Remote 3D Printing - Easy and Reliable Solution

Use Cases for FlexiHub Remote 3D Printing

FlexiHub is the optimal solution for situations which require users to access a 3D printer which connects to remote computers.

• Engineering teams: Engineers working on prototypes can remotely access a 3D printer located in a lab or workshop and manage print jobs without being physically present.
• Distributed teams: Designers and engineers in different locations can share a 3D printer through a network and collaborate on hardware prototypes. The system functions in the same way as teams which virtualize USB and Serial devices to their cloud systems.
• Remote labs: Universities and research labs can provide remote access to 3D printers so students and researchers can run print jobs from their own devices — the same way organizations use FlexiHub for Android remote debugging and testing.

Advantages of Software for Remote 3d Printing

• Cross-platform support. You can share a 3D printer attached to a Windows machine and access it from a remote Mac or Linux, and vice versa.
• Secure connections. All communications established over the network with the help of FlexiHub are protected with advanced traffic encryption.
• Intuitive interface. The software is easy to install and use. It will let you share devices and access them remotely with just a couple of clicks.
• USB and COM port support. FlexiHub redirects both USB and serial (COM) port devices over the network, making it a fit for 3D printers that rely on a serial connection for communication, not just USB.

Open Source Solution - OctoPrint

OctoPrint is an open-source software solution that enables 3D printers to be controlled remotely. You will need to connect a Raspberry Pi to your printer to use the software, but it is well worth the effort for the functionality the app provides.

Use Cases for OctoPrint

OctoPrint is suitable for hobbyists and makers who want remote access to a 3D printer.

• Remote monitoring: You can check how prints are going or check how hot or cold your monitor is. You can also handle your printing from a website.
• DIY setups: Many people install OctoPrint on a Raspberry Pi that’s hooked up to a 3D printer.
• Maker projects: Hobbyists can run printers from a distance. Automating tasks is also possible with the help of OctoPrint plugins.

Advantages of OctoPrint

• Live Print Management: You can start, stop, or pause prints from anywhere.
• Motion Control: You can move the print head and extruders manually along all axes.
• Visual Supervision: You can watch your prints in real time using a webcam feed.

Remote 3D Printer Access with USB Network Gate

USB Network Gate lets a 3D printer plugged into one computer be used by other computers on the same network. It sends the USB connection over IP to let a remote computer or virtual machine access the printer. This makes 3D printer sharing easier and allows teams to work together on the same printer from different locations.

The ability to share multiple devices with multiple network users at a time as well as the support for USB devices of virtually any type is what sets USB Network Gate apart from much of other USB sharing software.

Use Cases for USB Network Gate

USB Network Gate is the perfect solution when several people need to use the same devices over a network.

• Print farms: Staff can set up 3D printer sharing so several USB printers can be used from different computers at the same time.
• Engineering labs: Teams can control shared hardware devices, including 3D printers, from any workstation.
• Virtual environments: You can send a 3D printer to a virtual machine like VMware or Hyper-V using the software.

Advantages of USB Network Gate

• Compatibility with virtualization software. USB Network Gate will easily redirect your 3D printer to VMware, VMware ESX, Citrix XenDesktop, or Microsoft Hyper-V guest OS.
• Working in RDP sessions. The software allows you to not only work with any local 3D printer in a remote session but also set your remote computer to automatically detect and connect to shared USB devices.
• USB device isolation in multi-user environment. With USB Network Gate you’ll be able to assign your 3D printer to a specific user while working in a multi-user environment of terminal servers.

How to Use USB Network Gate for Remote 3D Printing

1. Download USB Network Gate and install it on both the device server (a computer with the 3D printer connected) and the client machine that will access the equipment remotely.


2. On the server computer, launch the software, find the printer in the list of available devices, and hit "Share".


3. On the client side, find the 3D printer in the “Remote USB devices” window and click "Connect" next to it.

This is it! Starting from this moment, you’ll be able to access the full functionality of the remote USB printer without having it physically attached to your PC.