep a close watch on its progress. You may even see your print work live from anywhere in the world if you connect a webcam. While running a 3D printing farm, its advantages become even more prominent.

OctoPrint not only simplifies everything, but it also boosts the quality of 3D printing.

All the features are possible because of its large repository of Plugins allowing users to go above and beyond.

However, when you install the necessary plugins that provide 3D printer status notifications, all of the capabilities are enhanced.

Why would you want OctoPrint 3D printer status notifications?​

We all lead busy lives, and few people would have the luxury of being close to their printer during print jobs. When a print begins and you are not present, it might be unsettling to not know how the print is progressing.

This is where notifications come into play. A simple email or text message is enough to put our minds at ease.

Although many plugins offer notification support, not all plugins are created equal.

We're here to help you in choosing the best plugin for 3D printer status notification that will undoubtedly enhance your 3D printing experience. Keep reading to learn about a number of different ways to get 3D printer notifications using OctoPrint.

What are Mainsail, Fluidd, and OctoPrint?​

Mainsail, Fluidd, and OctoPrint are web interfaces for 3D printers that let you monitor and control your printer remotely. These software provide an easy way to interact with your printers and give you access to various features that enhance the remote user experience of 3D printing.

Fluidd and Mainsail OS are explicitly developed to run with Klipper firmware on your 3D printers. These software act as a communication bridge between you and your 3D printer and give you a way to monitor, control, and interact with your 3D printer wirelessly.

In contrast, Octoprint is developed as a generic 3D printer control software that gives you wireless access to your 3D printers. It can run on various firmware, including Klipper, and is developed specifically for remote 3D printing. Like Mainsail and Fluidd, Octoprint, too, runs in a web browser interface and has several plugins that extend the software’s usability.

All three of these software are free to download and completely open-source, contributing to their fast development and suite of excellent features. This article will explain all three software in detail and learn their differences and similarities.

Let’s get started.

Klipper has recently caught many eyeballs with its fantastic features and utility for 3D printing. It's a firmware that runs off a Raspberry Pi board and lets you execute high-speed 3D printing and extract the most out of your 3D printer. It has improved motion planning and precise stepper motor control and delivers excellent print quality with a slight tuning.

You can find several ways of setting up Klipper for any 3D printer. But, in this guide, we'll understand the entire process of installing Klipper on an Ender 3 3D printer using the Mainsail OS and Raspberry Pi imager. Together, Klipper and Ender 3 are one of the most popular combos, and once you grasp the idea, it's easy to emulate it for other 3D printers.

Without any further adieu, let's get started, Klipping.

What is Klipper?​

Klipper is a free and open-source 3D printer firmware that runs using your printer's controller board and an external processing unit, usually a Raspberry Pi board. It's maintained by Kevin O Connor on GitHub but has contributions from several other developers. The first version was released in 2016, and the Klipper firmware has evolved considerably over the years.

It utilizes the extra processing power of the Pi to compute, execute and run your 3D printer at faster speeds with higher precision. Voron 3D printers are famous for their fast print speeds and printing quality, and these printers use a customized version of the Klipper firmware to run at speeds above 200 mm/s with minimal loss in print quality.

Its open-source nature and strong community have significantly contributed to its list of features, and the current Klipper firmware offers far more than fast print speeds.

Why should you install Klipper on your 3D printer?​

The Raspberry Pi's extra computing power helps Klipper compute, execute and deliver precise stepper motor motion. It finely calculates and controls the movement of your stepper motor, ensuring a smooth printing process.

Its 'Smooth pressure advance' feature predicts the filament pressure in the nozzle and reduces the filament flow when the nozzle reaches the end of an edge or line. This function reduces filament oozing and minimizes the stringing effects at high print speeds.

Klipper readily works with Octoprint, supports multiple controllers on a single 3D printer, and is widely available for all 3D printers. It can transform an old and slow 3D printer into a fast machine that can easily put up with the latest high-end 3D printers.

Now that we have an overview of Klipper and its features let's dive into setting it up with the Mainsail OS for an Ender 3 3D printer.

Klipper Firmware/Courtesy: Klipper

Every electronic device is made up of three parts: hardware, software, and firmware. While the first two are more well-known, it is the firmware that connects the hardware to the software. Klipper is one such 3D printer firmware setup that uses Raspberry Pi to work alongside your 3D printer's mainboard. Klipper firmware is relatively new, and we intend to explain what it is and why you need it.

What is Klipper 3D printer firmware?​

We're sure you've heard of the Marlin firmware. This is the most popular and widely used 3D printer firmware. In fact, your 3D printer or printers must be running on a Marlin firmware. We are certain of it. And why not? It was one of the first and most widely used firmware that delivered consistent results.

But did you know there are several alternatives to Marlin? Yes, there are, and the Klipper 3D printer firmware is one such option that is becoming increasingly popular due to the benefits it provides.

Klipper is an open-source 3D printer firmware developed by Kevin O'Connor, the original author and current maintainer of Klipper. It allows interaction between your 3D printer hardware, such as motors and sensors, and software, such as slicers, in order to understand the gcode commands used to 3D print an object.

It differs from traditional 3D printer firmware, which runs on a single mainboard. Klipper is designed to work with a 3D printer mainboard and a single-board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi to eliminate the issues of low computing power. Klipper works in tandem with the Raspberry Pi and uses the extra computing power to assist the mainboard in processing commands, allowing you to print more quickly and precisely.

We know you all enjoy timelapse videos in which everything appears to run fast. With reference to OctoPrint, a timelapse video would refer to the videos where the product appears to grow out of thin air. It is almost surreal, which is what makes it all the more appealing. You may know how to create a timelapse, also called Octolapse, but do you know the best camera for an Octolapse? Well, choosing a camera itself is complicated, let alone the best one.

Well, we have decided to list down a few good ones to help you choose the best camera for Octolapse.

What is Octolapse?​

OctoPrint simplifies the control and management of 3D printing. The software's capabilities are enhanced by a diverse set of plugins, making it simple to monitor and control your prints. Furthermore, if you wish to take your remote 3D printing experience to the next level, you should check out the OctoPrint Mobile apps.

There are numerous mobile apps that provide OctoPrint mobile accessibility, so you have a lot of alternatives. This also means new users find it difficult to choose the ideal app for their needs.

But, like always, we have your back, and we don't want you to spend time checking out each and every app. Instead we have compiled a list of the top 7 mobile apps – 4 Android and 3 iOS apps – to help you with the selection process and save you time. With this list, you will be one step closer to accessing OctoPrint on the go!

Why do you need a mobile app for OctoPrint?​

For the uninitiated, OctoPrint is one of the best 3D printer remote monitoring, management, and control software tools. With the plugins, the software transforms into a monster, giving you greater control over your printer and making 3D printing entertaining and engaging.

While OctoPrint is a capable piece of software, it may occasionally leave you wanting more. Consider two scenarios: one in which you are weary of sitting in front of a computer for the duration of the print but still want to check the progress and monitor your print. And a second scenario in which you are travelling and do not have access to a computer from which to operate your 3D printer.

The solution to both of these issues is the same: a mobile app for accessing OctoPrint on the go.

A smartphone is something you carry with you everywhere and is easy on the eyes. This level of freedom is appealing to many who use 3D printers on a regular basis. Using a smartphone app can help you save a lot of time, not to mention improve your 3D printing experience.

We will now explore the 7 mobile apps for OctoPrint. All of these mobile apps allow you to access your OctoPrint connected 3D printer from your phone, and the Obico mobile app even allows full remote access from anywhere without any additional configuration.

If you are someone who has not yet installed OctoPrint, you can take a small detour to learn how to set up OctoPrint to and get it up and running. Don't worry, it's simple.

In less than a decade, Raspberry Pi (Rpi) has caught the imagination of 3D printing enthusiasts the world over. It has enabled makers like you to monitor and control 3D printers remotely. OctoPrint and Raspberry Pi, paired together, is a deadly combination and gives you an unprecedented control over your entire 3D printing process.

Sadly with so many versions of the credit-card sized computer available on the market it becomes difficult for enthusiasts to choose the best Raspberry Pi for OctoPrint. And yes, the choice will determine the performance of your 3D printer and the amount of control you have on it.

So read along as we bring you a guide to help you solve this very conundrum of choosing the right Raspberry Pi model for your needs and requirements.

Installing OctoPrint on a Raspberry Pi​

OctoPrint is usually installed on a Raspberry Pi, which is connected to your local network. Once connected, you can access OctoPrint from any web browser or mobile app on your smartphone. If you want help in getting started with OctoPrint, refer to our guide on how to setup OctoPrint.

OctoPrint is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and platforms. All it needs is a suitable Python environment. It can also run on a regular computer and different operating systems, but it takes a few more steps than simply installing it on a Raspberry Pi. Also, since you probably want it to run all the time, the Raspberry Pi is one of the most power-efficient and cost-effective ways to run it.

Due to their open source nature, strong community support, and ability to integrate with a variety of platforms, OctoPrint and the Raspberry Pi make a fantastic pairing to efficiently operate your 3D printer.

Which Raspberry Pi is best for OctoPrint?​

Right now, Raspberry Pi is available in at least a half a dozen different configurations, if not more. The processing speed, memory, and wireless and Bluetooth connectivity of each vary. Finding a Raspberry Pi model that works well with OctoPrint can be challenging. For instance, you run a higher risk of getting low-quality prints and longer loading times when using an older model, especially if a webcam or other plugins are active.

Thankfully, we did the research making it simpler for you to select the best Raspberry Pi for OctoPrint.

OctoPrint is open-source software that gives you an easy way to monitor and control your 3D printer from your computer. With it’s robust plugin structure, you can expand it’s functionality so you can monitor and control your printer from anywhere, get added peace of mind with AI failure detection and much more. In this article I will discuss five ways Obico for OctoPrint can enhance your 3D printing experience. Lets get started.

Obico, formerly The Spaghetti Detective is an open-source software that streamlines your 3D printing workflow, gives you the ability to monitor and control your printer from anywhere and added peace of mind with AI faiure detection. Obico now works for 3D printers with klipper firmware running fluidd or mainsail, but in this video we will focus on Obico for OctoPrint.

Prusa, a leading 3D printing company, is the inventor of DIY desktop FDM (and, more recently, SLA) 3D printers. It is a well-known brand in the industry, synonymous with dependability and quality.

Prusa has produced numerous award-winning 3D printers over the years, none more so than the Prusa i3. The Prusa i3 is the company's most popular printer, and the MK3S+ is the most recent variation on the i3 model.

The Prusa is a solid 3D printer, but it lacks some features that OctoPrint can provide. OctoPrint gives you the ability to remotely monitor and control your 3D printer. And this is one feature that improves your printing experience regardless of how good your 3D printer is.

If you want to know which 3D printers are the best from a data-driven standpoint, you can take a breather and read our unbiased and data-driven 3D printer review.

Regardless of the best 3D printer, in this article, we will walk you through the process of installing Octoprint on your Prusa i3.

OctoPod is a popular iOS mobile app for accessing your OctoPrint connected printer with your phone so you can now use the app from anywhere for free! Learn more about the integration below:

Source: OctoPod Github

OctoPrint interface/Courtesy: The Spaghetti Detective

OctoPrint is widely known in the maker community as one of the best 3D printer remote monitoring, management, and control software applications. It was created in 2012 by Gina Häußge, a German software engineer, and has since been improved by its devoted community to include a plethora of advanced features.

With over 277 plugins available in OctoPrint, the features are limitless, as are the ways you can use the software to improve your 3D printing experience. OctoPrint provides a plethora of advantages to its users.

It is difficult to find a single plugin that stands out in this vast library of plugins, but there is one that is likely the most advanced and probably the best OctoPrint plugin – The Spaghetti Detective. This OctoPrint plugin is ahead of its time, with powerful and one-of-a-kind features that no other plugin provides.

You can experience 3D printing like never before by combining your OctoPrint applications with The Spaghetti Detective. But don't just take our word for it; let us paint a picture for you of why it's the best OctoPrint plugin.

OctoPrint has a huge user base that has already realized the benefits of the software, but many people have yet to be introduced to OctoPrint and are unaware of what the software can do for them.

Those who want to learn how to install and use OctoPrint can do so by reading our guide on how to set up OctoPrint and experience the ease of 3D printing.

OctoPrint is the most popular software for monitoring and controlling your 3D printer from another room. It's expansive list of plugins takes it to the next level. In this blog post, I will discuss my two favorite OctoPrint plugins, Octolapse and The Spaghetti Detective. As a content creator myself, I will highlight some of the benefits these plugins provide for creating content.

What is Octolapse?​

For those of you that do not know, Octolapse is a plugin for OctoPrint that was developed by FormerLurker. It is an easy to install plugin that provides seemingly magic time-lapses of your 3D prints. You can configure the time-lapses to work in a bunch of different ways. Some configurations make it look like the 3D print is growing out of the build plate, while others provide a satisfying animation effect. You can fully configure many settings to get the exact result you are going for (depending on your camera setup).

OctoPrint tab (Source: Octolapse page)

This article was updated on August 12, 2022

OctoPrint is a web interface dedicated to making 3D printing easier by allowing you to control and monitor the process. The software allows you to access and control virtually any parameter on your printer.

Moreover, in a heart-warming, traditional internet fashion, it’s open source.

There is a vast database of plugins developed by the 3D printing community that make your experience with OctoPrint even better, and here we list and explain the most popular ones.

We recently stumbled across a new company in 3D printing right near us called Closed Loop Plastics. After learning more about their 100% recycled plastic filament we were ecstatic to give it a try and share our experience.

If you have been churning out face masks and other PPE for coronavirus, like us, you’ve likely started to wonder if it’s possible to turn your 3D printer into an infinite 3D printer. Pulling parts off the print bed is tedious, time consuming, and requires being home when each job finishes. In this guide we teach you how to automatically eject parts from the print bed of your Ender 3 so you can start the next print while no one is around!

*Disclaimer: Follow this tutorial at your own risk. Your printer is not built to do automatic part ejection. While we’ve discovered a technique that has been fairly reliable for us, it’s possible that if you don’t tweak the GCODE commands to your specifications, you can cause your printer to smash into things and do damage. Don’t blindly copy and paste GCODE commands, make sure you understand what they will cause the printer to do first.*

Many people who know very little about 3D printing think the barriers to entry are extremely high, but the truth is that these days it’s extremely cheap and easy to get started. In this article we’ll walk through some of the myths and misconceptions then talk about how you can get started with 3D printing as a beginner.

Myth #1: Technical Expertise Required​

Many people think you need to be a programmer or engineer to learn to 3D print, but in reality you only need a few tools and almost no expertise to get started! The biggest skill that is required to 3D print is being able to Google things and follow instructions. With so many people entering this hobby, there is almost always a YouTube step by step guide for anything you want to do. This means you don’t need to be an expert, when you encounter an issue you can just Google it and follow instructions to problem solve.

Today we’re here to teach you about 3D print quality and some of the easy ways you can improve surface finish with minimal effort. Above are two 3D prints of the same exact GCODE done back to back on the same printer with the same filament. In this article we’ll discuss what caused surface blobs seen on the left and how you can avoid this in your prints!

Here at The Spaghetti Detective we are in the unique position where we have watched a lot of 3D prints on a wide variety of different 3D printers. A question we get asked frequently is “what is the best 3D printer?” While generally we try to stay agnostic to the type of printer, and catch print failures on any setup, for this series we wanted to try to provide an unbiased, data driven 3D printer review.

By publishing these statistics we hope to give everyone a better insight into the current state of the 3D printing industry and a look at some statistics of the best 3D printers at scale. The statistics generated below are aggregated from a sample size of over 1,000 unique 3D printers, over 100,000 unique print attempts, and over 10,000,000 hours of 3D print monitoring. If there are other metrics you’d like to see computed on some of the best 3D printers let us know in the comments below and we’ll try to include them in future 3D printer reviews.

Best 3D Printer Criteria #1: Popularity​

So you went to sleep with your 3D printer running. Excitedly, you wake up and run to go take a look at your beautiful new creation. To your dismay, something has gone horribly wrong. You’ve had a failed 3D print. It didn’t just create a fresh plate of filament spaghetti, but it has fully encased the hot end of your extruder in a PLA / PETG blob.

We’ve been there -- the racing heart, the panic, the fear your 3D printer will never run again. While it is possible you’ve damaged the 3D printer, it’s more likely you can get everything back to normal working order by following these steps. The most important part in 3D print clean up is to stay cool and don’t rush. Damage is more often caused by frustration and impatience when trying to pull off the cold hardened PLA / PETG blob with force than by the print failure itself.

A hands-on guide to show how to use the paper-method to level the bed for your Ender 3 printer, as well as the tips for the possible problems you may run into.

For any 3D printer that doesn't have auto bed leveling, such as Ender 3, CR-10, CR-10s, Anet A8, precise bed leveling is something that every successful print needs to nail in order to get it right. Bed leveling is literally the foundation (or making sure that the foundation is set up correctly, at least) of a good print. Without a level bed (or software compensation to account for the unlevel bed) your print is often destined for the trash bin, wasting time and money. How much time and money is up to you, because The Spaghetti Detective has got your back!

3D printer users have a long history of fighting bed adhesion problems. That's why we have all these creative solutions: glue stick, glass bed, blue tape, you name it. For starters, we want to give you an overview on what factors play a role in bed adhesion, and how to get them right. We will drill down to each of them in details in the blogs to follow.