3d printing

TinkerCAD and AstroPrint, Together at Last!

AstroPrint Staff

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.

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AstroPrint Launches Cura 3 Slicing Functionality in the AstroPrint Cloud

AstroPrint Staff

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.

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Print your queues with your 3D Printer

New App! Create & Modify STL’s with the Leopoly APP

AstroPrint Staff

The Free Leopoly APP is now available on the AstroPrint APP Store. If you are not familiar, Leopoly is a well-known tool designed to make 3D design super simple – especially if you are not too familiar with common CAD software. If you don’t have the time to crawl over steep learning curves prevalent in popular CAD software like SolidWorks, Blender etc., you should find the

If you don’t have the time to crawl over steep learning curves prevalent in popular CAD software like SolidWorks, Blender etc., you should find the

If you don’t have the time to crawl over steep learning curves prevalent in popular CAD software like SolidWorks, Blender etc., you should find the Leopoly APP to be quite handy – especially in importing and modifying your STL files directly inside your AstroPrint cloud account.

LEOPOLY 3D Design APP on AstroPrint

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AstroPrint or OctoPrint? OctoPrint alternatives

Choosing Which 3D Printing Software to Use: OctoPrint or AstroPrint?

AstroPrint Staff

New guidelines are available in the learning center

Introduction

All 3D printers need host software to function. Host software is responsible for sending the actual commands to the 3D printer that tell the printer how to build an object. Most host software communicates with the printer via a wired USB connection. For most 3D printers, a computer running the host software must stay connected to the 3D printer at all times during use.

An increasing number of 3D printer operators are looking for ways to use their 3D printers remotely. Wireless 3D printing has a number of advantages over the traditional wired setup:

  • The 3D printer can be placed away from the operator’s work area, which reduces disruptive noises and smells generated by all 3D printers.
  • Reducing the number of cords provides a cleaner setup.
  • The 3D printer can be operated and monitored with a phone or tablet that is not normally capable of running host software.
  • Sharing a 3D printer is easier as it does not require sharing the connected computer.
  • The 3D printer can be operated from anywhere in the world over the internet.

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Accelerating universal access to 3D Printing

AstroPrint Staff

“Modern technology is creating a society of such complex diversity and richness that most people have a greater range of personal choice, wider experience and a more highly developed sense of self-worth than ever before. For the first time, the common man has the opportunity to establish his own identity, to determine who he will be.” -Buckminster Fuller (1970)

3D Printing may not yet be ubiquitous in consumer homes, but that day is approaching fast.

However, we have a bit of a problem with mass adoption of 3D Printing: it’s not such a pleasant experience for the average non-techie consumer.

Meaning, at the moment, the software required to operate these 3D Printers is incredibly complicated and unreliable.

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