What is OctoPrint?

Similar to the way that a car's dashboard offers access to the vehicle's controls, OctoPrint is the interface through which users access and control the MakerGear M series and Ultra One printers.

INTRODUCTION

Similar to the way that a car's dashboard offers access to the vehicle's controls, OctoPrint is the interface through which users access and control the MakerGear M3. By navigating to the printer's unique web address (e.g. "M3printer12345.local" or U1printer12345.local), users get total control of the printer using any web-browsing device. From this point, the majority of 3D printing needs — such as heating the printer, preparing files for single-material printing, monitoring print progress, as well as calibration and maintenance — can all be addressed without ever leaving the dashboard. 

 

If you want to delve into more specific ways of using OctoPrint with the MakerGear M3 or Ultra One, visit our OctoPrint articles to learn more.

 

Heating the printer

 

Once logged into OctoPrint, navigate to the temperature tab and select the temperature preset for your chosen material; for example, "Set PLA (215°C)" or "Set ABS (265°C)".

 

Preparing files for printing

 

When it comes to single-material 3D prints, M3 users do not require separate software to convert STL files into gCode filesand can prepare 3D files using OctoPrint's built-in slicer plugin.

 

Starting a print job

Once a gCode file has been added to the Files section of the Side Bar, simply click the printer-shaped icon within the file listing. The M3 must reach its target temperature before beginning a print job; if your printer does not immediately begin the print job, because it has not yet reached the target temperatures.

 

Monitoring print progress

 

M3 users can monitor the progress of their print jobs in several ways. The Side Bar displays print progress by comparing elapsed print time and total print time, which is then expressed as both a percentage of the job's completion (e.g. "95%") as well as a fraction of the data transmitted (e.g. "95KB / 100KB"

 

Additionally, M3 users can unlock remote monitoring capabilities by plugging a compatible camera into one of the four USB slots located on the rear of the M3's on-board computer. Once plugged in, the camera's live video feed will be visible from within the "Control" tab.