Question 1

Why should I use 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons why you might choose to use 3DPrinterOS as your 3D printing management software:
Remote control and monitoring: 3DPrinterOS allows you to control and monitor your 3D printers remotely, which can be especially useful if you have multiple printers in different locations.
File management: The software allows you to upload and store 3D models in the cloud and access them from any device, which can be very useful if you share files with team members or work on them remotely.
Machine management: 3DPrinterOS allows you to connect to and control multiple 3D printers from one central location, which can help you to manage and monitor your printers more efficiently.
User management: The software allows for creating user accounts and a set of permissions for different users, which can be helpful if you manage access to your printers and files.
3D model preparation: The software includes tools for preparing 3D models for printing, such as orientation, scaling, and support generation, which can save you time and improve the quality of your prints.
Cloud slicer: 3DPrinterOS has a built-in slicer that allows users to prepare 3D models for printing by generating G-code, which is quicker than doing it locally, and you don't need to download any software.
Toolpath view: The software allows users to view the toolpath generated by the slicer, which can help ensure that the 3D print will succeed.
Quick to implement and easy to use: 3DPrinterOS is designed to be easy to implement and use, which can help you to increase the efficiency of your 3D printing program and utilize your 3D printers to a greater extent.
Scalability: The software is designed to scale your business, meaning you can add as many printers and users as you need without any overhead.
In summary, 3DPrinterOS is a comprehensive solution that can help you to streamline your 3D printing processes, manage your printers more effectively, and improve the efficiency and quality of your prints.

Question 2

Where is 3DPrinterOS based?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS (a solution by 3D Control Systems, Inc) is based in the United States, California. It was founded in 2014 and has been providing its cloud-based software for 3D printer management to various customers worldwide. The company's mission is to help businesses, institutions, and individuals to unlock the full potential of their 3D printing with its easy-to-use, secure, and scalable software.

Question 3

What problems does 3DPrinterOS help me solve?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS is a 3D printing management software that can help you to solve a variety of problems related to managing and controlling 3D printers, including: remote control and monitoring, file management, 3D printer management, user management, 3D model preparation, cloud slicing, 3D printer fleet management, and easy scalability.

Question 4

What platforms does 3DPrinterOS support?

Accepted Answer

The top-level answer is Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. The next level answer is anything that can get a print job onto our platform - any device with a browser.

Question 5

What is 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

An easy-to-use cloud-based 3D printing management platform for managing files, machines, and users across your organization.

Question 6

What is the largest site 3DPrinterOS can run on?

Accepted Answer

We haven’t yet found the edge of our universe. The largest site has tens of thousands of users. Many sites have hundreds of 3D printers spread across multiple physical locations.

Question 7

What does 3DPrinterOS do? What problems does 3DPrinterOS solve for me?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS is a software application that helps organizations manage their 3D printing processes. It helps to: save and track filament, improve security, save the system administrator's time, encourage end-users to improve 3D printing behavior - that's just the beginning; it does so much more. Discover how 3DPrinterOS can help support your organization by reaching out to us.

Question 8

What does it mean to be a vendor agnostic/vendor neutral solution?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS is vendor agnostic/neutral, which means we endeavor to support as many operating systems, platforms, and devices as possible. This position is part of our core development philosophy and ensures you have a choice. This means you can change 3D printer brands, etc., with minimal impact on 3DPrinterOS and its core features. A vendor-neutral approach does not mean that all embedded offerings are created equal. We rely on the quality and feature set of the underlying device's firmware and supporting SDK used to create our software. In this regard, some manufacturers can claim better integration and a fuller feature set, thereby setting their devices apart. In every case, we strive to supply the very best user experience with the device.

Question 9

What are the standard cost savings with 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS has proven to increase the utilization of 3D printers by more than 500% for some of our customers. In addition to that, our platform reduces headcount and overhead. Your staff doesn't need to run around with SD cards, fill out excel sheets and send out emails. 3DPrinterOS automates that process and makes it more efficient.

Question 10

What 3D printers are supported by 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS supports a wide range of 3D printers from different manufacturers, including popular models from companies such as Ultimaker, MakerBot, LulzBot, FlashForge, and many more.
In addition, the software is compatible with both FDM and SLA 3D printers.
Learn more about the supported 3D printers here: https://www.3dprinteros.com/supported-3d-printers

Question 11

How long does it take to get up and running?

Accepted Answer

This all depends on how complex you make your configuration!
At its simplest form, 3DPrinterOS can be installed and set up in minutes, and you can immediately start benefiting from reporting and essential print quotas or permissions.

Question 12

How does 3DPrinterOS work?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS is a cloud-based 3D printing management platform that allows users to manage and control 3D printers users, and the printing processes remotely.
The software connects to 3D printers via a network connection and provides a user-friendly interface for managing and controlling the printers.
The platform includes a range of features for managing files, machines, and users, including:

File management: Allows users to upload and store 3D models in the cloud and access them from any device.
3D printer management: Allows users to connect to and control multiple 3D printers from one central location.
User management: Allows for creating user accounts and setting permissions for different users in multiple groups.
3D model preparation: Includes tools for preparing 3D models for printing, such as orientation, scaling, and analyzing issues.
Cloud slicer: A built-in slicer that allows users to prepare 3D models for 3D printing by generating a G-code.
Toolpath preview: Allows users to view the toolpath generated by the slicer.
Printer and user management: Includes tools for managing multiple printers and users, including monitoring printer status and controlling print jobs.
The software is designed to be easy to use and implement, which allows for increasing the efficiency of your 3D printing program and setting-up printers faster.
With 3DPrinterOS, users can streamline their 3D printing processes and manage their printers more effectively, with the ability to monitor and control their printers remotely and access their 3D models from any device.

Question 13

But I don't want to "charge" my users?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinteROS is a flexible solution and can be deployed with several configurations ranging from “silent monitoring” to a complete user-pays environment.
Most organizations do not use 3DPrinterOS to “charge” their users.
In an education-based organization, 3DPrinterOS is often used to restrict users to a sensible quota/budget - for example, $10.00 a week or 10 hours a day of 3D printing hours.
In a business, 3DPrinterOS can track statistics or bill to accounts/departments.

Question 14

Can you provide me with a quotation?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!
Please reach out to us, so we can understand more about your organization and define the cost - https://www.3dprinteros.com/#contact_form

Question 15

Can you integrate SSO with 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

We support SAML, Shibboleth, Google, Microsoft, Okta, Incommon Federation, etc.
We have even integrated custom SSO configurations. Reach out to us to learn more.

Question 16

Can you charge and bill users with 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have built extensive functionality to automate this process, and we even have integrations with Papercut, CBORD, and Stripe. Reach out to us to learn more.

Question 17

What are workgroups in 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

A workgroup is an easy way to grant access to a group 3D printers for multiple users.

An admin can add multiple users, multiple printers and select the 3D printer access type for the workgroup (Can Queue or Can Print).

You can find more information on how to do that here:

https://3dprinteros.helpdocs.io/3dpos-organizations/workgroups-in-3-dprinter-os-divide-and-rule

Question 18

What are the capabilities of 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS is a cloud-based platform for managing and monitoring 3D printing. Some of the key capabilities of 3DPrinterOS include the following:
Multi-Printer Management: You can manage multiple 3D printers from a single 3DPrinterOS account.
Cloud Storage: You can store your 3D models in the cloud and access them from anywhere with an internet connection.
Remote Printing: You can print your 3D models from anywhere, even if your printer is in a different location.
Slicing: 3DPrinterOS has an integrated slicer that generates the G-code necessary to print your 3D models. You can also use custom slicing profiles.
Video Monitoring: You can connect a webcam to your 3D printer and monitor the print process in real time through the 3DPrinterOS interface.
Print Queue Management: You can manage a queue of print jobs and monitor the progress of each job in real-time.
User Management: You can have unlimited users and control access to your printers and print jobs.
Integrations: 3DPrinterOS integrates with popular CAD software, allowing you to directly transfer 3D models from your CAD software to 3DPrinterOS for printing.
These are some of the critical capabilities of 3DPrinterOS. The specific features and capabilities may vary depending on your chosen plan.

Question 19

What 3D printers do we support?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS supports a wide range of 3D printers from various manufacturers, including:
Makerbot
Ultimaker
FlashForge
LulzBot
Prusa
Robo
Dremel
Zortrax
Formlabs
And many more
To see the full list of supported 3D printers, you can visit the "Supported 3D Printers" section of the 3DPrinterOS website.
Additionally, if your 3D printer is not currently supported, you can contact the 3DPrinterOS team to request support for your specific printer. We are constantly adding new 3D printers to our list.

Question 20

How to manage 3D printers in 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

In 3DPrinterOS, you can manage your 3D printers using the following steps:
Connect your 3D printer to your computer and add it to your 3DPrinterOS account.
Once your 3D printer is added, you can manage it by selecting it from the "Printers" tab on the left-hand menu.
From the "Printers" tab, you can view your printer status, send print jobs, and adjust your printer settings.
You can also view your printer history, which shows your past print jobs and their status.
If you have multiple 3D printers, you can create groups to organize them based on location or other criteria.
You can also manage your 3D printing materials, such as filament, from the "Printer Settings".
Here, you can track, define the color, and adjust material settings.
In addition, you can access 3DPrinterOS's cloud platform to upload, slice, and prepare your 3D models for printing.
Overall, 3DPrinterOS provides a comprehensive platform for managing your 3D printers and 3D printing workflow.

Question 21

How to join an organization (Company, University, Workgroup)

Accepted Answer

Please follow the walkthrough below:

https://3dprinteros.helpdocs.io/3dpos-organizations/how-to-join-your-organization-company-university-workgroup

Question 22

How to connect an Ultimaker 3, S3, S5 to 3DPrinterOS

Accepted Answer

Please follow the walkthrough below:

https://3dprinteros.helpdocs.io/3dpos-basics/how-to-connect-ultimaker-3-to-your-account

Question 23

How to charge users in 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

Please follow the walkthrough below:

https://3dprinteros.helpdocs.io/3dpos-organizations/prints-payments-in-3-dprinter-os

Question 24

How do I print from the cloud?

Accepted Answer

To print from the cloud using 3DPrinterOS, follow these steps:
Log in to your 3DPrinterOS account.
Navigate to the "Files" tab and upload the 3D model you want to print to your 3DPrinterOS cloud account.
Once the model is uploaded, click the "Print" button to start the print process.
Choose the printer you want to use from the available printers connected to your 3DPrinterOS account.
Configure the print settings, such as the print quality, material, and infill, as desired.
Click the "Print" button to start the print process. The print job will be sent to the selected printer and executed.
Monitor the progress of the print job using the 3DPrinterOS web interface. You can also receive notifications on the status of your print job via email or mobile app.
Note: To print from the cloud, your 3D printer must be connected to your local network and have an active internet connection.
If you encounter any issues, consult the 3DPrinterOS support documentation or contact the support team for assistance.

Question 25

How do I create slicing profiles?

Accepted Answer

To create slicing profiles in 3DPrinterOS, follow these steps:
Log in to your 3DPrinterOS account.
Navigate to the "Printers" tab and select the printer you want to create the slicing profile for.
Go to the "Slicer Settings" section.
Configure the slicing settings such as layer height, infill, support structures, and more.
The newly created profile will be available in the dropdown menu when you print a 3D model in the future.
Note: The available slicing settings may vary depending on the slicer engine used in 3DPrinterOS.
If you need help with the specific settings for your printer, consult the 3DPrinterOS support documentation or contact the support team for assistance.

Question 26

How do I create an account with 3DPrinterOS?

Accepted Answer

To create an account with 3DPrinterOS, follow these steps:
Visit the 3DPrinterOS website.
Click on the "Sign Up" button on the top right corner of the page.
Enter your email address and password, and choose the type of account you want to create (e.g., personal, educational, or business).
Read and accept the terms of service and privacy policy.
Click the "Sign Up" button to complete the registration process.
Verify your email address by clicking the confirmation link sent to the email you provided.
Log in to your 3DPrinterOS account using the email address and password you just created.
That's it! You now have a 3DPrinterOS account and can start adding printers and managing your 3D printing projects.

Question 27

How can I connect my webcam for video monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Here are the general steps to connect your webcam for video monitoring:
Connect your webcam to your PC or a Raspberry Pi and select the correct camera from the Printer Settings found next to the three dots of each machine in https://cloud.3dprinteros.com/#/printers
The camera settings are only available when the printer is online.

Question 28

How do I connect my 3D printer?

Accepted Answer

To connect your 3D printer, you can use a cloud-based 3D printing software like 3DPrinterOS.
Here are the steps to connect your 3D printer using this platform:
Go to the Printers page.
Click Add Printer.
Click Add Printers & the Waiting for connection list will appear.
Select your 3D printer from the list of available printers.
Voila! Your 3D Printer has appeared on the Printers page with the Idle status.
It is important to note that the steps for connecting your 3D printer may vary depending on the software and hardware you are using.
Make sure to read the instructions provided by your specific 3D printing software and printer to ensure that you are properly connected and ready to print.

Question 29

Where is my data stored?

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS is hosted on Microsoft Azure but can be deployed on other environments like AWS, Google Cloud, local servers, etc.

Question 30

Is 3DPrinterOS a secure solution? My environment is extremely restrictive, and we can't run anything that isn't totally airtight!

Accepted Answer

3DPrinterOS can be deployed directly on the company's internal servers (on-premise) or to the company's private cloud (Microsoft Azure, Google Drive, AWS, etc.)..... 3DPrinterOS works by encrypting the g-code or STL as it's being sent from the cloud to the Cloud Client situated on the secure local network.

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