Printing
Printing process can be started and managed in three different ways:
• connected to a PC (using Repetier Host)
◦ Pros
▪ real time monitoring of temperatures graphs
▪ almost real time visualization of the layer being printed
◦ Cons
▪ PC can't be turned off
▪ If PC has not enough power, some software packages may slow down or even stop the printing process
▪ Very long prints may be stopped/lost due to unscheduled events (ie.: nightly antivirus update requesting
immediate reboot)
▪ Print is lost if someone unplugs USB connection
• printing thru SD card
◦ Pros
▪ printing unharmed by communication issues
▪ maximum printing speed, being free from USB slowdowns
▪ No PC is tethered
▪ No networking issues
◦ Cons
▪ less visual managing tools (if there is no USB connection)
• Using a print server (i.e.: Raspberry PI)
◦ Pros
▪ remote management (wifi or ethernet)
▪ one printer can be shared by several users
▪ printer can be controlled with any browser on any device
▪ integrated webcam control
▪ if the network goes down the printer will keep running
▪ very low cost
◦ Cons
▪ system setup not suited to the casual user
24