Stock firmware isn’t always the most up to date or optimized. However, it is “safe” in the sense that it has (typically) been thoroughly tested and there won’t be any big surprises. A question that I see come up from time to time is whether people should upgrade their firmware or not. Firmware is the software that controls the hardware of your printer, and it can affect its performance, reliability and functionality.
Pros of upgrading your 3D printer firmware:
- You can access new features and improvements that the manufacturer or the community has developed, such as better calibration, faster printing, more accurate temperature control, etc.
- You can fix bugs and errors that may cause your printer to malfunction, crash or produce poor quality prints.
- You can enhance the security and safety of your printer, by preventing unauthorized access, protecting your data and avoiding potential fire hazards.
Cons of upgrading your 3D printer firmware:
- You may lose some functionality or compatibility that you were used to, such as support for certain file formats, slicers or accessories.
- You may encounter new bugs or errors that were not present in the previous version, or that are specific to your printer model or configuration.
- You may void the warranty of your printer, if the manufacturer does not approve of the firmware update or if you use a third-party firmware.
How to upgrade your 3D printer firmware:
Before you decide to upgrade your 3D printer firmware, you should do some research and preparation. Here are some steps to follow:
- Check the official website of your printer manufacturer or the firmware developer, and see if there is a new version available for your printer model. Read the release notes and the user reviews, and see what changes and benefits it offers.
- Backup your current firmware and settings, in case you need to revert back to them later. You can usually do this by connecting your printer to a computer via USB and using a software tool such as Cura or Pronterface.
- Download the new firmware file and follow the instructions on how to install it on your printer. This may vary depending on the type of printer and firmware you have, but it usually involves copying the file to an SD card and inserting it into your printer, or uploading it via USB or Wi-Fi.
- Test your printer after the firmware update, and see if everything works as expected. If not, you may need to adjust some settings, calibrate your printer again, or contact the support team for help.