Klipper
Introduction
Klipper is an open source custom firmware for 3d printers that allows for advanced printer control and customizations. Klipper provides a unique and powerful set of capabilities on top of the existing firmware. Klipper's advanced features include:
- G-code macros: Klipper can execute G-code macros, used for simplifying complex or repetitive tasks, and to create custom G-code programs for specific tasks.
- Variable layer heights: Klipper can dynamically adjust layer heights, allowing for better quality prints.
- Customizable printer settings: Klipper allows for customizing various printer settings, such as maximum acceleration, jerk, and Z-axis height.
- Enhanced bed leveling: Klipper's bed leveling routines are more sophisticated than the ones typically found in firmware, allowing for better print quality.
Note: Klipper is not compatible with all printer touch screens (eg. Neptune 3), so prints will have to be monitored through the web interface exclusively.
Installation
There are multiple ways to install and setup Klipper. For this tutorial, a tool called Kiauh is used. It is also assumed that a raspberry pi is used.
Requirements
- A Raspberry Pi or other linux machine that is connected to the printer via USB
Step 1 - Cloning the installation tool
SSH into your raspberry pi and clone Kiauh with the following commands.
cd ~
git clone https://github.com/th33xitus/kiauh.git
Run it with
./kiauh/kiauh.sh
Step 2 - Software installation
Follow the instructions on the interface to install the following in this order:
-
Klipper
-
Moonraker
-
Mainsail or Fluidd (Both are good choices, but Fluidd will be used for the rest of the tutorial )
Step 3 - Building the firmware
Back out into the main menu, and then navigate to "Advanced".
Choose the option "Build only" and follow the instructions for your printer if applicable, or find the architecture information online
Elegoo Neptune 3
Config by JerryNGM
- Micro-controller Architecture (STMicroelectronics STM32)
- Processor model (STM32F401)
- Bootloader offset (32KiB bootloader)
- Communication interface (Serial (on USART1 PA10/PA9))
Step 4 - Firmware installation
The tool will output a firmware file. Install this firmware according to your printer's instructions.
Elegoo Neptune 3
Note. This firmware currently does not utilize the Neptune 3's LCD screen, it will not work while this is installed.
-
Rename the file to
ZNP_ROBIN_NANO -
Move the file to an empty SD Card formatted as FAT32 4096
-
Turn off the printer
-
Insert the SD Card and boot the printer
Step 5 - Configuration
You should now be able to access Fluidd in a browser at the following address fluiddpi.local.
Now you need to setup the printer.cfg.
Open the "Configuration" tab on the left side and edit the config file. A preconfigured config file can be found online for most printers.
Elegoo Neptune 3
Step 6 - Calibration
The printer must now be calibrated.
Detailed calibration and configuration can be found in the klipper documentation
Calibrate probe offset
Calibrate PID
Calibrate rotation distance
Printing
The setup should now be completed. You can now set up the printer as a physical printer in a slicer like SuperSlicer for wireless printing if desired.