Fluidd for Klipper - A Detailed Overview

Introduction to Klipper

Klipper is a powerful 3D printer firmware known for its speed, flexibility, and advanced features. Unlike traditional firmware that runs directly on the printer's microcontroller, Klipper operates on a separate computer (usually a Raspberry Pi or SBC). This separation allows for more complex calculations and real-time control, leading to smoother printing and improved print quality.

However, Klipper itself can be challenging to configure and control directly through code editing and may require some technical knowledge. This is where Fluidd and other interfaces options come in.

Fluidd: The User-Friendly Face of Klipper

Fluidd bridges the gap between Klipper's powerful capabilities and user accessibility. It offers a web interface accessible from any device with a web browser, allowing you to:

Control your printer: Start, pause, resume, and cancel prints remotely and communicate with your 3D printer through the console.

Manage the printing files: Easily manage your printing files within Fluidd. Upload, organize, and keep track of your Gcode files.

Monitor print jobs: View real-time print progress including extruder temperatures, bed temperature, and estimated print time remaining.

Configure settings: Adjust printer settings, and Klipper configuration directly through the web interface.

Visualize prints: View a 2D representation of the print model with layer-by-layer progress.

Access Klipper logs: View and analyze logs to troubleshoot printing issues.

These features, along with a clean and intuitive interface, make Fluidd a valuable tool for both novice and experienced 3D printer users.

Additionally, Fluidd offers:

Multi-printer support: Manage and control multiple Klipper printers from a single Fluidd instance.

Plugin support: Extend functionality with various community-developed plugins and components.

Customization options: Personalize the Fluidd interface to suit your workflow. You can choose from pre-built themes or create your own custom theme to match your style.

In the next section, we'll delve deeper into the specific functionalities and features of Fluidd and options to understand how they can improve your 3D printing experience.

But before we get started, we have one more thing!

How to install Fluidd interface on your Klipper 3D printer?

Ensure you have the following:

• A Raspberry Pi (version 3 or later recommended)
• MicroSD card (minimum 8GB capacity)
• Power supply for your Raspberry Pi (3A for Raspberry Pi 4)
• USB cable for connecting the Raspberry Pi
• Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
• Or a Makerbased 3D printer with Klipper installed on it

Optional but Recommended:

• Raspberry Pi case
• Heatsinks and fan for active cooling

Installation Process:

There are four main approaches to installing Fluidd:

1. KIAUH:

KIAUH is a script that assists you in installing Klipper on a Linux operating system that has already been flashed to your Raspberry Pi's (or other SBC's) SD card and it is the recommended way to install Fluidd.

It streamlines the installation process and ensures a smooth setup experience. You can follow the installation process and technical data about KIAUH following this link.

2.  Docker:

If you’re familiar with Docker, you can choose to install Fluidd using Docker containers.

Docker provides isolation and portability, making it convenient for managing services.

3. Manual Installation:

For those who prefer more control, manual installation is an option.

Make sure you have NodeJS (v16.x) and Git installed. 

You can now follow these steps to build the Fluidd repository:

1. Clone the Fluidd source code: git clone https://github.com/fluidd-core/fluidd.git
2. Navigate to the Fluidd source code directory: cd fluidd
3. Install the dependencies: npm ci
4. Build and bundle Fluidd: npm run build

The built files will be written to the dist directory. You can serve these with your preferred HTTP server, for example NGINX.

FluiddPI (not recommended):

While available, FluiddPI is not the recommended method according to Fluidd documentation. As is not under active maintenance and there are reports from users finding issues while using it.

It’s best to explore other installation options for a smoother experience.

Printers with Fluidd Pre-installed

Fluidd comes pre-installed on some newer 3D printers such as the Kingroon KP1 and KP3S Pro V2. This means they are great options for anyone wanting to start using Klipper and Fluidd without having to set them up from scratch. If you are interested in knowing more about these machines or want to make a purchase, you can click here for the KP1 or here for the KP3S Pro V2 to see the data about them on the official Kingroon website.

Navigating Through the Menus

Fluidd's design mainly includes a side menu that lets you use different features, and a main dashboard with component that have sliding buttons for expanding and allow you keep an eye on your 3D printer. It also has a top bar for alerts and a few other choices. Let’s break the interface down to get you familiar with what you can do through the Fluidd interface:

The Fluidd’ side menu

The Fluidd side menu is a straightforward part of the Fluidd interface, featuring small icons that lead to various pages within Fluidd. These pages allow you to manage your 3D printer. Let's take a closer look at them:

1- Home Page

The main page of Klipper serves as the central hub for your 3D printer. Here, you’ll find the main dashboard, which comprises various smaller components which you can customize and plays a crucial role in controlling specific functions of your 3D printer.

1- The printing component

Within this component, you have the ability to pause or cancel your ongoing printing job. Additionally, it provides essential information about the print progress, including the percentage completed, filename, printing speed, flow rate, filament usage, layer height, estimated printing time, and the expected completion time.

2- The thermals component

In this part of the interface, you can keep an eye on your 3D printer’s temperature. It shows important details like the hotend temperature, bed temperature, and other relevant thermal data. But wait, there’s more! Fluidd also provides graphs that help you understand how the temperature changes over time. These visualizations make it easier for you to fine-tune your printing process.

3- The camera component

Through this component you can monitor the camera feed in real time, to keep an eye on your prints and make sure everything is going right remotely through any device. You can also switch from different cameras in case you have more than one. In the lower right corner, you can see the current FPS which is variable depending on your bandwidth capacity and settings.

4- The console

The console is like having a direct line of communication with your 3D printer’s brain. Here, you can interact directly with your 3D printer. It’s where you can send commands, receive responses, and troubleshoot any issues. Whether you’re fine-tuning settings or diagnosing problems, the console is your go-to place for technical interactions! 

5- The tool component

In this component you can control your 3D printer head movement in X and Y directions and you can adjust the Z distance while printing. This is very helpful to have this control in real time in case you have a problem in your first layer and you want to fine tune it. Through this component you also have the control on the speed, flow rate, pressure advance and smooth time. It also displays the current position of X,Y,Z in real time.

6- The Macros component

These are your 3D printer’s custom shortcuts. Imagine having little buttons that perform specific tasks with just one click! Within the Macros Component, you can create and manage these handy shortcuts. Bundle together a series of commands, like “start automatic bed leveling” or “cancel the print.” Once you’ve set up a macro, you can use it anytime. No more typing out long instructions! Macros are perfect for repetitive jobs, saving you time and effort. Since Fluidd and Klipper are open source, you can create your own custom macros.

7- Jobs component

Within the Jobs component, you can perform a variety of actions:

1. View Print History: Easily access a list of your past prints. This feature allows you to review recently printed jobs.
2. Sort Files: Organize your files based on their last print date.
3. Reprint files: If you need to reprint a file, you can do so directly from the print history.
4. Download, Edit, and Preview Gcode: Fluid enables you to download, edit, and preview the Gcode files.
5. Rename and Remove: Easily rename files within the interface. Additionally, if you no longer need a specific print job, you can remove it from the history.
6. Add to Queue and Filter: Manage your print queue effectively by adding new jobs or applying filters to streamline the process.

8- Job Queue component

Through this component you can add files to make a queue of the printing jobs. This will help you organize your files and achieve your production plane saving time and effort.

Note: This component is hidden by default and you can make it visible.

9- Bed mesh component

This component views you bed mesh leveling in 3D visualization, this help you better understand how your bed is leveled for better results and you can recalibrate the bed through this component.

10-  Gcode Preview

This component is very interesting as it shows you in real-time the current layer that your 3d printer is making in graphical simulation. Just click on “Load current file” and it will start. You can zoom in to see the details and you can explore other interesting features yourself!

11-  Fans and output component

In this component you can control the fan speed in percentage and the case lights. You can also make your 3D printer make a beep sound in different frequencies.  

2- The console

The second option in The Fluidd’ side menu is the console where you can directly communicate with your 3D printer and as we have previously discussed.

3- The G-code viewer

This is the third option in The Fluidd’ side menu. Where you can load the current file and preview the current layer in real time to monitor your print job as we have previously discussed in the G-code preview component.

4- Jobs

When you click on it. You will find a page includes the jobs component which we have previously discussed and you can access your history files.

5- History

This will open you the history page in fluidd interface where you can find the printer stats and a history with all your prints. The statics includes the successful and failed prints as well and includes: Total print jobs, longest job, total time, avg per print, total print time, avg per print, total filament used and avg per print.

6- Timelapse

This will open you a page with moonraker timelapse component which we have previously explained in details in this guide. Feel free to read it if you are interested in capturing awesome timelapse of your prints!

7- Tune menu

In this page you have access to the bed mesh component which we have previously explained and also bed mesh controls where you can control the mesh leveling settings and its visualization options. You have also the endstops status and the runout sensors.  

8- Configuration menu

This is very important page thought it you have the access to very important configuration files of your Klipper system. You have also the other files like Klippy.log file which contains very important information you will need in troubleshooting various common problems. You can use the search to get the required file you need and download it.

9- System

This page contains important data and information about your software and hardware system. And you can also download the Klippy.log and Moonraker.log flies which are useful in troubleshooting.

10- Settings

In this page you have the settings and options for configuring and customize your Fluidd interface from choosing the printer’s name to customize the timelapse options. Fluidd is flexible and customized that is why you will find here many options and solutions. Feel free to go through the menu and options and we may break these options down in another article.

FAQs

Q1: What is Klipper?
A1: Klipper is advanced 3D printer firmware that runs computations on a separate computer (like a Raspberry Pi) for enhanced speed, flexibility, and print quality.

Q2: How does Fluidd enhance Klipper's usability?
A2: Fluidd offers a user-friendly web interface for Klipper, allowing for easy control, file management, monitoring, and configuration of your 3D printer from any web browser.

Q3: What are the key features of Fluidd?
A3: Key features include remote printer control, file management, real-time print monitoring, configuration settings adjustment, 2D print visualization, Klipper log access, multi-printer support, plugin support, and customization options.

Q4: How can I install Fluidd on my Klipper 3D printer?
A4: You can install Fluidd using KIAUH, Docker, manual installation, or FluiddPI (not recommended). Each method requires a Raspberry Pi or makerbased 3D printer and internet connection, with KIAUH being the recommended installation method.

Q5: Can I manage multiple printers with Fluidd?
A5: Yes, Fluidd supports multi-printer management, allowing you to control several Klipper printers from a single Fluidd instance.

Q6: Are there any customization options in Fluidd?
A6: Yes, Fluidd allows for interface personalization with pre-built themes or custom themes, tailoring the experience to your preferences.

Conclusion

Fluidd is like a friendly translator between the Klipper firmware (which is powerful but a bit complicated) and your 3D printer. It provides a web interface that makes 3D printing easier. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Fluidd lets you control, manage, and monitor your printer from any device with a web browser. So, if you want to organize files, keep an eye on your prints, or tweak settings, Fluidd and Klipper have got you covered