30 minutes ⇒ Level: Low
Overview of OctoPrint (15 minutes)
- Briefly revisit the project's goal: seamlessly integrating blockchain technology with an IIoT-enabled 3D printer for automated manufacturing based on smart contract transactions.
- Facilitate an engaging discussion on the various methods of connecting a 3D printer with a Raspberry Pi to enable internet connectivity. Extend the conversation to different approaches for integrating 3D printers with blockchain networks. At the end of the discussion delve into the rationale behind the decision to utilize a USB cable connection and the OctoPrint tool in this course (e.g. simplicity of integration).
- Explain what OctoPrint is, its primary features, and its importance in managing 3D printers remotely. Highlight the role of the OctoPrint API in allowing programmatic control over 3D printers.
OctoPrint API (15 minutes)
- Introduce the concept of REST APIs and how OctoPrint's API can be used to monitor and control 3D printers through HTTP requests. Display schematics (sequence diagram can be used) illustrating the communication between a Node.js program (acting as the client) and OctoPrint (acting as the server), which enables the control of a 3D printer
from a Raspberry Pi. ⇒ using slides (4.2-communication_implementation.pptx) - Show and explain code examples relevant to tasks such as querying printer status, uploading files, and starting print jobs. These examples should be written in JavaScript, using the Axios library for making HTTP requests. Ensure to explain each snippet's purpose and how it interacts with the OctoPrint API.