Klipper (firmware)

Klipper was developed by Kevin O'Connor{{Cite web|url=https://makezine.com/article/digital-fabrication/3d-printing-workshop/3d-printing-gets-a-brain-what-is-klipper/|title=3D Printing Gets a Brain: What Is Klipper?|access-date=2025-01-18|date=2023-05-23|first=Kevin|last=O'Connor|language=en-US}} in 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://kingroon.com/blogs/3d-print-101/best-klipper-3d-printers|title=Best Klipper 3D Printers (in 2024) - A Detailed Overview|access-date=2025-01-18|language=en}} One of the early adopters was the Voron project which built CoreXY printers with open-source software and open-source hardware. Klipper's popularity has gradually increased over time, and in 2024 it came pre-installed on 3D printers from several manufacturers.

In 2022, Klipper entered into a strategic partnership with BigTreeTech, a manufacturer of motherboards for 3D printers.{{Cite web|url=https://bigtree-tech.com/blogs/news/2022-klipper-and-bigtreetech-announce-a-strategic-partnership|title=2022 KLIPPER and BIGTREETECH Announce a Strategic Partnership|access-date=2025-01-18|last=p-themes|language=en}}

In late 2020, Klipper introduced input shaping into the world of open-source 3D printing firmware.{{Cite web |title=Releases - Klipper documentation |url=https://www.klipper3d.org/Releases.html |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=www.klipper3d.org}}

As the host computer has more processing power and is capable of doing more intensive calculations, only the results of these calculations need to be sent to the microcontroller. This enables more precise control of stepper motors,{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/klipper-firmware-revolutionizing-high-speed-3d-printing-james-madison-axivc/|title=Klipper Firmware: Revolutionizing High-Speed 3D Printing|access-date=2025-01-18|language=no}} advanced kinematics, input shaping for vibration reduction, detailed logging, use of macros,{{Cite web|url=https://hackaday.com/2024/10/08/3d-printering-listen-to-klipper/|title=3D Printering: Listen To Klipper|access-date=2025-01-18|date=2024-10-08|last=By|language=en-US}} and changing configurations in real-time without the need to restart the firmware.

The printer also has pressure advance, which is a parameter that compensates for the pressure build-up in the nozzle during acceleration for smoother and more precise printing. It works by making the extrusion advance faster during strong accelerations, and advance slower during strong decelerations. This way, smoother lines can be achieved at high 3D printing speeds. The compensation is usually calibrated per material type (PLA, ABS, PETG, and so on), but can even be calibrated for each specific spool. The model takes into account the elasticity, viscosity, pressure and flow of the filament.

Klipper supports several types of 3D printers and microcontrollers, including boards from Arduino and STM32. It is compatible with many existing printers, and can be adapted to custom-built machines.

Klipper is set up on a computer running Linux (such as Raspberry Pi), and in addition, appropriate firmware must be flashed onto the printer's microcontroller. Configuration is done through a text-based configuration file, which allows for customization and control of the printer's behavior.

To interact with Klipper, the user needs an interface. Two popular web interfaces are Mainsail OS and Fluidd.{{Cite web|url=https://www.obico.io/blog/klipper-firmware-tips-and-tricks/|title=Klipper 3D Printer Firmware - Tips and Tricks {{!}} Obico Knowledge Base|access-date=2025-01-18|date=2022-10-27|language=en}} Other options are OctoPrint or KlipperScreen.

Klipper is maintained and developed by an active community of users and developers. The project is hosted on GitHub,{{Cite web|url=https://github.com/Klipper3d/klipper|title=Klipper3d/klipper|access-date=2025-01-18|date=2025-01-18|publisher=Klipper3d}} where users can contribute code, report bugs, and read extensive documentation. There is also a dedicated [https://community.klipper3d.org/ forum], an [https://www.reddit.com/r/klippers/ r/klippers] channel on Reddit, and a [https://discord.klipper3d.org/ chat] on Discord where users can get guidance with more common questions and problems.

{{Portal|Free and open-source software}}

• Marlin (firmware), another open source firmware for 3D printers

• {{Official website|https://www.klipper3d.org/}}
• [https://www.klipper3d.org/Installation.html Installation guide - klipper3d.org]
• {{GitHub|Klipper3d/klipper}}

Category:3D printing software

Category:Free software programmed in C

Category:Firmware