Best configuration for an industrial/production environment 3D Print Server
Hello Repetier Team,
in the company that i work for, we use aroung 10+ Prusa 3D Printers. We would like to implement a 3D Print Server in order the get more functionality and productivity out of our prototyping process. Prototyping some of our components is a crucial part in our product development stage, for industrial and production standards, we do not really trust in raspberry pi´s to implement such important systems. In your experience, what would you recommend in order to get the most stable Repetier-Server configuration for around 10 printers and 10 webcams? i am planning to use maybe an HP Z4 G4 Workstation (or a Precision 5820) with added PCIe USB Cards in order to get all devices connected into one system. But i don´t know if that is the best option to go for it. Due the lack of Ethernet connection on the Prusa´s MK3 we are probably attached to USB connectivity for the project. The use of multiple computers is also an option. Expandability options for the future would be great to have and another important thing is that the roadmap of the Repetier Team has as well plans for new releseases and features in the upcoming times. That would be also great.
We are now testing the Pro-Version functionalities, and we are very sattisfied with them. We are going to purchase the Pro-Version as soon as we finished the planning on the server configuration. That´s why i wanted to write you before, maybe you could help us with a recommendation or tips.
Thank you very much in advance.
in the company that i work for, we use aroung 10+ Prusa 3D Printers. We would like to implement a 3D Print Server in order the get more functionality and productivity out of our prototyping process. Prototyping some of our components is a crucial part in our product development stage, for industrial and production standards, we do not really trust in raspberry pi´s to implement such important systems. In your experience, what would you recommend in order to get the most stable Repetier-Server configuration for around 10 printers and 10 webcams? i am planning to use maybe an HP Z4 G4 Workstation (or a Precision 5820) with added PCIe USB Cards in order to get all devices connected into one system. But i don´t know if that is the best option to go for it. Due the lack of Ethernet connection on the Prusa´s MK3 we are probably attached to USB connectivity for the project. The use of multiple computers is also an option. Expandability options for the future would be great to have and another important thing is that the roadmap of the Repetier Team has as well plans for new releseases and features in the upcoming times. That would be also great.
We are now testing the Pro-Version functionalities, and we are very sattisfied with them. We are going to purchase the Pro-Version as soon as we finished the planning on the server configuration. That´s why i wanted to write you before, maybe you could help us with a recommendation or tips.
Thank you very much in advance.
Comments
The two setups are at different physical locations and the Repetier Server Monitor is awesome in showing all 6 at once (I use dataplicity for the remote URL as both are behind CG-NAT and no accessible IP). The RPi also hosts a docker for Home Assistant that controls the TP-Link KASA KP115 plugs and Bluetooth Temp sensors. In addition, the RS API feeds the printer data to HA. So I can quickly see all the details in one spot. In fact, RS through the use of the built in features triggers the KP115 via the HA API as well.
I have no noticeable issue running 3 printers and 2 webcams with time lapse. If I stupidly upgrade the Docker image during printing, the USB does slow down and the printer head stops waiting commands; while the RPi extracts the image. I started with the stock RPI RS image with 1.0.4 and then upgraded to the 1.0.5 beta, 1.1.0 and finally onto 1.1.2 and all went well.
I am exploring the idea of using a SFF computer like a Dell/HP/etc to better handle additional cameras; it would be nice to have 2 cameras per printer :-). I am just not sure how to get a 7" touchscreen setup like the RPi image has.