What is ChromaPad?
ChromaPad is a 3D printer management pad equipped with a robust processor, capable of overseeing multiple distinct units.
Inside, the device is divided into two primary sections: the processing unit and the driver unit. The processing unit operates similarly to a compact PC board, overseeing the entire system. It is equipped with 4GB of RAM and a 64-bit processor. The impressive Antutu benchmark score guarantees fluid performance even under multitasking conditions. The driver unit manages the five stepper motors located around the Pad, as well as the ChromaHead, the Input Shaper Module, and the Co Print MFM. This module has the proficiency to control components like stepper motors, servo motors, heaters, temperature sensors, BL Touch, filament sensors, and fans.
Open Source Klipper Software and ChromaScreen Software
ChromaPad is powered by the Klipper firmware, a prominent 3D printer firmware optimized for Linux environments with advanced computational capabilities. One of the standout features of Klipper is its "High Precision Stepper Motor Movement," which significantly enhances printing speeds. Klipper effectively manages the micro-controllers in various 3D printer mainboards, harnessing the potent processing capabilities of superior CPUs.
Incorporating Klipper's capabilities, the KlipperScreen software has been reconfigured specifically for ChromaPad, all the while upholding the integrity of its open-source foundation. We've integrated a Setup Wizard into ChromaPad to simplify the 3D printer integration process. We've integrated a Setup Wizard into ChromaPad to simplify the 3D printer integration process. This integration ensures that users can seamlessly leverage Klipper's functionalities without delving into the intricacies of the Linux command line. In light of the features of ChromaSet, ChromaScreen has been tailored to present an interface that's not only intuitive but also supremely functional when compared to the traditional KlipperScreen.
Multi-Filament Printing
Designed for multi-filament printing, ChromaPad enhances printing through its integrated stepper motor sockets. It can handle four additional filaments on the connected 3D printer. Using the ChromaHead socket, ChromaPad can feed and print with four filaments even without a 3D printer connection. The filament cutting and switching mechanism in ChromaHead ensures multi-filament printing on any 3D printer, regardless of its performance or size. Coupled with its rapid printing ability, ChromaPad is recognized as the leading solution for fast color printing
Fast Printing
ChromaPad enables the connected 3D printer to achieve print speeds of 300mm/s and beyond. Even printers released in 2018, which were originally designed for a regular speed of 50mm/s, can produce a 3D Benchy model in just 25 minutes with speeds of 300mm/s and accelerations of 10,000 mm/s^2. Mechanically, many current printers are capable of reaching speeds of 300mm/s; however, their filament forwarding and extrusion capacities often fall short of this benchmark. ChromaPad and ChromaHead address these shortcomings. Additionally, the Input Shaper feature of the Klipper software - a technology designed to counteract vibrations in high-speed prints - ensures that printers not specifically designed for high speeds do not compromise on print quality when operating at these elevated rates.
Multiple Printer Control - Up to 8 Printers
We've engineered the ChromaPad's processor to maintain its performance without overheating, allowing it to manage up to 8 printers simultaneously.
Given the trend that many users now own multiple printers, our aim was to enable them to govern all their printers from a single panel. Within the ChromaScreen software, the "Printers" option has been incorporated. This allows users to swiftly switch between printers, facilitating real-time management of all their devices at once.
Remote Control
ChromaPad is equipped with the capability to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi networks. This not only facilitates the control of 3D printers via ChromaPad but also allows for remote management through PCs and mobile devices. Enhanced controls can be executed during the printing process with these features. Most classic 3D printer control panels restrict users to limited functionalities with a single button during printing, often necessitating the use of an SD card to load print models. ChromaPad's remote control functionality via WiFi ensures a more seamless interaction with 3D printers for users.