Love the channel? Consider supporting me on Patreon: In this video, we take a look at what goes into 3d printing. Next Gen Ender 3 by Creality with 220 x 220 x 250 print. High-quality print surface sheet with adhesive side for reliable 3D printing with different.
- Buy Internationally: Canada: https://3dprintingcanada.com/c.
- Often a 3D printer remains on while the extruder is still heating up. This can increase the risk of fire. This plug-in turns off the hot end heater after a time you define. Setting up OctoPrint on your Ender 3. To set up OctoPrint on your Ender 3, you need the following components: Creality Ender 3. Raspberry Pi.
- Ender-3, Ender-3X, Ender-3Pro. Please contact admin@creality3dofficial.com if you have trouble logging in or registering an account.
- Best Hybrid 3D Printers with Laser Engraver & Cutter - March 1, 2021
- Creality Ender 6 vs. Ender 5 Plus | Comparison - February 28, 2021
- Cura Brim | Best Settings to Avoid Warping & Bad Adhesion - February 27, 2021
Disclosure: Links marked with * are Affiliate Links. I earn from qualifying purchases if you decide to make a purchase through these links – at no additional cost for you!
The numerous possibilities offered by the Creality Ender 3* are really impressive. Another option available to you for even more flexibility is to modify your 3D printer so that it can be remotely controlled.
OctoPrint is a free, open-source 3D printer control software, usually running on a Raspberry Pi*. It allows you to remotely monitor your 3D printer using WiFi. Connect a camera to your device and you can even monitor your printer in real-time.
How exactly can you connect OctoPrint to your Ender 3, what options does this impressive software offer and for which users is it especially recommended?
The following text provides the answers to all these questions and takes you step-by-step through the installation of OctoPrint on your Creality Ender 3 3D printer so that you can use it remotely in the future.
Check Price at:
Contents
- 1 Good Reasons for Using OctoPrint
- 2 Setting up OctoPrint on your Ender 3
- 2.2 Step 2: Printing the Ender 3 OctoPrint parts
- 4 Related Questions
Good Reasons for Using OctoPrint
OctoPrint is a 3D printing application based on Raspberry Pi*. It allows you to remotely control your 3D printer and was developed by Gina Häußge in 2012. Since then, it has been continuously improved by experienced engineers and new versions and features are regularly released as plug-ins.
Simplification of the Printing Process
Especially if you need to run a print overnight every now and then, you will know the problem of failed prints. In this case, the reason for failed prints is the lack of monitoring. This problem can easily be solved by the open-source software OctoPrint.
Wireless Printing
Many low-cost 3D printers do not offer the option of wireless control or monitoring. This means you must either load sliced models onto an SD card or transfer them via cable.
However, these sparse connection options can quickly become annoying and uncomfortable. OctoPrint, on the other hand, offers a practical solution. This software is installed on a Raspberry Pi and then connected to the 3D printer. The wireless capabilities of the Raspberry Pi allow you to control the 3D printer over the local network without a wired connection.
OctoPrint also allows you to remotely send G-codes, control extruder and hot end temperatures, and monitor the progress of running print jobs, among other things.
So, OctoPrint's wireless printing capabilities mean you always have control of your 3D printer – even when you can't physically be there.
Print From Anywhere in the World
Wireless printing is very convenient if you are at home and on the same network. But what do you do when you're on the road and want to start a print so that it's complete when you get back? You may also want to simply monitor the progress of prints that have already started when you are not at home.
For these cases, there is the so-called Anywhere Plug-In from OctoPrint. With it, you can control, start, stop and of course monitor your printouts from virtually anywhere. OctoPrint Anywhere is a website that you can access from your laptop or smartphone, giving you even more flexibility with your 3D printing.
G-Code Viewer
Typically, users running OctoPrint monitor the progress of their 3D printing using a webcam connected to the Raspberry Pi. However, if you don't have a webcam or would like another way to check your printer, the G-Code Viewer can keep you informed of the current status of your printing.
This function displays the real-time nozzle position and the layer number, and you can also see the status of your print in the window immediately below the Visualizer by viewing the current G-Code commands sent to the 3D printer.
Terminal Commands
The 'Terminal Commands' function is particularly suitable for advanced users. Here you can view the codes sent to the 3D printer in real-time. These include temperature messages, SD card messages and 3D printer command functions.
But the most important benefit is that you can send custom G-code commands directly to your 3D printer. This can be useful, for example, if you need to calibrate your 3D printer and then use OctoPrint to display the existing system defaults in the terminal command. Some commands also allow you to enter new calibrated values and save them.
Time Lapse and OctoLaps
Creating a 3D printed model can be a lengthy process and take several hours. By setting up a time-lapse video, you can see the entire printing process in seconds.
OctoPrint and the camera connected to your Raspberry Pi allows you to record a time-lapse video by first defining the frame rate and snapshot interval. Moreover, time-lapse videos take up only a fraction of the space a video in real-time would take up and are fascinating to watch.
OctoPrint saves the time-lapse on the Raspberry Pi itself. After that, you can download it to your computer. Another useful advantage of a time-lapse video is that you can quickly get to the bottom of printing errors. OctoLapse, on the other hand, is a plug-in that builds on the functionality of the time-lapse section in OctoPrint by creating higher quality and sharper videos.
Related Post:
List of Best Cameras & Webcams for Octoprint + Guide
Cloud Slicing
Cloud slicing describes a remote slicing feature that allows you to slice your 3D models without actually having to install slicing software on your computer. The actual slicing is done using a plug-in installed on the Raspberry Pi.
This offers you some advantages, for example, if your laptop is already full of applications or you simply don't want to install slicing software on every computer you use.
TouchUI
For many of our devices, a touch screen user interface is part of the norm. However, many 3D printers still lack this helpful feature. As an OctoPrint user, you can access your user interface on a touch screen using the TouchUI plug-in.
So you no longer need to open your computer to use OctoPrint. The user interface on the touch screen is very similar to the interface displayed in your browser, so the transition is not particularly difficult.
Open Source Community
Many developments in 3D printing come from within the community itself. Free open-source programs such as Marlin, Cura and OctoPrint were developed by private users.
OctoPrint is particularly successful because of its open-source features. All source code is available on the GitHub site for anyone who wants to customize it. As a result, many users and developers have shared and added their own creative ideas.
The plug-ins developed by these users represent an excellent extension of OctoPrint's functionality.
Control Multiple 3D Printers
If you work with more than one 3D printer, this feature is especially handy for you. You can connect all the webcams you use to a single Raspberry.
OctoFarm is another option and is a free open-source interface. With it, you can monitor and control several devices with just a single Raspberry Pi. You can also control multiple printers on a single screen, perform printing operations and monitor printouts.
Numerous Plug-Ins
There are numerous other plug-ins that you can use with OctoPrint for your individual needs. These include, for example:
- Pushover:
Simple and practical, as it sends you push notifications when the print job has finished or failed for some reason. - Heat-Timeout:
Often a 3D printer remains on while the extruder is still heating up. This can increase the risk of fire. This plug-in turns off the hot end heater after a time you define.
Creality Ender 3 Pro Slicer
Setting up OctoPrint on your Ender 3
To set up OctoPrint on your Ender 3, you need the following components:
- Micro-SD card* (with at least 8 GB capacity) and a micro-SD card reader*
- Windows PC
- any IP address scanner
Slicer For Ender 3 Pro
Optionally, you can also use a webcam for the Raspberry Pi with a zero adapter cable.
Step 1: Making the correct OctoPrint settings for your Ender 3
To set up OctoPrint on your Ender 3, you should select the following printer settings:
- Form factor: Rectangular
- Origin: Lower Left
- Heated Bed: Yes (checked)
- Width: 220 mm
- Depth: 220 mm
- Height: 250 mm
- Axes: Default**
- Custom Bounding Box: No (unchecked)
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
- Number of extruders: 1
In the connection settings you select the following information:
- Serial Port: /dev/ttyUSB0
- Baud rate: AUTO
Note that you must first connect your Raspberry Pi to your Ender 3 via USB before you can adjust the connection settings.
Step 2: Printing the Ender 3 OctoPrint parts
To be able to mount all the components on your Raspberry Pi, you should first print some parts to achieve a clean and neat setup.
Ender 3 Camera mount
With the help of the camera mount, you can mount the camera of your Raspberry Pis on the stepper motor of the Z-axis. This way you have a good overview of your extruder and the printing model. So first you print the camera arm and if you are using the first version of the Raspberry Pi camera, the camera holder that comes with it.
Ender 3 Raspberry Pi housing
Through the housing, the Raspberry Pi is mounted on the extruded aluminum rails of Ender 3. You can find the model on Thingiverse. Here there is a version for the Raspberry Pi 3 as well as for the Raspberry Pi 4.
For OctoPrint the first version is especially recommended. If you choose the version for Raspberry Pi 4, you should add a fan to the case, as this tends to get very hot.
Buck converter housing
If you want to power your Raspberry Pi directly from your Ender 3, you should also print the included converter housing.
Step 3: Mounting the Raspberry Pi camera
To connect the two parts of the pi-mount together, you should use an M3 x 20 mm screw and nut. Then connect the Raspberry Pi ribbon cable to the camera, bring it in to position and then slide the camera cover back.
To mount the camera, you need the pi-camera extension cable, because the supplied cable is not long enough. Especially recommended is a cable with a length of 610 mm.
Since it is a very tight fit, you should be patient and be careful not to damage the camera. It may be necessary to file some edges down. If you don't notice a camera pull-in later, you should check if the small connector that presses on the camera itself has not come loose.
Instead of the official Raspberry Pi camera, you can of course also use other OctoPrint cameras or webcams, but you will need a different mount.
Before you mount all components on your printer, it is recommended to test the connections first. It is easier to correct any errors without having to connect and disconnect the brackets.
Step 4: Attaching the Raspberry Pi
The 3D printed case for the Raspberry Pi consists of two parts: a port front panel and the case itself. First, you install the front panel. Then you slide the Raspberry Pi into the housing and connect the camera cable. Finally, connect the Raspberry Pi to your Ender 3 with a short mini-USB cable.
It makes sense to mount the Raspberry Pi in the opening in the empty cavity directly under the printing bed. You will need two M4 x 8 mm screws and two M4 aluminum channel T-nuts. First, attach the screws and nuts to the housing with the nuts facing upwards and then slide the nut end of the screws into the lower extruded aluminum piece. Then tighten both screws from below.
Lay the camera cable under the bottom of your printer between the printer and the table. The rubber feet of the 3D printer gives you some freedom of movement.
Step 5: Switch on the Raspberry Pis on the Ender 3
You can power your Raspberry Pi directly from the power supply of your Ender 3. To do this, tap the cable on the back of your Ender 3 with a Y-splitter and reduce the voltage to 5 volts with a buck converter.
If you would like to power your Raspberry Pi in the usual way, this is of course also possible.
Now you fix the buck converter housing to the back of your Ender 3 using foam tape.
Step 6: Focusing the Raspberry Pi camera
Reference
First, display the camera feed on the OctoPrint or OctoPi interface. Now center the print bed and place a small object of your choice in the middle. Apple creative software.
Then use the small white wheel that came with your camera to rotate the camera lens and focus it that way. However, you should only make very small rotations and regularly check the current position until the camera is in focus.
Additional note:
After you have completed all steps, it is recommended to update the firmware of your Ender 3 before actively using OctoPrint. The newer versions of Marlin offer a thermal tear out protection. This helps to prevent fires on 3D printers.
Now OctoPrint is fully controlled on your Ender 3 and you can try out and enjoy its many benefits!
OctoPrint Anywhere
You may be wondering if the previously mentioned OctoPrint Anywhere plug-in might be of interest to you as well.
As described above, OctoPrint Anywhere is a plug-in that allows you to use the basic functions of OctoPriint anywhere. The traditional version of OctoPrint is limited to the range of your WiFi connection, while OctoPrint Anywhere works over the Internet. This means that you can monitor and control your print jobs from anywhere in the world.
OctoPrint Anywhere also offers many other advantages. First of all, remote monitoring and control, very low data consumption, and the ability to easily control your printing at any time. In addition, secure access is guaranteed because no port forwarding is required.
This sounds very exciting at first, but in summary, this plug-in is especially suited for people who do business with 3D printing. If you make 3D printed models as a hobby, OctoPrint Anywhere may not be of much importance to you.
Related Questions
Why is OctoPrint so popular with 3D printer users?
OctoPrint is the most widely used host for wireless 3D printers. This is due in large part to its rich feature set and ease of use.
OctoPrint is coupled with the Raspberry Pi, providing a simple solution for remote access to the 3D printer. Files can be sent and cut, and it is also possible to monitor printouts in various ways.
What are the basic features of OctoPrint?
OctoPrint provides remote access to the 3D printer through the wireless monitoring and control option. It is also easy to set up and use. In addition, this open-source software is packed with features that not only take advantage of wireless control but also improve the overall workflow.
What is the so-called spaghetti detective?
The Spaghetti Detective is an extended version of the OctoPrint Anywhere plug-in and allows the user to detect failed prints. The Spaghetti Detective recognizes if the print takes the intended time and immediately notifies the user if this is not the case. In such a situation, the user has the possibility to stop the running print process immediately.
What are the alternatives to OctoPrint?
In addition to OctoPrint, there are other software products that also allow remote control of the 3D printer:
MatterControl is particularly suitable for individuals and small projects. It is ideal for fast turnaround and can monitor and store 3D prints via cloud sync. MatterControl has the disadvantage of not containing Raspberry Pi, which must be purchased separately. An advantage is that the software is completely free.
Repetier is another remote control software and is suitable for both small and large projects. It allows multiple users to print on multiple printers. However, the setup is relatively complicated and no cloud services are available to the user. The basic software is available for use free of charge, the Pro software is subject to a one-time fee.
AstroPrint is designed for beginners as well as for small or large companies. This software is fully cloud-based, allowing printing from anywhere and controlling multiple printers. AstroPrint requires an additional AstroBox or Raspberry Pi. Also, this software offers less control compared to other solutions. For home users, AstroPrint is free of charge, for more printer memory a monthly fee is charged.
Disclosure: This website is the property of Martin Lütkemeyer and is operated by Martin Lütkemeyer. Martin Lütkemeyer is a member of the Amazon Services LLC and other Affiliate Programs. These are affiliate advertising programs designed to enable websites to earn advertising revenue through advertising and linking to Amazon.com and others. Links marked with * are affiliate links.
