@Whitewolf:

Seems to me a great app for non-techies on readily available retail/pro-sumer printers.

Indeed. Astroprint is aimed at non-technical users who just need a plug and play solution (along with a cloud platform).

@Whitewolf:

With the exception of a handful of OEMs there is no value added service that you bring to the table. Not trying to be rude just pointing out that the Duet web control panel, this community, and the majority of users are techie people building out their own machines.

Well, we are compatible with ~80% of desktop 3D Printers in the market right now. I would say that's a lot more than just a 'handful'.

Also, yes, AstroPrint is likely the WRONG choice for the Duet community as you guys are much more technical/advanced than the average consumer.

@Whitewolf:

Astro print is great for printers which must be tethered to a usb… that is if you dont have a rpi with octoprint.... With Duet there is no need for a pi or octoprint thats kind of the point. Dont see the logic in adding another leg that does the exact same thing

Long long time ago, we originally started out as a Octoprint fork, but AstroPrint is a completely different product now. Namely, with a heavy focus on non-technical consumers and cloud features.

Yup, makes sense. If I had a Duet etc, It wouldn't make sense for me to use AstroPrint either

@Whitewolf:

Need to remotely monitor with a camera? Duet does that! Need fast slicing? S3D does that … Need something not already part of the mix? its opensource add it, need a fancy stl rendering engine in the web control panel? already in development, need a new fancy UI for the PanelDue touchpanel? I am sure a few people have thought about creating one. we are not limited by the duet or its control panel.

Quick clarification: You cannot really put remote monitoring and faster slicing in the same bucket because the former is remote and the latter is not. Our slicing engine (which uses CURA) lives exclusively on the cloud.

The other main thing is that we have a public API that allows developers to release any app (for free or paid) on the platform and reach 25k+ users.

In summary, AstroPrint is 100% focused on non-techincal consumers + cloud functionality and simplicity.

Which means, it's likely very irrelevant to 99% of the duet users

At the end of the day, if everyone is happy with their 3D Printer, we are happy – regardless of what combination of product(s)/software is used

Let us know if you guys try AstroPrint with the Duet!

Would love to know if it works well.

*AstroPrint works on any printer running standard Marlin or Sailfish firmware

You don't necessarily have to buy a Touch (or anything else), instead, you can just build your own AstroBox Gateway with a Raspberry Pi 3 to test it out using these instructions.

Also, we are a bit more than just a "Cloud Storage Platform".

In addition to storage, AstroPrint offers:

1.) Remote, real time monitoring of your 3D Printer from any device
2.) Super simple, intuitive interface
3.) A 3D Printing app marketplace with developer access
4.) A suite of Desktop, and mobile apps that are in sync with your cloud account

That's the short version.

Here's a bit more detail:

1.) Faster Slicing: Once the file is up in the cloud you can re-slice the file (for higher/lower quality) with any combination of settings you'd like as preferences change. Why would someone want to do this? Many people end up tweaking and experimenting with various settings that require re-slicing. AstroPrint has powerful dedicated machines reserved JUST for high speed slicing, machines that are many many times faster and powerful than home computers or laptops. You can also do this from anywhere around the world without the need for software

2.) Custom Manufacturer Presets: The AstroPrint slicer has fine tuned settings for most printer manufacturers PRE-BUILT into the system so that you don't have to worry about googling and tweaking settings to match the best configuration. Not only that, AstroPrint works with manufacturers directly in obtaining these settings and allow them to tweak settings directly. Also, if these optimal settings change in the future, no worries, AstroPrint automatically updates those settings so you can focus on printing cool stuff.

3.) Remote File Management: Once the file is in the cloud, you can slice the file remotely from anywhere. As a bonus, you can also monitor the print live (with a camera) and also start/stop the print if necessary.

4.) Simple to use: It's super accessible for non-technical users. Advanced settings are still accessible for advanced users, but there's nothing simpler than AstroPrint in terms of UI/UX and it will only get easier to use.

5.) Automatic Updates: Software & security updates are done automatically. The average user does not have time to worry about software/slicer updates & security issues. When critical updates are available for the slicer, AstroPrint takes care of all of that so users can focus on printing stuff.

6.) Plug & Play Slicing Engines: The slicing engine is modular. Meaning, with a click of a button you can use Cura or Slic3r and in the future, other slicing engines can be added easily like lego blocks.

7.) App Store & API: AstroPrint has an APP STORE. With our API, anyone can submit apps to the APP store that interacts with the AstroPrint cloud platform. This gives you the option of enhancing your 3D Printer at will, with one click by installing any app. Work in a library and want an app that will help you manage users and access to a single 3D Printer? There's an app for that. Need a premium app with a cutlery kit designed by a french chef? There's an app for that. You get the idea. Developers also have the option to make their apps premium or free.

Let me know if you have more questions

You can hit me up anytime via Twitter / Instagram / Facebook as well!

P.S: Check out our trends page to see some fun stats.