3D Printer Remote Control: The three best options to use

Over the past few years, 3D printing has become increasingly popular and useful. This technology offers the ability to create anything you can think of with just a computer program and some plastic. However, what if you could take this one step further? What if there was a way to control your printer from anywhere in the world?

 

 

That’s where remote access comes into play. It may not seem like much at first, but being able to access your printer from another device opens up many possibilities. You could start prints while away from home, check on long-running jobs without being physically present, or pause and adjust settings mid-print.

In this article we are going to discuss about the top three most used options for remotely controlling your 3D printer using any firmware whether it is marlin or Klipper: Mainsail and Fluidd, Octoprint and Obico.

Let’s dive in!

The Advantages of Having Remote Access to Your 3D Printer

There are several benefits of having remote access capabilities with your 3D printer software. Here are some of these features:

1- Increased Efficiency and Convenience

24/7 Access

This is probably the biggest selling point for setting up remote access on your machine. Being able to send jobs to print at any time saves so much time – especially if you have a busy schedule.

Reduced Downtime

If something goes wrong during a print job it can be devastating – especially if it takes several hours or even days! With remote monitoring we can keep an eye on things even when we’re not physically present. This allows us to catch failures early before they waste too much time.

2- Better Monitoring and Control

Live feed monitoring

Most systems provide live video feeds so that users can see what their printers are doing in real time.

Some solutions also provide a snapshot feature, where the user can see images of the object being printed at regular intervals throughout the process.

Remote Adjustments

If you notice that our prints aren’t coming out as expected – maybe they’re too brittle, or under extruding – you can make changes. The temperature of the nozzle or bed could be increased, or the speed lowered. Normally these would be made manually, which takes time – but with remote access it can be done in seconds!

3- AI Monitoring

Predictive Alerts

Some options for remote control, like Obico, enable you to use the power of AI to monitor your 3D printer and get alerts in real-time when something wrong is about to happen so that you avoid wasting time and materials on failed prints.

4- Collaboration and Sharing

Team Collaboration

This feature allows multiple users to review and manage print jobs from different locations. They can each make adjustments or even cancel them if necessary – everything will show up in real time!

Educational Benefits

Teachers and students can work together on projects from different places using this feature too! For example, let’s say a class was designing parts for an RC car chassis. One student could design the front half while another slices this part for 3D printing, uploads, and starts the file.

5- Improved Resource Management

Centralized control

Remote access allows for centralized management in organizations with several 3D printers where a single operator can monitor and control many machines from one interface.

Optimized Use

Organizations can optimize printer usage by scheduling and managing print jobs remotely, this reduces idle time and ensures that the printers are used well.

6- Enhanced Security and Safety

Secure Access

Modern remote access solutions often include security features such as user authentication and encrypted connections, this ensures that only authorized individuals can access or control the printer.

Monitoring of Safety

Users may detect problems like overheating through remote monitoring or any other safety threats which will enable them to act fast thus saving lives or preventing further damages.

7- Flexibility and Scalability

Support for Remote Work

As remote work becomes more common, remote access to 3D printers supports this trend, allowing employees to work from different locations while remain connected with their essential tools.

Scalability

Additional users and printers can be incorporated into remote access systems as much as possible without making major changes in infrastructure since it has scalability feature especially when dealing with large projects or businesses.

8- Cost Savings

Travel Reductions & Labor Cuts

Reducing the need for physical presence, remote access can reduce travel and labor costs related with managing different 3D printing operations.

Minimized Waste

Real-time control plus monitoring cuts down on print failures therefore reducing material wastage thus saving money used on materials.

Access: A Variety of Options available

There are a number of ways to connect your 3D printer over the internet, each with its own advantages and considerations. Some are cloud based this is where remote servers handle the control process. These let you control your printer from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. Others are locally network-based which means that only when connected on the same local network you can control your machine.

Depending on your needs and circumstances, you can choose the best option for yourself; so, in this part we’d like to delve deeper into these alternatives and learn about each system’s features.

9- 1. Cloud-Based Solutions:

Obico

Obico is a comprehensive remote monitoring and management platform developed specifically for 3D printing. It allows users to monitor their 3D printers from any location using a web interface or mobile app (available on android and IOS). Key features include real-time video streaming, AI-powered failure detection, push notifications for print status updates among others. Obico also has integrations with OctoPrint and Klipper, providing enhanced functionality for print management.

 

Figure 1 original source: obico.io

being cloud-based means accessibility from any device with an internet connection, hence making it ideal for those who need to manage printers remotely form anywhere in the world not only when connected to the local network.

10- 2. Local Network Solutions:

OctoPrint

OctoPrint is a widely used open-source web interface for 3D printers which offers a lot of functionalities including remote control and live camera feed monitoring among others. It can be accessed through any web browser on any device connected to the same local network.

 

 

Being local network-based means more secure and private connections since no reliance on external servers.

Being open-source allows it to be easily customized through community-driven developments hence wide range plugins and extensions for enhancing its capabilities.

Among these plugins is Obico which enables you to remotely control your 3D printer from anywhere with internet connection not only within the local network.

Mainsail

Mainsail is a light weight web-based interface designed specifically for Klipper, a powerful alternative firmware to Marlin. It has features like remote control, live camera feed, advanced print monitoring, print history and provides an intuitive user experience.

 

 

It also offers a responsive web interface that is optimized for desktops, tablets and mobile devices thus ensuring seamless user experience across all platforms.

Users having printer farms or multiple machines can benefit from ability to manage multiple 3D printers offered by this software.

The software includes access to the system files and uses an editor, which allow users to simply remove, rename and upload G-Code and configuration files; easy for editing with syntax highlighting.

You can see the history of prints from all printers, together with how many were successful or failed, which can give you some very useful information about your 3D printing activity.

Mainsail allows multiple jobs to be queued in one go. It also provides temperature presets for preheating control and 3D mesh graphs of the print bed for better understanding of bed leveling visually.

There is a G-Code viewer included too, as well as support for multiple webcams so monitoring prints becomes much easier at different angles.

For more advanced users Mainsail offers timelapse integration (to record print timelapses) and power control (power devices like relays or smart plugs).

The dashboard is customizable by themes, logos or backgrounds. Other additional features are extra sensors support or powerful macro-management capabilities.

If you are interested in mainsail and would like to install it for your Klipper 3D printer, we got you covered! You can read our detailed guide Mainsail for Klipper.

Fluidd

Fluidd is another lightweight web interface for Klipper with beautiful design and lots of features packed into it. It’s extremely customizable with emphasis on user experience, bringing powerful functionality closer to the user’s fingertips while optimizing their workflow at the same time.

 

 

Fluidd has a fully responsive user interface that adjusts itself seamlessly between desktops, tablets and mobile devices ensuring perfect usability across all platforms without sacrificing any features whatsoever.

Users can personalize their interface by rearranging panels so they can create personalized workflows that suits them best saving time during work process.

It comes with built-in color themes that will allow you to change the look and feel of your interface according to your preferences. It can manage multiple printers which simplifies things greatly for those who have more than one machine.

Fluidd is equipped with system notifications feature that alerts users when there are any issues with their printer or system overall, keeping you in the loop all the time. There are also macro-organization tools available that will help you manage complex printing tasks easily.

With Fluidd, you can edit Klipper configuration and G-Code files directly in the app itself, without having to switch between different software packages.

The platform visualizes bed leveling process and supports multi-extruder setups giving users full control over their printing setup configurations.

Other notable features include thermal presets for temperature management, support for multiple webcams for monitoring prints from various angles simultaneously as well as power control for managing power devices.

You can track your print history from all printers, manage software versions. Additionally, Fluidd offers filament spool management features to keep track of filament usage.

If you’re interested in installing Fluidd on your Klipper 3D printer – again we got you! Read our detailed guide on Fluidd for Klipper here.

Choosing the Right method for remote control

The most suitable method for allowing remote access depends on your needs and wants. Some things to consider include:

11- Complexity

Cloud-based platforms like Obico are typically easier to set up and use than local network solutions.

12- Security

While data privacy may be a concern when using cloud-based options, local network alternatives offer more control over your information. This is because cloud-based systems rely on third-party servers, while keeping data within your network with local network solutions provides greater protection.

13- Features

Different software has different capabilities so make sure you choose one that does what you want it to do!

Some offer advanced features such as print queue management or collaborative printing through remote slicing when integrated with software like OrcaSlicer while others only provide basic monitoring or remote-control functions.

14- Cost

Some software is free and open-source while others require subscriptions or purchases; open-source programs tend to be cheaper but paid-for versions that might have extra features/support etc…

However, if still unsure about what will work best for you in terms of being able control your 3D printer remotely then please read our guide: Mainsail Vs. Fluidd Vs. OctoPrint which compares the three popular options.

Enabling Remote Access with Your 3D Printer

15- Marlin Firmware:

If your 3D printer runs with Marlin firmware, you can enable remote access through OctoPrint. To do this, you'll need to add an SBC like a Raspberry Pi to your printer and install OctoPrint on it. OctoPrint communicates with your printer through a USB connection, allowing you to control and monitor it remotely.

16- Klipper Firmware:

On Klipper based machines either Mainsail or Fluidd may be used as web interfaces for controlling various klipper options – both have similar features sets and can be accessed via any device connected to the same local network as your printer by opening a web browser then navigating to the appropriate IP address/port number combination. Klipper is known for its high performance combined with advanced functionality making it popular amongst experienced users.

As mentioned earlier we have guides available which explain in more detail how get started with either Mainsail or Fluidd so please follow those steps if wanting install either to control your Klipper 3D printer.

Some recent printers come with a pre-installed Klipper for enhanced performance, one example of these printers is Kingroon KP3S Pro V2: a fast and reliable 3D printer that come that has linear rail guides on all axis which enables it to reach high speeds of 350mm/s. This saves you a lot of time without need to any additional hardware of software edits. You can start using Klipper and easily choose the best web interface that meets your needs.

if you chose to use Klipper or Octoprint you are one step away from using Obico for remote control and get benefit from the AI capabilities and see if it makes a difference to your operation. Even with marlin firmware you still have the ability to use the power of Obico by using Obico for Octoprint. And if you use Klipper you can use Obico for Klipper that allows you take control from anywhere in the world.

Obico: A Comprehensive Cloud-Based Solution

Obico is a dedicated cloud-based platform for 3D printing, offering a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features. It supports various printer models and firmware, making it a versatile option for both hobbyists and professionals. Obico uses AI detection and deep learning to compare images from a webcam stream of your printer to its database of failed print pictures, then rates your prints based on its findings.

Key features include:

Key Features of Obico

Easy Setup: Simplified process for setting up remote access with clear instructions and intuitive guides.

Multiple Printer Management: Manage multiple printers from a single dashboard, streamlining workflow and maximizing printer utilization.

Advanced Monitoring: Gain detailed insights into your printer's status, including temperature readings, filament usage, and print progress.

Notifications: Receive alerts when prints are complete, paused, or encounter errors, keeping you informed and in control.

AI Detection: Uses AI detection and deep learning to compare images from a webcam stream of your printer to its database of print fail pictures, rating your print based on its findings.

Remote Control: Control your printer remotely, including temperature settings, print bed leveling, and other essential functions.

Mobile App: Access all features of the browser-based app on the go with the mobile app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Compatibility: Works with various printer models and firmware, making it a versatile option for hobbyists and professionals.

Customizable Alerts: Set up automatic alerts or pause prints if a failure is detected, ensuring you can respond promptly to issues.

Time-Lapse Creation: Automatically creates time-lapse videos for each print, accessible from the app for viewing or downloading.

Intuitive Interface: User-friendly interface designed for ease of use, even for those new to 3D printing.

Secure Connection: Provides a secure connection to your printer, ensuring data privacy and protection.

Community Support: Access to a community of users for help, tips, and troubleshooting.

Continuous Updates: Regular updates and improvements to ensure compatibility with new printers and firmware versions.

Security Considerations for Remote Printing

Although remote printing presents numerous advantages, security should not be taken lightly. Below are some key points to consider:

Strong Passwords

Ensure that you have strong passwords for all your accounts used in remote access management including software associated with them.

Two-Factor Authentication

Additional level of security can be achieved by enabling two-factor authentication which requires verification besides just entering the password itself.

Secure Network

Connect your printer to a secure network with a strong password and firewall protection.

Regular Updates

Keep your software and firmware up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.

20- Limited Access

Grant only necessary permissions to users accessing your printer remotely.

 

FAQs

Q: What is remote access for 3D printers?

A: Remote access allows you to control and monitor your 3D printer from anywhere using a computer or mobile device connected to the internet. This enables you to start, pause, or cancel prints, adjust settings, and monitor progress remotely.

Q: How does remote access benefit 3D printing?

A: Remote access offers increased efficiency and convenience by allowing you to send print jobs at any time, reducing downtime by enabling early detection of print failures, and providing better monitoring and control over the printing process.

Q: Is remote access secure?

A: Remote access can be secure if proper security measures are in place. This includes using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, connecting to a secure network, and keeping software and firmware up to date.

Q: What are the differences between cloud-based and local network solutions for remote access?

A: Cloud-based solutions allow you to control your printer from anywhere with an internet connection but may raise privacy concerns. Local network solutions limit access to devices connected to the same network, providing greater control over data security.

Q: Can remote access help with collaboration on 3D printing projects?

A: Yes, remote access enables team collaboration by allowing multiple users to review and manage print jobs from different locations. This can be useful for educational purposes or when working on projects with remote team members.

Q: How do I choose the right remote access method for my 3D printer?

A: The best method depends on your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as complexity, security, features, and cost when choosing between cloud-based and local network solutions.

Q: Can I use remote access with any 3D printer firmware?

A: Yes, remote access solutions like OctoPrint, Mainsail, Fluidd, and Obico are compatible with various printer models and firmware, including Marlin and Klipper. However, some features may be firmware-specific.

Conclusion

Remote access to your 3D printer unlocks a world of possibilities, empowering you to print from anywhere, monitor progress in real-time, and collaborate with others on projects. Whether you choose a cloud-based solution like Obico, a local network interface like OctoPrint, Mainsail, or Fluidd. The benefits of remote access are undeniable. Embrace the power of remote 3D printing and take your creative endeavors to new heights.