Printrun

What Printrun is

Printrun is a free, open-source host suite for controlling 3D printers and managing print jobs. It includes Pronterface, a graphical host; Pronsole, an interactive command-line host; and Printcore, a standalone host for non-interactive G-Code jobs. Printrun connects to printers over serial or Ethernet and has also been used with CNC machines. Pronterface and Pronsole can control machines, slice objects from the host, print, upload to SD cards, and run prints from those cards. Pronterface can use Slic3r presets for in-host slicing, and setup instructions also cover Slic3r and Skeinforge. The interface can show temperature gauges or graphs, calibration or lightweight controls, and a 2D or 3D viewer, with tabbed or single-window layouts. STL and G-Code platers help position objects or combine sliced files, while macros and custom buttons can combine Python, shell, and G-Code commands. A part excluder can stop a failed object without stopping the rest of a multi-object plate. Printrun runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows under GNU GPL version 3, with development on GitHub. Its README provides installation and usage guidance, and GitHub issues are the route for support. Loading STL files requires a separate slicer such as Slic3r or Skeinforge, configured in settings.

Who it suits

Printrun suits users who want to control and monitor 3D printing workflows from Linux, macOS, or Windows, including users with serial or Ethernet connections. Its command-line and graphical hosts, configurable interface, platers, and custom automation can serve different working styles and print-job needs.

Limits

Loading STL files requires a slicing program such as Slic3r or Skeinforge, with its path added to settings. Printrun does not provide cloud slicing.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.pronterface.com/.
2. Choose the version for Linux, macOS, or Windows.
3. Consult the README for installation and usage instructions.
4. If loading STL files, install a slicer such as Slic3r or Skeinforge and add its path in settings.
5. Connect to the printer over serial or Ethernet and use the graphical or command-line host.

Verdict

Choose Printrun if you want a free host suite with multiple ways to control printers, organize jobs, and customize the interface. Look elsewhere if you need cloud slicing or want STL loading without configuring an external slicer.