Editor's Pick: Detect 3D print job errors in real time

Printpal.io introduces PrintWatch, a new software app with an accompanying application programming interface (API) that monitors 3D print jobs in real time using artificial intelligence. 

The Chicago-based company says PrintWatch monitors a 3D printing job and takes action if it detects an error. The software tracks the error and if it gets worse, action is taken. The software might stop the print job, turn off the heating element in the 3D printer, and/or send an email to the job owner. 

Printpal.io says these actions prevent the printer from continuing to print a defective part, which may continue for hours if not stopped. Immediate notification allows the owner to fix the problem, as well as save time and money in wasted effort and material. In some cases, this can also prevent damage to the printer due to overheating. 

The company says PrintWatch includes Anomaly Detection System, a routine that not only detects operational errors but flags the nature of the anomaly. The system detects subtle issues that may only require routine maintenance such as print head alignment, or more serious problems. 

When a defect is positively identified, PrintWatch then starts tracking the defect to see how it develops. Image courtesy of Printpal.io.

To detect defects in real time, PrintWatch uses a video stream from a camera fixed onto the printer’s print area. The video is analyzed by a machine learning model, which the company says can detect various defect types. When a defect is positively identified, PrintWatch then starts tracking the defect to see how it develops. If it worsens, PrintWatch takes the actions described to keep the defect from increasing. Tracking this way also allows the PrintWatch system to prevent false-positive reports from triggering action. 

PrintWatch is computationally heavy, and runs on the Cloud. Any device with internet connectivity can access the PrintWatch API. The Cloud can be provided by a third-party service, or by a local computer as small as a Raspberry Pi Zero. PrintWatch is also compatible with OctoPrint, an online software utility for remote control and monitoring of 3D print jobs.  

The company says a locally running version of PrintWatch is being developed, enabling the user to run PrintWatch in-house without having to connect to the internet. PrintWatch is designed to run on CUDA-enabled devices, including the Nvidia Jetson platform. 

The company says PrintWatch is scalable, and can run any number of printers. 

PrintWatch is available directly from Printpal.io. 

A video of how PrintWatch works is available here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.