VERSION 3.0 (OMEGA 3) OF ASTROPRINT IS NOW LIVE!
Over the last year we have released more new features and enhancements than ever before! If you haven’t tried AstroPrint in a while, we welcome you to log in and check out all the new stuff!
Technical Announcements
TinkerCAD and AstroPrint, Together at Last!
We’re happy to announce the AstroPrint integration with Tinkercad is finally live! This has been one of the most requested features on the AstroPrint platform from schools, students, and STEM teachers! And now it’s here!
The Basics
This gives students the ability to do EVERYTHING from 3D model creation => 3D Printing, in the CLOUD. Tinkercad allows them to 3D design in the cloud, and AstroPrint manages 3D Printing of those designs in the cloud.
Tinkercad users can now export their 3D designs directly into their AstroPrint account, right from Tinkercad. Of course, they can then start the 3D Printing process from within AstroPrint.
AstroPrint Launches Cura 3 Slicing Functionality in the AstroPrint Cloud
AstroPrint ❤️’s Cura 3
First and foremost, we would like to thank Ultimaker & the Cura Open Source Community for creating and open sourcing this slicing engine!
Cura 3 functionality (more specifically, Cura Slicing Engine v3.6.0) is now integrated into the AstroPrint Cloud! (a week BEFORE Ultimaker is expected to launch it in the new Ultimaker Cloud!)
This means that AstroPrint users can now choose Cura 3.6.0 as their base slicing engine for all of their prints. Also, 3D Printer Manufacturers can now choose Cura 3.6.0 as the default slicing engine for all of their customers that use the AstroPrint software platform.
How to upload GCODE (and X3G) files on AstroPrint — Even if you use Simplify3D, CURA OR any other slicer! 🤔
The AstroPrint Cloud Slicer uses CURA engine for slicing and generating GCODE files — but, here’s the thing: You can use ANY slicer you want (like CURA or Simplify3D) and STILL take advantage of all the other incredible features AstroPrint has to offer, like: Remote Monitoring, and Print Queuing.
As long as you have a AstroPrint Compatible 3D Printer — your workflow will be a LOT easier (and fun!) REGARDLESS of whether you choose to use our cloud slicer or not.
Speaking of slicing…
One of the most requested features of AstroPrint has been — the ability to upload GCODE files directly via the AstroPrint Cloud.
Until now, pre-sliced GCODE and X3G files could only be uploaded locally via the AstroBox Gateway.
I say “Until Now” because…
You can now upload pre-sliced GCODE (and X3G) files via the Design Library app on the AstroPrint Cloud.
3 Benefits of AstroPrint OEM Dashboard
If phone and computer manufacturers can make software upgrades over-the-air, why 3D printer manufacturers can’t?
From AstroPrint OEM dashboard you can now control all software aspects of your 3D printer line, getting three main benefits from it:
1. Better Quality Prints
For most 3D printers today, users have to tinker until they find the proper slicer settings. Or, they have to download recommended slicer settings to make their own printer profiles. AstroPrint has solved this issue, allowing manufacturers control their slicer settings in a centralized way.
AstroBoxTouch: New Customization Levels for 3D Printer Manufacturers
Many 3D printer manufacturers are preinstalling AstroPrint software in their printers. Just like Lenovo preinstalls Windows in computers, or Samsung preinstalls Android in phones.
Our goal at AstroPrint is to help manufacturers make smart 3D printers, replacing their antiquated software. But each printer is different and as a manufacturer, you want software tailored for your printers. This is why we are giving you more and more flexibility to customize Astrobox software to meet the specific needs of your Hardware:
Branding
Thingiverse and Myminifactory now in AstroBoxTouch!
Can you imagine accessing millions of 3D printable models right from your printer controller?
Stop dreaming…that’s now possible. In our fight against software mediocrity, we have integrated the most popular model repository websites in our touchscreen controller, as user-friendly apps!
How to access OctoPrint over The Internet with AstroPrint (from anywhere!)
TL;DR: We made a OctoPrint plugin that connects your OctoPi to the AstroPrint cloud.
Introduction
Many people (incorrectly) believe that AstroPrint is a competitor to OctoPrint.
This is a misunderstanding.
While the original open source AstroBox Gateway started out as a fork of OctoPrint back in 2014, our focus has veered off so far that OctoPrint is no longer comparable to AstroPrint.
AstroPrint’s primary goal is to build a simplified cloud ecosystem for 3D Printing and make it accessible to the general (non-technical) consumer.
The AstroPrint cloud ecosystem includes a full-fledged line of cross-platform Mobile and Desktop apps along with an API that allows any developer to reach tens of thousands of Desktop 3D Printer owners around the world.
In short, our users tend to be non-technical folks interested in managing and monitoring their 3D Printer from any device with minimal hassle.
Conversely, OctoPrint users tend to be technically savvy with a heavy interest in open source software and using their printer strictly on their local network. (more…)
Toy Maker: An easy way for children to print toys (and learn 3D Printing) at home
A case study in 3D Printable content delivery
Most people are aware that AstroPrint is a robust cloud platform for managing and monitoring Desktop 3D Printer(s).
What many don’t realize is that AstroPrint is also a very efficient content delivery platform for 3D Printable content.
It is one of the best ways for designers and developers to reach Desktop 3D Printer owners around the world.
In fact, AstroPrint is PERFECT for content distribution.
AstroPrint’s content delivery infrastructure is a bit like Google Play, except, instead of smartphones, our focus is Desktop 3D Printers.
Anyone can use the AstroPrint API to reach thousands of Desktop 3D Printer owners worldwide.
The Toy maker app is a real world example of how content delivery can work on AstroPrint.
Rotate, Scale, and Print your designs with AstroPrint Desktop
I’d like to officially introduce you to our latest creation.
Please welcome, AstroPrint Desktop.
AstroPrint Desktop is a cross-platform, cloud-enabled Desktop app that allows you to manipulate and print designs locally and via the cloud.
AstroPrint Desktop allows you to print to your 3D Printer via USB without needing an AstroBox Gateway.
Meanwhile, if you are an existing AstroPrint user, AstroPrint Desktop will extend your capabilities even further and make your workflow much more pleasant.
Sticking to our goal in making 3D Printing accessible to more and more people, AstroPrint Desktop is another pillar in the master plan.