‘OctoPrint’ web interface for 3D printer that allows you to control and monitor all aspects of your printer and print jobs from your browser.

Posted on by IE Contributor

OctoPrint is an open-source web interface for controlling and monitoring 3D printers. It enhances the functionality of a standard 3D printer by providing remote access, real-time monitoring, and extensive plugin support.

Key Features of OctoPrint

  1. Remote Access:
    • Control and monitor your 3D printer from a web browser.
    • Start, pause, stop prints, and manage print jobs remotely.
  2. File Management:
    • Upload, organize, and manage print files (e.g., G-code).
    • Slice files directly using integrated slicer plugins.
  3. Live Monitoring:
    • Stream real-time video of the print process with a connected webcam.
    • Monitor temperature, print progress, and other parameters.
  4. Timelapse Creation:
    • Automatically generate timelapse videos of completed prints.
  5. Plugin System:
    • Extend functionality using community-developed plugins for tasks like advanced monitoring, custom UIs, and integration with third-party services.
  6. Open Source:
    • Highly customizable and supports a wide range of printers.

Setup

To use OctoPrint, you typically install it on a small computer like a Raspberry Pi, often using the OctoPi image—a preconfigured OctoPrint installation for Raspberry Pi.

Hardware Requirements:

  • Raspberry Pi (e.g., 3B+, 4)
  • MicroSD card (16 GB or more)
  • Power supply for the Raspberry Pi
  • USB connection to your 3D printer
  • Optional: Webcam for live monitoring

Installation

  1. Download OctoPi:
  2. Flash SD Card:
  3. Configure Wi-Fi:
    • Edit the octopi-wpa-supplicant.txt file on the SD card to set your Wi-Fi credentials.
  4. Connect and Power Up:
    • Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi and connect it to your 3D printer.
  5. Access OctoPrint:
    • Open a web browser and navigate to the OctoPrint interface using the Raspberry Pi’s IP address.

Sample Workflow

  1. Upload G-code:
    • Drag and drop your G-code file into the OctoPrint interface.
  2. Start the Print:
    • Use the web interface to start the print job.
    • Monitor progress and adjust parameters (e.g., speed, temperature) as needed.
  3. Monitor via Webcam:
    • Watch the print in real-time and pause or cancel if any issues arise.
  4. Download Timelapse:
    • Retrieve the generated timelapse video of your print.

Popular Plugins

  1. OctoLapse:
    • Creates smooth, high-quality timelapse videos.
  2. Bed Visualizer:
    • Displays a 3D heatmap of your printer’s bed leveling.
  3. OctoEverywhere:
    • Enables secure remote access from anywhere.
  4. Telegram/Discord Notifications:
    • Sends print status updates via messaging platforms.

Sample Python Script for Controlling OctoPrint

If you want to interact programmatically with OctoPrint’s REST API, here’s a Python example:

pythonCopy codeimport requests

# OctoPrint API URL and API Key
OCTOPRINT_URL = "http://your-octoprint.local/api"
API_KEY = "your-api-key"

# Headers with API Key
headers = {"X-Api-Key": API_KEY}

# Start a print job
def start_print(file_name):
    url = f"{OCTOPRINT_URL}/files/local/{file_name}"
    response = requests.post(f"{url}/select", headers=headers)
    if response.ok:
        print(f"File {file_name} selected successfully.")
        response = requests.post(f"{OCTOPRINT_URL}/job", headers=headers, json={"command": "start"})
        if response.ok:
            print("Print started.")
        else:
            print("Failed to start print:", response.text)
    else:
        print("Failed to select file:", response.text)

# Example usage
start_print("example.gcode")

https://octoprint.org/