In addition to software for the computer, all 3D printers also have software programmed into the hardware. This form of software is also known as firmware. It is the control software that is programmed into the motherboard of the 3D printer at the time of purchase. Nowadays it is possible to upgrade this firmware, but there are risks involved. Therefore, if your printer is working properly, we do not recommend that you upgrade your firmware. If something goes wrong during the update, the firmware will be invalid and your 3D printer may no longer work. So always be very accurate when upgrading the 3D printer firmware. If your printer has quality problems, check whether these can be solved by calibrating your 3D printer or by fine-tuning certain settings.
There are a number of cases where it is useful to upgrade your 3D printer software. This is quite a drastic change, so research the options carefully before you start. If necessary, you can hire a professional for this. A firmware upgrade can offer a solution in some cases:
The 3D printer crashes at high print speeds. Your printer freezes when you print at high speed. This problem is more common with Delta printers and CoreXY printers. It is useful in this case to upgrade your firmware. You may also need to upgrade your controller board.
The firmware does not support certain functions. You may want to upgrade your 3D printer by adding automatic bed levelling or even a second extruder. However, if these features are not supported by your firmware, or if adjusting these settings is very complex, switching to a simpler firmware may be a good idea.
The controller board is not supported by the firmware. Do you want to upgrade the controller board of your 3D printer, but the replacement board is not supported by your firmware? Then you are forced to switch firmware.
In connection with hardware upgrades It is possible for various types of hardware that it no longer communicates with the firmware after the upgrade. This communication error can also occur with, for example, other extruders, stepper motors, bed level sensors or expansion of the print bed dimensions. As soon as this hardware does not communicate with the 3D printer software, an upgrade is inevitable.
Have you decided to upgrade the 3D printer software? Check out our firmware page to go through the steps involved in this process.
There are several companies that offer complete motherboards with specific software. You can often also get updates for the 3D printer software through these manufacturers. For example, the English company Duet3D offers software updates for their hardware on Github. In addition, Arduino offers minitronics, megatronics and ultratronics, for example, and you can contact Arduino for updates. If you want to replace your motherboard or make your own 3D printer, take a look at our 3D printer electronics page.
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