3D Printing

Intro

ME310's 3D printers are setup for in-loft local wireless network access.

Instead of putting your 3D print file (gcode) on a microSD/SD card and then inserting the memory card into the 3D printer, you can wirelessly send the file to the respective printer's Octoprint server. Octoprint very conveniently allows you (as the operator) to perform all control and monitoring tasks related to your 3D print job via a web interface. For example:

• not having to mess with microSD/SD memory card handling,

  • nor the alternative: needing to have your own computer continuously connected to the 3D printer, tied up running software to manage the printing job during its entire duration,

• not needing to be physically at the printer to setup/initiate print jobs 

  • 1. • be able to visually monitor and control the printer's operation via wireless network anywhere in the loft.

In-Loft WiFi Network Access:

Use the following WiFi network parameters to connect and access the in-loft 3D printer network.

• SSID= IIIP

• passphrase= ME310Printer

Octoprint/OctoPi 3D Print Servers

Each of the ME310 3D printers has its own Octoprint/OctoPi printer server. The server has a web interface from which to receive your print job's GCode file(s) and then also enable you to control / monitor your 3D printing process.

Web Interface:

After connecting to the 3D printer wireless network, use the following URLs to access the respective Octoprint/OctoPi 3D printer server:

• (not available) Printer 1 (MPSelectMini): http://192.168.10.181/

• Printer 2 (MPSelectMini): http://192.168.10.182/

• Printer 3 (CrealityEnder3Pro): http://192.168.10.183/

• Printer 4 (CrealityEnder3Pro): http://192.168.10.184/

• (not available) Printer 5 (CrealityEnder3Pro): http://192.168.10.185/ or  http://192.168.10.191/ (wifi)

1. Before going further, make sure the printer is turned ON.

2. Upon reaching the respective Octoprint/Octopi server's web page, a login screen will request user login information for access. Use:

   • login=ME310Student passwd=PetersonLoft

3. If the status display of Octoprint/OctoPi's USB serial connection to 3D printer is showing (at upper left corner of web page) it needs to be connected, click on the corresponding "[Connect]" button. Upon successful connection, the connection pane will fold up and hide itself.

4. Upload your gcode files by clicking on the "[Upload]" button at bottom of "Files" pane (near bottom left of web page). Follow usual web procedure for selecting and uploading your desired 3D print gcode file.

5. The "Files" pane will update and display a listing that now includes your uploaded gcode file.

6. Make sure the 3D printer is prep'd and ready to begin print {i.e,, cleaned, filament loaded, bed leveled, ...}

7. To begin the print job, click on the "Load & Print" icon button (furthest on the right in row of icon buttons) just below your gcode file -- as listed in the "Files" pane.

   • 3D printer will then begin the print job.