Abstract
RepRap 3-D printers and their derivatives using conventional firmware are limited by: 1) requiring technical knowledge, 2) poor resilience with unreliable hardware, and 3) poor integration in complicated systems. In this paper, a new control system called Franklin, for CNC machines in general and 3-D printers specifically, is presented that enables web-based three dimensional control of additive, subtractive and analytical tools from any Internet connected device. Franklin can be set up and controlled entirely from a web interface; it uses a custom protocol which allows it to continue printing when the connection is temporarily lost, and allows communication with scripts.
Highlights
RepRap 3-D printers and their derivatives using conventional firmware are limited by: 1) requiring technical knowledge, 2) poor resilience with unreliable hardware, and 3) poor integration in complicated systems
The views and conclusions contained are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of Air Force Research Laboratory or the U.S Government
general purpose input/output (GPIO) pins on a Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone Based on RepRap Firmware Adaptation of Grbl for 3-D printers Based on Marlin Runs on AVRs with low memory, such as Arduino Uno
Summary
Current firmware options (Table 1) use the same interface with the host, and suffer from two fundamental problems: 1) they are not robust and 2) they require a weak microcontroller to do significant work, limiting their functionality. Some firmware solve the latter challenge by requiring a more powerful microcontroller, which limits its applicability. The format is designed to be backwards compatible, so different firmware and hosts can work together This only works if new configurations are tested and validated, requiring many users to maintain a unique configuration. RepRap Firmware (fork by dc42) Marlin Repetier Teacup aprinter Smoothie Table 1: Current RepRap Firmware
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
