klipper-dgus/docs/Features.md

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Klipper has several compelling features:
* High precision stepper movement. Klipper utilizes an application
processor (such as a low-cost Raspberry Pi) when calculating printer
movements. The application processor determines when to step each
stepper motor, it compresses those events, transmits them to the
micro-controller, and then the micro-controller executes each event
at the requested time. Each stepper event is scheduled with a
precision of 25 micro-seconds or better. The software does not use
kinematic estimations (such as the Bresenham algorithm) - instead it
calculates precise step times based on the physics of acceleration
and the physics of the machine kinematics. More precise stepper
movement translates to quieter and more stable printer operation.
* Best in class performance. Klipper is able to achieve high stepping
rates on both new and old micro-controllers. Even an old 8bit AVR
micro-controller can obtain rates over 175K steps per second. On
more recent micro-controllers, rates over 500K steps per second are
possible. Higher stepper rates enable higher print velocities. The
stepper event timing remains precise even at high speeds which
improves overall stability.
* Configuration via simple config file. There's no need to reflash the
micro-controller to change a setting. All of Klipper's configuration
is stored in a standard config file which can be easily edited. This
makes it easier to setup and maintain the hardware.
* Portable code. Klipper works on both ARM and AVR
micro-controllers. Existing "reprap" style printers can run Klipper
without hardware modification - just add a Raspberry Pi. Klipper's
internal code layout makes it easier to support other
micro-controller architectures as well.
* Simpler code. Klipper uses a very high level language (Python) for
most code. The kinematics algorithms, the G-code parsing, the
heating and thermistor algorithms, etc. are all written in
Python. This makes it easier to develop new functionality.
* Advanced features:
* Klipper implements the "pressure advance" algorithm for
extruders. When properly tuned, pressure advance reduces extruder
ooze.
* Klipper supports printers with multiple micro-controllers. For
example, one micro-controller could be used to control an
extruder, while another could control the printer's heaters, while
a third controls the rest of the printer. The Klipper host
software implements clock synchronization to account for clock
drift between micro-controllers. No special code is needed to
enable multiple micro-controllers - it just requires a few extra
lines in the config file.
* Klipper also implements a novel "stepper phase endstop" algorithm
that can dramatically improve the accuracy of typical endstop
switches. When properly tuned it can improve a print's first layer
bed adhesion.
* Support for limiting the top speed of short "zigzag" moves to
reduce printer vibration and noise. See the
[kinematics](Kinematics.md) document for more information.
To get started with Klipper, read the [installation](Installation.md)
guide.
Common features supported by Klipper
====================================
Klipper supports many standard 3d printer features:
* Works with Octoprint. This allows the printer to be controlled using
a regular web-browser. The same Raspberry Pi that runs Klipper can
also run Octoprint.
* Standard G-Code support. Common g-code commands that are produced by
typical "slicers" are supported. One may continue to use Slic3r,
Cura, etc. with Klipper.
* Constant speed acceleration support. All printer moves will
gradually accelerate from standstill to cruising speed and then
decelerate back to a standstill.
* "Look-ahead" support. The incoming stream of G-Code movement
commands are queued and analyzed - the acceleration between
movements in a similar direction will be optimized to reduce print
stalls and improve overall print time.
* Support for cartesian, delta, and corexy style printers.
Step Benchmarks
===============
Below are the results of stepper performance tests. The numbers shown
represent total number of steps per second on the micro-controller.
| Micro-controller | Fastest step rate | 3 steppers active |
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- |
| 16Mhz AVR | 151K | 100K |
| 20Mhz AVR | 189K | 125K |
| STM32F103 | 340K | 300K |
| Arduino Due (ARM) | 382K | 337K |
| LPC1768 (100Mhz) | 385K | 385K |
| LPC1769 (120Mhz) | 462K | 462K |
| Beaglebone PRU | 689K | 689K |
On AVR platforms, the highest achievable step rate is with just one
stepper stepping. On the STM32F103 and Due, the highest step rate is
with two simultaneous steppers stepping. On the PRU and LPC176x, the
highest step rate is with three simultaneous steppers.