Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted · Print job data from other user

Hello

I have some questions about the connectivity from Ultimaker to a pc network. There ist a network of user pc's and an Ultimaker 3. I want to install Ultimaker Cura on every pc in the network.So every user can print his own parts on this Ultimaker. My problem is that i want to know who is printing and how much material this person use. So i can manage the material usage. I have read this morning very much about plugins, Ultimaker Cura Connect and OctoPrint. But i don't really know which is the easiest way to generate this informations. I thought about a plugin, which send messages to an email or write the data in a local text-file. It seems that Ultimaker Cura Connect can't access to print history and that OctoPrint isn't easy connectible with Ultimaker 3. Is there an easy way or a plugin or something else?

Thank you very much

MarkusW

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Print job data from other user

    This may not be the answer you are looking for, but the following method is extremely simple and it works well in an ethical environment with capable people.

     

    Put a logbook and balance next to the printer(s), and require each user to weight his printed objects (including any waste), and let them write that down in the logbook. This is similar to the logbooks used for expensive equipment such as electron microscopes in universities.

     

    Columns in the logbook could include: username; date; time of starting the print; time of finishing; material brand, material type (e.g. PLA, PET,...); color; weight of used material (including any waste, supports, skirts,...); which printer was used (if multiple); remarks/feedback. Do not forget a column for feedback and remarks, this is very useful. The logbook has to be filled in when starting a print, so that when a print is running, and you notice something is odd, you can immediately identify and contact the appropriate user, without first having to start up your computer, make a connection, and search through lots of files.

     

    If required, you could then write this info into an Excel spreadsheet, to automatically calculate costs based on material brand, amount, printing time, fixed costs, etc.

     

    If the users typically make long prints, and they need to plan ahead, a list for reservations for the coming weeks could also be usefull. Also similar to electron microscopes or other big equipment in universities, where projects need to be planned ahead.

     

    Logbooks are a very common practice in universities, research labs, for any expensive equipment use, parts shops, chemical plants, in lots of other industries, aircraft, ships, etc... So most people are going to be familiar with it anyway. It is a low-tech, very simple, fast, and very stable solution.

     

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
    • Our picks

      • Help Us Improve Cura – Join the Ultimaker Research Program
        🚀 Help Shape the Future of Cura and Digital Factory – Join Our Power User Research Program!
        We’re looking for active users of Cura and Digital Factory — across professional and educational use cases — to help us improve the next generation of our tools.
        Our Power User Research Program kicks off with a quick 15-minute interview to learn about your setup and workflows. If selected, you’ll be invited into a small group of users who get early access to features and help us shape the future of 3D printing software.

        🧪 What to Expect:
        A short 15-minute kickoff interview to help us get to know you If selected, bi-monthly research sessions (15–30 minutes) where we’ll test features, review workflows, or gather feedback Occasional invites to try out early prototypes or vote on upcoming improvements
        🎁 What You’ll Get:
         
        Selected participants receive a free 1-year Studio or Classroom license Early access to new features and tools A direct voice in what we build next
        👉 Interested? Please fill out this quick form
        Your feedback helps us make Cura Cloud more powerful, more intuitive, and more aligned with how you actually print and manage your workflow.
        Thanks for being part of the community,

        — The Ultimaker Software Team
        • 0 replies
      • Cura 5.10 stable released!
        The full stable release of Cura 5.10 has arrived, and it brings support for the new Ultimaker S8, as well as new materials and profiles for previously supported UltiMaker printers. Additionally, you can now control your models in Cura using a 3D SpaceMouse and more!
          • Like
        • 18 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...