How to Implement Timelapse Photography with OctoPrint and 3D Printing

In previous articles, we have introduced cloud printing based on OctoPrint, and at the end of the article, we included a timelapse video. At that time, I was still exploring, but now I have a deeper understanding and would like to carefully introduce the specific implementation methods of timelapse photography to everyone. (PS: The premise is that you already have a Raspberry Pi and have installed OctoPrint. If there are strong requests in the comments for me to introduce it, I will write a special article later.)

After installing OctoPrint, open the browser and enter the URL (https://octopi.local/). The system comes with plugins such as Temperature, Control, GCode Viewer, Terminal, and Timelapse. Among them, Timelapse can be set up to achieve timelapse photography (taking a photo at regular intervals and then combining these photos into a video). This is also fun, but it is not the focus of today’s discussion. Our focus is on achieving the effect through another plugin called Octolapse. It captures a photo every time the printer moves to a specified position after printing each layer, and finally combines all photos into a video, which is the effect of the video we showed at the end of our last article. Without further ado, let’s get to the point. Here, we take the Creality Ender-3s as an example.

Click the small wrench icon in the upper right corner to pop up the settings dialog. Find Plugin Manager on the left side, click Get More on the right, enter Octolapse in the pop-up box and press Enter, then click Install on the right to install it. The installation speed depends on your internet speed. (Figure 1: Plugin Manager Page)

Figure 1: Plugin Manager Page

Open the Octolapse settings page (Figure 2), find the Printer section, and click the small triangle behind it. The printers listed are generally popular overseas models. If you cannot find a suitable model, it’s okay to choose any model. Click the gear icon behind it to set the parameters as needed. You can name the printer as you like, and select your slicer type (Figure 3). (The red markings indicate the items that need to be set.)

Figure 2: Octolapse Settings Page

Figure 3

Extruder-Ooze Control (Figure 4), Layer (First Layer Speed) (Figure 5), Additions (Additional Speed) (Figure 6), and Speeds (Speed) (Figure 7) must all be consistent with the settings in the slicer software. (In Figures 4-9, the left side shows Octolapse settings, and the right side shows Simplify3D settings)

Figure 4

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Next is the Print Volume (Print Size) (Figure 8) setting, which also needs to be consistent with the slicer software settings.

Figure 8

Finally, set the Snapshot Command to trigger the photo-taking command. This G4 P1 is the layer change identifier, and you also need to set the corresponding command in the slicer software by entering G4 P1 in the layer change script (it’s best to copy and paste it to prevent inconsistencies).

Figure 9

Select the position where the extruder stops when taking a photo for each layer. Choose from the small triangle behind Stabilization (Figure 10).

Figure 9

Select the type of command service protocol for triggering the photo. Choose GCODE from the small triangle behind Snapshot.

Generally, choose MP4-15FPS.

First, check the Default Webcam option in the Cameras section, then click the corresponding small gear. For Camera Type, choose Webcam, and leave the other settings as default (Figure 11).

Figure 11

If the camera supports focus, exposure, white balance, etc., you also need to set the options below. Check Enable-And Apply Preference Before Print and set the items below. If it’s the Raspberry Pi’s built-in camera, do not check this (Figure 12).

Figure 12

Select whether to use real printing mode or simulation testing mode. Choose the option behind Debug; generally, we first select Test Mode. Once all parameters are debugged and there are no issues, switch to Full Diagnostic – Live Print mode (Figure 13).

Figure 13

Enable the Octolapse function while disabling the Timelapse function (Figure 14).

Figure 14

Are you eager to print your own model? There’s one last step, which is where to download the recorded video. It can be found under the Finished Timelapse section on the Timelapse page, as shown in the figure is a recent recording I made (Figure 15).

Figure 15

Below, let’s enjoy some pictures and videos of the items I printed.

Drill bit storage holder

Hot glue gun stand

Multi-hole pen holder stand

Storage box

Here’s a little spoiler: I am currently printing a wind turbine set, and once completed, I will showcase it.

Feeling excited? Don’t just feel it, take action and join us in making something!

Feel free to share and comment! The first person to like in the comments section will receive a set of printed storage boxes and 0.5kg*5 rolls of Kexcelled 3D printing materials worth 285 yuan!!!