LabView Instrument Driver for 3D Printer with Marlin Firmware

Developed by Nicholas Barth, Summer 2019

Description:

A 3D printer running Marlin Firmware can be used as a generic XYZ motion controller for your experimental needs through the use of a LabVIEW Instrument Driver. An Instrument Driver is a set of sub VI's that allows someone to quickly and easily build a VI using the instrument. Also included in the Instrument Driver are examples that can be used to either learn how to use the Instrument Driver, or the entire example can be used as your VI for your experiment.

Download:

Download the Marlin Instrument Driver for LabVIEW here:

Download Marlin Instrument Driver

Getting Started:

Below is a guide to installing, configuring and using the Marlin Instrument Driver for LabVIEW.

Installation:

Install "Marlin" instrument driver
- Download (from course wiki or NI website)
- Unzip
- Place folder in "instr.lib" folder in LabVIEW installation folder
  - Something like "C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW 2017\instr.lib"

Configuration:

Open example VI named "Marlin XYZ Controller.vi"
- Option A: Open the VI in *\instr.lib\Marlin\Examples

- Option B: Navigate to the example in the LabVIEW example finder
  - With LabVIEW open go to Help>Find Examples… to open the example finder

- - Navigate to Hardware Input and Output > Instrument Drivers > LabVIEW Plug and Play

- - Then open "Marlin XYZ Controller.vi"

Select the correct COM port.
- With the 3D printer plugged into the computer through USB, use the "VISA resource name" selector to select a COM port

- Starting with the highest number is recommended

Run the VI
- Run the VI

- If Marlin controller reboots the LCD on the printer went to the boot-up screen for few seconds, you selected the correct COM port.

- If nothing happened and the printer stayed on the ready screen, press the stop button on the front panel (not the abort execution next to the run continuously button)
  - Then select a new COM port and try again.

Using the Example

Use the example
- Press arrow buttons to move the head (1)
  - Adjust speed and distance (2)
- Enter an arbitrary G-Code Command (3)

Detailed LabView Marlin Driver Documentation

Printer Adapter Mount Instructions