Online printing interface
I am not sure whether this is a new topic or whether this is the correct discussion for the question, but I am still testing the waters and trying to find a workable plan for me to enter into the 3D printing world. At the same time I am looking to help with a community shortcoming in terms of having access to play with the concept of 3D printing.
I am considering to get a printer set up and have it connected to an online interface so you can practically remotely (online) control the printer and follow progress via a camera. That way I hope to give the share the experience of playing around with 3D printing with people who would otherwise not be able to get such access. I am currently in Maputo and could not find anything like a lab anywhere withing reasonable distance.
I do not want it to be a print farm where you send your request and then receive back a finished product, but rather something in the line of renting the printer and playing around with it even if you are not physically there over the internet. So not a service provider so much as a learning opportunity.
I am really looking for some guidance though on several things as I myself don't know the first thing about the topic other than having seen a number of videos which just make me understand that I will have steep learning curve still.
Some of the things I am interested in is for example whether someone knows an easy way to share the printer online. Does an interface like that already exist?
Secondly, does anyone have hints on calculating running costs etc to ensure that I will not be unreasonable with prohibitive pricing on the one hand, but at the same time will be able to not run the setup at a loss or not be able to grow if I realise that the needs are more than what I would be able to offer with one printer.
Any other things which I have not even considered would obviously also be welcome.
RE: Online printing interface
3d printing is still very much a "physical presence" task. Have you considered that even with the remote access, you as the operator will still need to monitor the print itself (*especially* if you're "renting" to beginners) to make sure things don't go south on their own (blob of death) or the operator isn't doing something malicious. And you'll need to be on top of maintenance to ensure subsequent users don't have a bad experience because of either the way a previous user left the state of the printer or even normal wear/tear. Interesting idea, but seems very risky to me.
RE: Online printing interface
why not simply stream a web cam video as the current print progresses, so anyone interested can see it (or password protect it so only invited people can see it) and execute the prints from customer prepared files, that keeps your printer safe...
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Online printing interface
The solution exist already Octopi + Webcam + Any Octoprint web/app.
You can also setup access rights/controls.
Often linked posts:
Going small with MMU2
Real Multi Material
My prints on Instagram
RE: Online printing interface
why not simply stream a web cam video as the current print progresses, so anyone interested can see it (or password protect it so only invited people can see it) and execute the prints from customer prepared files, that keeps your printer safe...
regards Joan
Thank you for this advice. I guess just getting to know the printer will be a first step which will already help understand the options better.
RE: Online printing interface
3d printing is still very much a "physical presence" task. Have you considered that even with the remote access, you as the operator will still need to monitor the print itself (*especially* if you're "renting" to beginners) to make sure things don't go south on their own (blob of death) or the operator isn't doing something malicious. And you'll need to be on top of maintenance to ensure subsequent users don't have a bad experience because of either the way a previous user left the state of the printer or even normal wear/tear. Interesting idea, but seems very risky to me.
Thank you for your advice. I realise it is not that simple and straight forward. I wonder whether it would help to somewhat limit the amount of flexibility open to such users to stick to safer settings. In any case I guess it will take some planning and thinking before going live with something like this.
RE: Online printing interface
The solution exist already Octopi + Webcam + Any Octoprint web/app.
You can also setup access rights/controls.
This sounds like really great news. I was thinking that someone probably already went through the effort so I would not need to re-invent the wheel.
Could you recommend some information to help me get going or should I just google and start from there?
RE: Online printing interface
I didn't mention Octopi, because you may be opening your network up, to exploitation.
be careful with your security settings!!!
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Online printing interface
I didn't mention Octopi, because you may be opening your network up, to exploitation.
be careful with your security settings!!!
Joan
Ok, but do you know of any useful resources that could help with safely working my way through such a setup? Some kind of a guide which someone has done? I will have a look around as soon as I get time, but if you know of a good resource, I would love to hear about it.
RE: Online printing interface
You may get all the info you need regarding the Octoprint solution at https://octoprint.org/
And do not forget the guides linked here: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/octoprint-issues-and-tips/
RE: Online printing interface
You may get all the info you need regarding the Octoprint solution at https://octoprint.org/
And do not forget the guides linked here: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/octoprint-issues-and-tips/
Thank you very much, I have started looking into this. I guess with all the words of caution and the very limited time at my disposal this will take quite a while, but let's see where the road leads me.
RE: Online printing interface
If you have the capability, set up a DMZ on your router and have your RPi in there.
You will then be totally safe and still have access.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
RE: Online printing interface
Even I do agree as 3D printing is a process where you have be present after every hour so that you can check out whether the print coming is absolute or not. As you see there are many issues related to 3d printing while printing so going online is not an easy task till the time the printers are too much advanced and reliable.