How to Update the Firmware of Your 3D Printer
Your 3D printer‘s firmware is system software that controls the movement and operations of motors, heating elements, and other components. We can term it as the brain or engine of the machine, and it is usually stored on the printer’s microcontroller, a small computer programmed to accept commands from the user. Various 3D printer firmware options are available, such as Marlin, RepRap, and Klipper.
Before we go through the process of updating the firmware, let’s have a look at the reasons why you might need to update it.
When You Should Update the Firmware of Your 3D Printer
Though it’s not essential to update the firmware of your 3D printer, there are several benefits from doing so:
- Get the latest features: Updating your firmware can give you access to new features and functionality that may not be available with older versions. Moreover, you can also get additional safety measures for your 3D printer.
- Improve your 3D prints: If your prints keep coming out flawed, and you have tried everything else without success, you should consider doing the update.
- Safety reasons: Newer firmware versions often include safety features that can help to protect your 3D printer from potential damage.
- Fix bugs and other issues: Updating can help resolve bugs or other problems with your 3D printer, ensuring reliability and accuracy.
- New connectivity options: Firmware updates can sometimes add new ways to connect to your 3D printer, such as Wi-Fi or USB if it doesn’t currently support it.
We will use Marlin firmware to serve as a demonstration for updating the firmware. If you want to know the firmware type your printer is running on, click on the About section in the LCD screen.
Read More: How to Update the Firmware of Your 3D Printer
