Full System Requirements
Have you read the compatibility checklist? If you still have questions, this page will help you understand the requirements for AutoFarm3D.
AutoFarm3D is the platform that runs your print farm 24/7. For maximum reliability, make sure to follow these system requirements as closely as possible. For any issues or help, please email us or connect with us on our Discord server.
3D Printer Requirements
3D Printer Hardware
AutoFarm3D is designed for FDM/FFF 3D printers. List of compatible printers.
Autofarm3D is primarily a print farm management software. You do not need to tilt your printers or have auto-ejection to use AutoFarm3D.
3D Printer Firmware
AutoFarm3D is fully compatible with Marlin 2 Firmware. The compatibility with Marlin 1 is not guaranteed due to several technical issues, so we highly recommend an update to Marlin 2 for smooth operations.
To verify your firmware version, refer to the "about printer" section on the LCD menu of your printer. For assistance, you can email us or connect with us on our Discord server.
The Prusa MK3S and MINI models are fully supported by AutoFarm3D. Just ensure to update these printers to Prusa's latest official firmware. Update here
However, AutoFarm3D does not currently support Klipper and RepRap firmware.
Bambu Lab 3D Printers
Bambu Lab X1C/P1P/P1S are now supported! A1 Mini and X1E will be supported soon as demand for these printers increases.
Mods & Upgrades
Although unmodified 3D printers are recommended for use with AutoFarm3D, the software is flexible enough to work with printers that have been modified or upgraded. However, these printers must run Marlin 2 firmware for compatibility. If you're unsure, please contact us.
List of Compatible Mods
- BL Touch
- CR Touch
- Extended X/Y/Z axis
- Dual Z
- Upgraded Extruder
- Upgraded Hotend
- Direct Drive Conversion
- Bowden Conversion
- Bed Cooling Fan
- Some motherboard upgrades (E.g. SKR Mini E3)
These are just the mods that have been tested and verified to work with AutoFarm3D. Essentially, as long as you're still running Marlin 2 firmware, you should be fine. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Internet Security and the Cloud
Internet Access
AutoFarm3D protects your data by storing and running print jobs completely onsite. It only requires internet access to verify users (account security) and to provide over-the-air software updates.
QuinlyVision failure detection sends images of your prints to the secure 3DQue server to check for print failures. 3DQue does not have access to or retain your images. If you do not want images of your prints sent to the cloud, please turn QuinlyVision off. Timelapse and live feed do not go to the cloud.
Remote Access is available through the unique 3DQue direct tunnel. Unlike other "tunnels", the 3DQue tunnel securely transfers data directly from the AutoFarm3D hub to your browser. 3DQue has no access to this data.
Completely offline, airgapped software is available
If you would like to run AutoFarm3D or QuinlyVision completely offline (local user verification, manual updates, and optional, local QuinlyVision AI processing), please contact us.
File Storage
Your files never leave your local network. They are stored locally on your hub, and are never uploaded to the cloud. This is perfect if you have sensitive files, or operate under an NDA
Nope! Your printers will keep printing. Since your files are stored locally on your Hubs, ongoing prints will not be disrupted even if your internet connection goes down.
Network Requirements
Wi-Fi Compatibility
While Wi-Fi connectivity is supported, we highly recommend ethernet for optimal reliability, especially for large scale operations. Print Farm Hubs purchased from our website come with a 10' ethernet cable for plug-and-play connectivity.
Compatibility with Wi-Fi Standards
- Print Farm hubs with 3DQue WiFi dongle, and Raspberry Pi 4 both support 2.4G and 5G Wifi
If you are operating within a corporate network, please reach out to the 3DQue support team for setup assistance. This includes universities, large businesses, secure facilities, and other institutions.
Network Speed
AutoFarm3D requires a stable network connection. 10Mbps download and 5Mbps upload speed is recommended for optimal performance (mainly for automatic updates and remote access). Check your speed here
Network Switches and Routers
If you're running multiple hubs with an ethernet connection, you may need to purchase a network switch. Network switches allow you to connect multiple hubs to your router using a single ethernet cable. This is useful if you have a lot of hubs and your router is far away. This means you can run a single, longer ethernet cable to your router, and use shorter cables to connect your hubs to the switch.
We recommend the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch. It is reliable, relatively inexpensive, and has 8 ports, which is enough for 7 hubs and 1 connection to your router.
For an infographic on how this all looks in practice, check out the networking guide.
Pi/Hub/USB Requirements
Webcam Compatibility
Webcam use is optional, however it greatly enhances your print monitoring capabilities.
- USB Webcams: Almost all USB webcams are compatible.
- Raspberry Pi Cam: If you're using a Raspberry Pi, you may connect a Raspberry Pi Camera instead of a USB webcam.
- IP cameras: IP cameras are not officially supported.
Your Hub needs at least 2GB of RAM to run a webcam reliably with AutoFarm3D. Our Print Farm Hubs come with 2GB of RAM. If you're using your own Rock64 or Raspberry Pi 4, you'll need to use a 2,4, or 8 GB model.
Maximum USB connections
How many USB connections can your device handle? These are our official recommendations. See the multi-printer control guide for more info.
- Print Farm Hub (Rock64 2GB)
- Raspberry Pi 4 2GB+
Standalone mode
- 2 Printers + 2 Webcams
- 4 Printers + 0 Webcams
Worker mode
- 2 Printers + 2 Webcams
- 4 Printers + 0 Webcams
Command mode
- Do not connect printers or webcams to command hubs
10 Bambu Lab printers per hub
Since Bambu Lab printers connect over network instead of USB cables, each Hub can handle up to 10 Bambu Lab printers!
Not sure what "Standalone", "Command", or "Worker" mode is? Check out the farm networking guide for more info.
USB Splitters
If you need more USB ports, you can expand your Pi/Hub with a powered USB splitter.
- Plug USB splitters into the blue USB-3 ports for faster data transfer.
- Plug in only 1 webcam per USB splitter to avoid overloading USB ports with data.
Please use an externally powered USB splitter that has it's own power supply. Print Farm Hubs and Raspberry Pis are not able to reliably supply power to more than 3 or 4 USB devices at a time.
Search for "Powered USB Hub", for example: https://www.amazon.com/Powered-Usb-Hub/s?k=Powered+Usb+Hub.
Power Requirements
Your Print Farm Hub needs a stable 3A 5V power supply and must be connected to a circuit with reliable power. The power supply bundled with our Print Farm Hub fully meets these requirements. We strongly recommend using an uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) to avoid disruptions.
If your Hub is on a circuit that is prone to power dips or surges, your Hub may reboot if the power dips. This can cause print failures and impede production. Power dips are usually caused by other high power devices on the same circuit, such as space heaters, air conditioners, kettles, etc.
If your Hub is on a circuit with other high power devices, we recommend moving it to a different circuit, or ideally, using an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).