3D Printer Firmware for Beginner: How to Choose & How to Set it Up

Building your own 3D printer may not actually be as difficult as you imagine. But first, you need to understand what "firmware" is.

A 3D printer is mainly composed of three parts: hardware, software, and firmware. Firmware acts like a bridge between the software and hardware, running on the printer's mainboard to manage all real-time activities of the machine.

The 3D printer works by interpreting G-code files, and it's the firmware that processes these code files, allowing the machine to recognize corresponding signals and control printing by managing stepper motors, heaters, sensors, displays, and more.

In this article, we'll introduce common 3D printer firmware, including their features, compatibility, and usage requirements. Finally, we'll explain the specific steps for modifying Marlin firmware. We hope this article will provide users with a clear understanding of firmware and equip them with the necessary knowledge to modify firmware when upgrading printer functionality or replacing the mainboard.

Common 3D Printing Firmware: Marlin, Klipper, Prusa, Repetier td {white-space:nowrap;border:1px solid #dee0e3;font-size:10pt;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;vertical-align:middle;word-break:normal;word-wrap:normal;} Fireware Marlin Klipper Prusa Repetier Key Features Diverse Machine Support, highly compatible, widely used, frequently updated Allows printing at higher speeds, OctoPrint compatibility, precise stepper motor movement, well documented Clean and easy to use, well documented, open source Excellent documentation, Compatible with Duet-based boards, Optimized for use with Repetier-Host, easy to customize

Compatibility Virtually every 8-bit or 32-bit controller boards Atmel ATmega-based & ARM-based microcontrollers, Beaglebone PRU-based printers Einsy Rambo board A range of 8-bit boards, plus RADDS (RepRap Arduino-Due Driver Shield) Requirements Arduino IDE Raspberry Pi Prusa 3D printer Arduino IDE Marlin

Marlin, initiated in 2011, stands as one of the most renowned and commonly used firmware options for 3D printers. It's an open-source firmware continually evolving through updates. Creality has consistently opted for Marlin as the firmware for its 3D printers over the years, producing several high-quality models (like the popular Ender series printers—Ender-3, Ender-3 V2, Ender-3 S1, S1 Pro, among others), learning many lessons and gaining experiences along the way. This all culminates in SE, capable of reaching a suggested maximum print speed of 180 mm/s (up to 250 mm/s), approximately 3 times faster than the average highest speed of most other Marlin printers.

Marlin, originating from Sprinter and GRBL firmware, combines the strengths of its predecessors. It's an open-source hybrid based on Arduino, offering high levels of customization and robust community support.

There are two versions: one for 8-bit boards and another for 32-bit boards. The 32-bit version provides enhanced and updated features, making it the recommended choice for those seeking more customization options.

Presently, Marlin firmware stands as the most widely used. For beginners, starting with this firmware significantly reduces the entry barrier to DIY machines.

Klipper

Klipper firmware represents the next generation of 3D printing firmware, written in Python and offering richer functionality. It is also open-source and free. Unlike Marlin firmware, which relies on the 3D printer's mainboard for both computation and execution, Klipper firmware separates computation and control. Computation is handled by a host computer, such as a Raspberry Pi development board, while control is managed by the printer's mainboard.

One of Klipper's main highlights is its ability to achieve precise control of stepper motor movements, ensuring machine stability even at faster 3D printing speeds. Its unique pressure compensation feature reduces nozzle oozing by compensating for pressure inside the nozzle, while resonance suppression reduces system vibrations and minimizes surface artifacts on printed models.

Creality has released its high-speed printer series from 2023, including the Ender series (Ender-3 V3, V3 Plus , V3 KE ) and the flagship series (K1, K1 MAX , K1C ). These printers are powered by "Creality OS" firmware, which is built on the robust Klipper framework. "Creality OS" has significantly increased the print speed of Creality printers from the typical 100-150 mm/s range to an impressive 300 mm/s. In addition, the maximum print speed has increased to an impressive 500-600 mm/s, representing a significant leap in print speed and overall performance.

If you already have a certain level of expertise or wish to explore cutting-edge firmware options, Klipper is an excellent choice. Its greater scalability allows for the implementation of various functionalities to meet diverse requirements across different scenarios.

Prusa Prusa's firmware, a modified version of Marlin, is customized for Prusa 3D printers to optimize printing and improve the user experience. It's designed exclusively for Prusa printers, ensuring seamless compatibility with the hardware.

Though limited to Prusa machines, it boasts neat features and regular updates, setting industry standards for quality and innovation. As an open-source and free firmware, it promises continuous improvement.

Repetier Repetier firmware is an Arduino-based RepRap 3D printer firmware developed by the same team behind the popular Repetier Host software. Due to their shared development background, these two components seamlessly integrate and complement each other's functionalities. Users can swiftly configure their machines using Repetier's online configuration tool tailored to their specific needs.

Moreover, Repetier firmware offers high levels of customization. With Repetier's firmware configuration tool, users can effortlessly input specific requirements and customize a plethora of parameters. Like Marlin and Klipper, Repetier firmware is also open-source and free, available for direct download.

Although this firmware has been around for quite some time, its popularity is nowhere near that of Marlin, and it lacks the standout features of Klipper. As a result, it is gradually losing its edge and fading into obscurity.

How to Edit/ Configure Marlin Firmware

Things to prepare to change your 3D Printer's Marlin Firmware: A computer : the same one for your 3D printing workflow; Arduino IDE : downloadable for free from Arduino's website, essential for viewing, editing, and uploading firmware; USB Cable : connect your PC to the printer, depending on its port type; Firmware File : obtained from relevant sources, depending on your preferences; Printer-specific information : including the number of steps of the stepper motor, the maximum stroke, etc. Here uses the most basic 3D printer motherboard Ramps1.4+Mega2560+4988 driver.

The main steps to change your 3D Printer firmware as follows: Connect the computer to the motherboard via a USB data cable. At this time, the port number of the motherboard will appear in our "Device Manager" - "Port (COM and PT)". Here we assume it is "COM1". Write it down first. Will be used below.

Use Arduino IDE software to open marlin.ino and switch to Configuration.h to view and modify the file. Marlin firmware is written in C language. What follows "//" is a comment statement. Remember not to use Chinese when modifying it yourself, otherwise the code will be garbled. Generally, users only need to change some parameters in the Configuration.h file.

In the "Tools" section of the Arduino IDE menu bar, select the 3D printer controller board processor (select Arduino Mega2560), and ensure that the COM port is configured correctly (here it refers to COM1).

When finished, click the "Tick" icon in the upper left corner. This will start the compilation process. Once the firmware compilation is complete, you will receive a "Compile Completed" message. In this way, the firmware is successfully uploaded to the 3D printer.

Here are all information about Firmware we offer for you, hope it is useful and helpful.

3D Printer Firmware for Beginner: How to Choose & How to Set it Up

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