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Printer Compatibility

  • By Polar Cloud Academy
  • Published: Feb 21, 2023
  • Duration 5m
  • Difficulty Intermediate
  • Rating
    Average rating: 0 No reviews

Outline

Every 3D printer in the world has one of the following statuses, as it relates to their ability to connect to the Polar Cloud.

Understanding Compatibility

1. Native (from factory): These manufacturers have worked directly with the Polar Cloud to ensure the best possible experience for their customers who want to use Cloud printing. The printer ships to you with the proper software/firmware installed, all you have to do is enter your Username and PIN into the printer!
1. Native (after factory): These printers don't ship with the Polar Cloud software/firmware installed, but they are open source, and you can install it yourself.
3. Enabled via Octoprint (after-factory): These printers usually don't have the networking or processing power onboard in order to connect to the Polar Cloud on their own, and require tethering to an outside computer or processor (Nearby computer, Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, etc.)
4. Not Enabled: Unfortunately these printer manufacturers are closed-source and use a proprietary printing protocol, USB protocol, or other method to keep their users from enjoying cloud 3D printing.

Before Login

Once Signed In

Go to Make > Printers.

Click "+ ADD".

It is important to note that a printer is not actually added from this page on the Polar Cloud. This "ADD" Button launches a search wizard to help you find your printer, see if it is compatible, and then give you tailored instructions to add it".

Begin typing your printer make/model. When you find yours in the list, click the area.

Then, you'll see more information about your printer type!

1. Compatibility Status
2. Adding: Video Instructions
3. Adding: Website/Document Instructions

Custom Printer or Not Commercially Available?

If your printer is a custom built RepRap, or not commercially available - it is likely only able to connect to the Polar Cloud via the Octoprint plugin. If it is a new printer and has a capable processor and networking capabilities, we'd love to work with you to get it connected natively, without 3rd party electronics! Contact us and we'll get the ball rolling.