Setup JobOx on Prusa MK3

This guidance refers to JobOx v1.5 (current version). For guidance for JobOx v1 (legacy version shipped before March 2024) please follow this link.

 

This guidance shows step by step how to setup all components to run with JobOx v1.5 on MK3. In this section you will do following:

  • Check if any settings on your 3D printer needs to be adjusted.
  • Download and run a self-test-GCODE on your 3D printer to get sure that everything works.
  • Download and install custom profile for your slicer.
  • Learn how to run continuous printing using JobOx on Prusa MK3.

 

Setup your Printer

  1. Turn ON collision detection and DO NOT use the stealth mode
    Why is this important? [ read here... ]

    Before operating with JobOx system, please open the configuration menu of your Prusa MK3 printer and make sure that the Collision detection is turned ON and the Stealth mode is turned OFF (to Normal mode). This is very important step which should prevent your 3D Printer from getting damaged by accident. We tested the Jobox system running thousands of cycles optimizing uncountable technical details of hardware and software. However, it is a 100% passive machine and we can’t rule out that malfunction will occur. Collision detection of your Prusa 3D Printer is the best way to minimize the harm of such accidents and should not be disregarded. Here you can read how to set the Crash detection and the Stealth mode settings.

  2. Setup Z-Offset when using JOBOX build plates.
    Why is this important? [ read here... ]

    Your Prusa printers Z-Offset needs to be calibrated to the certain type of Buliding plates that are loaded into the magazine. It is highly recommended to not mixing different types of buliding plates in one magazine.
    Tipp: You can setup a Steel sheet profiles for JobOx build plate on your Prusa Printer to be able switching the Z-offset setting more comfortable. Here you can find a guidance how to setup a „Steel sheet profiles“ on your Prusa printer.

  3. Set mesh bed leveling settings to 7x7 points at 5 measurements each.
    Why is this important? [ read here... ]

    Accuracy of the first layer adhesion is probably the most important but also error prone phase of a 3D printing. To improve the accuracy of the first layer adhesion we highly recommend using options for the most precise measurement during the mesh bed leveling (Mesh: 7x7; Z-probe nr.:5). Here you can find a guidance how to setup a „mesh bed leveling settings“ on your Prusa printer.

 

Run the test G-code file

This self-test will make your Printer performing a dry-run making sure that everything is assembled correctly and ready for your printing jobs.

To perform this test, your JobOx should be assembled, docked to your Prusa MK3 printer,  and build plates should be loaded into the JobOx magazine. If all this steps are done let's test it with the ox-test.

  1. Download the file JobOx_self-test_MK3.gcode.
  2. Copy this test-file to the SD card.
  3. Insert the SD card into your Prusa MK3 printer and run the test-file.

Your printer will now perform the load and ejecting routine. This will be done step by step going through multiple phases. After each phase you need to check if everything worked well and confirm (by pressing the LCD knob) to start the next phase.

Please note: some of the components shown below may look different than those of your JobOx system, but function the same.

 

Phase 1: Hook the spring sheet

In this phase the printer moves to the home position. Heat bed moves towards the magazine. The hooks of the build plate in the magazine should hook into the first slots of the JobOx heat bed cover.

Press rotary knob on you Prusa MK3 to "Start phase 1".

 

Phase 2: Pulling the build plate out of magazine

In this phase the heat bed will continue moving back and forth. Build plate hooks into the second slot of the bed cover and is now almost completely pulled out of the magazine.

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 2".

 

Phase 3: Snap to magnetic heat bed

In this phase the heat bed moves towards the magazine while the hooks of the build plate is sliding over the aluminum cover. When the hooks reach the edge they slip down and the plate snaps to the magnets of the heat bed.

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 3".

 

Phase 4: Printing area test

In this phase we simulate the printing process moving the build plate to the limits of maximal allowed printing area. During this movement the hooks of the build plate will touch the seesaw of the ejecting ramp, however the ejecting mechanism may NOT be triggered by this movement. The build plate should NOT be lifted by the ramp (like you will see later in phase 7) and remain entirely on the heat bed. 

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 4".

 

Phase 5: Mesh-leveling test

In this phase your printer performs the mesh-bed leveling calibration and returns to the start position.

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 5".

 

Phase 6: Cooling fan shroud collision test

In this phase the extruder moves in a line close over the printing surface. In a regular setup the cooling fan shroud should not touching/colliding the upper part of the build plate hooks.

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 6".

 

Phase 7: Triggering the ejecting process and lifting the plate

In this phase the heat bed moves to it physical limit towards the ejecting ramp. The hooks of the build plate snaps into the seesaw and triggers the ejecting  process. The heat bed moves towards the magazine and the build plate become lifted over the heat bed on one side.

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 7".

 

Phase 8: Sliding down the build plate

In this phase the bad moves back and forth lifting the build plate and sliding it down from the heat bed. At the end of this phase, the build plate should be almost completely ejected.

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 8".

 

Phase 9: Finishing the ejecting of the build plate

In this last phase of the sequence the ejected build plate should completely leave the heat bed and stay on the ramp (or slide down, depending on the setup).

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 9". 

 

Phase 10: Speed run

In this final test you printer will repeat all the previous steps without any interruptions. This test-run will perform 8 loading and ejecting sequences. If you don't own 8 build plates, please put the ejected plates back to the magazine to not run out of plates during this test.

Press rotary knob to "Start phase 10".

If speed-run phase was performed without any issues, please continue with the next Chapter and setup your slicer.

 

Setup slicer profile

When using Prusa MK3 Printer with the JobOx system you will need to download a dedicated profile for you slicer and add it to your presets. Please select you slicer in the list below and follow the instructions.

Why is this important? [ read here...]

There are few specifications that needs to be met in order to be able using JobOx system. The build space needs to be reduced at least by 6 mm in the Y direction. This results in maximal building area of 250 x 204 mm. Furthermore there is a need of adding a dedicated GCODE as a start- and end-sequence. This sequences will load a build plate before the print starts and ejecting the build plate when it ends. The following profile presets will allow you set these margins and additional GCODE sequences in your slicer presets in the most comfortable way - by installing it as a new (additional) printer profile.We highly recommend using these profiles, because they already contain the margins for the adjusted “safe” printing area. This will preserve the heat bed from going too far in the Y-Direction and collide with the magazine unit or accidentally unload the Build Plate in the middle of the printing process. This could not only be frustrating, because the print would be interrupted without any chance to be continued. But also this also could damage parts of your printer or JobOx system.

Please note: our profiles are built on the base of Prusa MK3 default printer profile. We adjusted the building space dimensions and added the JobOx sequences for loading and ejecting of the Build Plates as a START- and END-GCODE. Other then that all settings are left as default and can be modified. So if you are an experienced user and have already used a modified printer profile, please feel free to adjust the JobOx profile after the import, so it can meet you specific needs.

 

Prusa slicer and super slicer profile

Prusa-slicer-profile_MK3_JobOx1-5_v01-07.ini

Please note, this file contains only a regular profiles for 0.4mm nozzle. If you need profile for different nozzle diameters or MMU, please scroll down to "Custom slicer profile" chapter.

How to install profile on Prusa Slicer [ read here... ]
  1. Download the profile (see above) 
  2. Open Prusa Slicer (or SuperSlicer)
  3. Go to File > Import configuration collection
  4. Navigate to ini-file downloaded in step 1
  5. Confirm popup
  6. Select one of the JobOx profiles in the "Printer:" dropdown

 

Cura slicer profiles

Cura-profile_JobOx_204mm_v01-01.3mf

How to install profile on CURA Slicer [read here...]
  1. Download both CURA profile(s) / see above
  2. Open Ultimaker Cura Slicer
  3. Go to “Open File”
  4. Navigate to the direction, where you downloaded profile (see step 1)
  5. Select the profile
  6. Click “Open as project”
  7. Make sure to select “Create new” in the following popup window
  8. Confirm it by clicking the “Open” button
  9. Select the new profiles in the "Preset printers" dropdown

 

 

Custom slicer profile

If you are using a different slicer or need a custom profile (eg. for MMU or different nozzle size than 0.4) please read here how you can create/adjust a profile for JobOx on Prusa MK3 manually.  

 

Using Profiles

After installing you will find a new profile in your printer list called "JobOx MK3S - 204mm (v...)". Please use this profile while slicing files for printing with JobOx system. You can modify this profile to make it fit your needs. 

After you have setup your slicer, continue with our automation section to learn how you can print multiple files in a row automatically.

 

Setup automation

This section will explain how to setup an automated continuous printing on JobOx for Prusa MK3. 

There are few different ways how to setup and run an automation process on a JobOx system. Some of them are entirely software based, other requires additional hardware.

The simplest way starting with automation process is by using our inhouse browser based application jobox.app which works online and offline. This method is entirely software based and no additional hardware is needed.

All other methods requires third party hardware or software. Each of them has it strength and weaknesses compared to jobox.app and the choice of a best suitable solution should be met individually based on a certain use case. We are introducing these methods as possible options, however we are not affiliated with any of these service providers or product retailers.

Collapsible content

Jobox.app (software based / free / open source)

Jobox.app is a browser based application which takes multiple GCODE files and merge them together into one single file. The operation is very simple.

  1. Navigate to jobox.app
  2. Click on “Choose File” and select one of your GCODE files
  3. You can increase the “Repeats” number to print one GCODE multiple times
  4. If you need some more files, you can add more lines to the list by clicking on “+ Add file”
  5. Lines can be sorted by drag-n-drop…
  6. and removed using the button on the right.
  7. You will notice that each line indicates the size of the loaded file …
  8. There is a scale underneath the list, showing the estimated size of the combined file. It needs to be kept in mind, because the total file size should not exceed 450 MB. Bigger files cannot be loaded by Prusa MK3s.
  9. Enter a name for your compilation file (if empty an automatic name will be generated).
  10. Clicking on “Merge files” will combine the files into a one single output file and start the download. The output file can be found in the download directory of your browser.



Using on MK4 with Firmware 5.1+

We got some reports from our users claiming that their MK4 just stops printing on random places when printing with GCODE exported by jobox.app. Our online research showed, that this seems to be a global issue which occurs randomly when printing with classic GCODE. However, this bug seems not affecting BGCODE. We hope this issue will be fixed in the next firmware update from Prusa. For now we can recommend two possible workarounds:

  1. Downgrade to Firmware 5.0 (maybe 4.9 when issue remains). This is the last firmware not showing this issue.
  2. Unfortunately jobox.app can not process BGCODE files. But you can use a built-in converter of your Prusa Slicer to overcome this. After merging you regular GCODEs in jobox.app just return to your Prusa Slicer, and click on  "File > Convert > Convert ASCII G-code to binary > select your merged GCODE file". This will generate a BGCODE file and save it in the same directory as your GCODE. This BGCODE should work flawlessly and also the size will be significantly reduced.

 

 

Data security and privacy

We care about your data security and privacy and that’s why the jobox.app is designed in a way, that your files never leave your computer and are processed locally (on your computer by a technique called JavaScript), even if the user interface runs in a browser.

By the way, you don’t even need internet connection for using jobox.app. You can save it locally and use offline.

Learn how ...
  1. Navigate to jobox.app
  2. Right click somewhere on the white space to open a website menu
  3. Click on “Save as” or “Save page as”
  4. Select the place where the page should be saved,
  5. Make sure to select “HTML only” as a “File type” option and click “Save”.
  6. Now instead navigating to www.jobox.app you can just double-click on this file and using the full functionality offline.

 

Octoprint (hardware based / free / open source)

OctoPrint is an open source 3D printer controller application, which provides a web interface for the connected printers. It displays printers' status and key parameters and allows user to schedule prints and remotely control the printer. The main advantage of OctoPrint is its ability to operate remotely and there is a huge amount of different plugins like "Continuous Print" introduced in this section. However to run OctoPrint additional hardware is required. In most cases a Raspberry Pi is used but there are also few alternatives. This guidance will only explain how to use JobOx with an existing OctoPrint setup and is aimed at users who already familiar with this system. If you are interested in learn more about OctoPrint in general, please visit octoprint.org.

  1. Click on the wrench icon in the upper right 
  2. On the left side select Plugin Manager tab and then click on „+ Get More“ in the upper right
  3. Click on „Search“
  4. Enter „Continuous Print“ and then „Install“ 
  5. After the installation is finished click („Done!“ appears in the last log line) and a popup appears, click  „Restart now“
  6. Confirm by clicking "Proceed"
  7. After the Raspberry Pi is restarted, click on „Reload now“ 
  8. Click on the wrench icon in the upper right again
  9. Select „Continuous Print“ tab in the plugins section (left side), than click on "Profiles" tab. Select Profile Prusa, i3 MK3S+ and choose some name (e.g. JobOx 01).
  10. Now choose „Scripts & Preprocessors“ tab. Click on the edit-icon of the „Bed Clearing“ line
  11. Remove GCODE lines starting with "M18..." and "@pause..." like shown on screenshots 
  12. Confirm by clicking „Done“ 
  13. Select the tab "Behavior" set „Upload Action“ to „Do nothing“ confirm by pressing „Save“ 
  14. Click on menu icon of Continuous Print in the upper right area and press „+ New Job“ 
  15. Add your GCODES using „+“ and confirm by pressing „Save“. To start the queue press „Start Managing“.
  16. Please note, all GCODES in the queue must be created using a JobOx slicer profile. Otherwise loading and ejecting Puild Plate will not work. 

Karmen 3D (hardware based / free)

Karmen Logo

Karmen3D is a third party service developed and provided by Fragaria. To oppearte with MK3/MK4 it requires an additional hardware like Karmen Pill (plug-and-play solutions) or a regular Raspberry Pi with preinstalled Octoprint or Klipper OS. Karmen service is cloud based and allows you managing your printers remotely. Registration and usage is currently free of charge.

 

Karmen3D: Revolutionizing 3D Printing Management

Karmen is an innovative cloud-based workspace that facilitates the remote control and management of your 3D printers. It boasts a range of advanced features, including automatic fail detection, rendered G-code previews, timelapse videos, and various other functions designed specifically for 3D printers. With Karmen, there's no need for SD cards or offline file transfers - everything can be accessed and controlled online from anywhere.

Key Features:

  • Printer control from a single interface: Manage and monitor one or more 3D printers from a single application.
  • G-codes management: Cloud storage for print files with the ability to search and sort into folders.
  • Live video: Watch your print in progress and stop the printer if something goes wrong.
  • Time-lapse: Karmen makes a record of the print for review and sharing with others.
  • Teamwork: Share your 3D printers and print files with friends, students and colleagues.
  • Upload G-codes from any slicer: Send print jobs from your slicer (Slic3r, PrusaSlicer, Cura) straight to Karmen.
  • History: Keep track of who printed what and when.
  • Automatic Error Detection: Karmen features artificial intelligence that diligently monitors the printing process via webcam.
  • G-code previews: This function enables you to find the correct print job and preview the final print, identifying errors like missing support structures.

The Karmen service is currently free of charge.

Once your account and workspace are set up in the Karmen cloud application, the next step is to connect your 3D printer. Whether you have one, two, or more, it's entirely up to you.

How to Connect Your Printer:

Karmen enables you to queue and run G-codes in a print queue. If you have a JobOx bed-exchange system, the entire process becomes a breeze. For detailed information, read this documentation and follow a forum.

SimplyPrint (hardware based / subscription with discount for JobOx users)

 

Simplyprint is a professional server based printer management solution targeted to printing farm, businesses running its own production and also to hobby/enthusiast users who would like to enhance their workflow. It brings a lot of functionality to your printers including remote connectivity, live monitoring, print queue and history, cloud slicer and automation.

To run your Prusa MK3/MK4 printer with SimplyPrint system, you will require a Raspberry Pi to install the software. One Raspberry Pi can be connected to multiple printers.

Simplyprint offers different subscription plans including a free one. However to run an automation feature you will need to choose the "Print Farm" plan (currently $34,99/Month - includes connection of 10 printers ! - cancel any time and 30 day money back guarantee).  

SimplyPrint offers JobOx users a discount of 25% on "Print Farm" plan for 4 month.
Discount code: jobox-25

You can find further detail on the SimplyPrint JobOx integration page here:

https://simplyprint.io/compatibility/prusa-i3-mk3s-plus-jobox

A more detailed instruction on how to setup SipmplyPrint in order to run with JobOx will follow shortly. For now you can contact a support team from SimplyPrint to get guidance.

Print & Go (hardware based / subscription)

Print&Go is professional server based printer management solution targeted to businesses running its own production or printing farm. To run your Prusa MK3 printer with Print&Go system, you will require an additional dedicated WiFi capable node hardware which will be provided to you by Print&Go. 

  1. Already a Print&Go user?  Fill the form (https://printandgo.tech/contact-us-autoremove/) for requesting the AutoRemove Pack, needed for managing Prusa MK3 + Jobox printers in your Print&Go account.
  2. You don't have a Print&Go account yet? Request a 30-day free trial here: https://printandgo.tech/contact-us-autoremove/
  3. Create your printers in the "Printers" page. Create them with the "Prusa MK3 Jobox" model.
  4. The AutoRemove feature (the automatic triggering of your enqueued files to the printer) is disabled by default. If your printer can activate the Autoremove, you will see a grey infinity icon.
  5. Go to the Printer's page and activate the AutoRemove checkbox. There, you can modify the "AutoRemove Delay". This is the safety delay, in seconds, between the auto-retiring of the piece and the auto-starting of the next file in the queue
  6. Once activated, the printer will have a green infinity icon, and the printer will auto-start the next files in the queue.
  7. Upload files to Print&Go and enjoy a 24/7 production with Print&Go + Jobox!

Please note: Thanks to JobOx integration, Print&GO software is able adding the sequence for loading and ejecting to your GCODE files automatically. However, the Print&GO manager is not yet able analyzing the margins of imported files and will accept and process any GCODE, even if it is outside of allowed printing area and is not compatible for using with JobOx. We highly recommend using our dedicated JobOx profiles for your slicer in order to ensure the compatibility of your GCODE file.

Repetier (hardware based / partly free)

Repetier server is a print management software which can be installed on your own hardware. There are versions for Raspberry Pi, Windows, Linux and Mac. Repetier server can be used for two printers for free. To operate with more printers a "light" or "pro" version is needed (one time payment without subscription).  Read more here: www.repetier-server.com

Please note: the method provided below is not tested yet! We prepared this rough guidance based on information provided by Repetier in their support forums and user manual (se sources below).

According to Repetier, the only step which is need to be done is sending a corresponding command to the server (perhaps using _console):

@autostartNextJob (if you are using Repetier version 1.2.0 or newer)

@autostart_next_job (if your Repetier version is older than 1.2.0)

Since the loading and ejecting routine for JobOx is already included in your GCODE file (JobOx slice profile is mandatory!) no additional code is needed (neither before nor after a print). After the printing job is finished and the building plate is ejecting the next print job in the queue will be started automatically.  

 

Sources:
https://forum.repetier.com/discussion/8763/sum-grams-of-filament-on-queue-and-other-tricks

https://www.repetier-server.com/manuals/1.2/index.html 
(see Advanced Themes > Server Commands)

Implementation API

If you are a developer and would like to implement JobOx system support into your product or your favorite project, please check our API section. Also if you are an enthusiast and would like to introduce how to run JobOx with your favorite system not yet listed here, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We would be glad adding your guidance to this list in order to share it with other users who can benefit from it.