In a previous article, we mentioned Secure3D as a 3D printing remote access tool for industrial additive manufacturing. Now it seems the developers of 3D printing model marketplace 3Dagogo.com are developing an app called AstroPrint which will introduce similar remote control features for smaller scale 3D printers such as MakerBot or 3DSystems.
The interface is nice and elegant, from the looks of things, and it seems cross-platform usability is their goal with this app.
As the folks over at Personalize magazine correctly called it, this marks another company working towards resolving a long-standing problem with 3D printers and rapid prototyping in general– the machines take a tremendous amount of babysitting, especially if there is a queue of models to be made. Anything which help remotely manage the status of one or more machines can make all the difference in the quality of life of a rapid prototyping technician.
At the moment this new app is in its Kickstarter phase, but at the present time it seems it has already surpassed its investment goal. Good news for accessibility, especially for those 3D printing hobbyists who actually like to leave the house once in a while!