FAQ

Is JobOx compatible with Original Prusa MK3.5/MK3.9/MK4?

Yes, JobOx can be used with Prusa MK4 printer. We developed an adapter kit which can be applied to a regular JobOx making it compatible with Prusa MK4. However there are some technical details you should know before deciding using JobOx on Prusa MK4 printer at this early stage. Please read here (link) for more information.

For which 3D printers the JobOx system is available?

Right now there are JobOx version available for following printers:

However we are working on implementations for other printers. Follow us on Twitter or Instagram to not miss the updates on this topic.

Do I need changing the firmware of my printer in order to use JobOx?

No, there is no need to do any changes to your printer's firmware. JobOx system works entirely GCODE based. Means the instructions for changing the spring sheets are are already in each GCODE file loaded to your printer.

Can JobOx system only be used to print the same file multiple times?

No, JobOx system is not limited to printing the same file multiple times. You can take multiple files, choose the order and the quantity each of them should be printed.

How can the JobOx system print multiple files in a row? On my Prusa printer i'm able only print one file in a time.

There are multiple ways doing it. The easiest one is using jobox.app - a web based application, which will stitch multiple GCODE files into one. This stitched GCODE file can then be handled like a regular one, for example loaded to a SD card and started manually on your printer.

The other method is by using third party software/hardware which provides printer manager with a queue function (like Print and Go, Octoprint or Repetier). Here you don't need to stitch the GCODE files into one. Just load them all in a queue and turn on the automation so the printer will start the next job in a queue automatically after finishing the previous. This gives you more flexibility in order to change the printing order while the queue is running. You have also an ability to abort a single print when you (or your system) notice that something gone wrong. Than you can reload a new building plate and restart the job. Another advantage of such printer manager system is that all this can be done remotely.

Can I continue using my current Prusa spring sheets with JobOx system.

Our JobOx plates are equipped with the "hooks", which are used to pull the building plate out of the magazine or eject it again. So a plate without such hooks will simply not be able to operate in a needed way.

However, original Prusa building plates offers a larger selection of surfaces and is highly appreciated by the community. That's why we developed an attachable hook as an adapter, so these plates can be easily used in JobOx system as well. This adapter hooks can be simply klampet on the edge of the spring sheet, so there is no need to drill holes (which is not easy in case of spring steel). Please note, we have not yet long-term insights on the reliability of these adapters.

These adapter hooks where also not validated on other spring sheets from third party manufacturers, so none of these are officially approved for usage with JobOx system. Even if the third party spring sheet has the same shape as the original Prusa spring sheet, nonetheless the magnetic capabilities cann differ. If it's to strong, the ejecting procedure will fail.

How many building plates can be loaded into the JobOx magazine unit?

Theoretically the magazine unit can be loaded with as many building plates as physically fits inside (which is more than 20). However, to ensure a reliable functionality of the JobOx system, we recommend to operate with smaller amounts. We recommend using up to:

8 textured spring sheets
4 smooth PEI spring sheets (to protect the surface)
4 build plates (any) when operating at maximal building space

For more information, read here...

How easy/difficult is it to equip a regular Prusa MK3 with the JobOx?

JobOx MK3/MK4 units comes as a kit. It can be assembled within 30-40 minutes when the user is unexperienced or within 15-20 when doing it repetitively (eg. equipping entire printing farm). JobOx for Prusa Mini comes pre assembled and can be mounted on the printer within 5 minutes.
Than (each) assembled system needs to be tested by running a self-test-GCODE which goes step by step through all loading and ejecting phases. This will take up to 30 minutes for inexperienced user or about 20 when it comes to routine.
Than user needs downloading a slicer profile and install it. This needs to be done once regardless of printer count and takes few minutes. Than your JobOx system is ready to operate.

However, since JobOx and Prusa MK3 / MK4 are both designed as a kit, there are some variables which can prevent the system interact smoothly from the beginning. For this case we prepared a detailed troubleshooting guidance.

Which limitations brings JobOx compared to a stand-alone Prusa MK3?

The main limitation is a slightly reduced building space. Regular building space of a Prusa MK3 printer is 210 x 250 x 210 mm. When running with JobOx, the maximum building space will become 204 x 250 x 210 (or recommended 189 x 250 x 210mm), means the reduction of at least 6mm in the Y direction. This space is needed for loading and ejecting procedure. Read more here...

On Prusa MK4 equipped with JobOx the printing area will be limited to 185mm in Y direction.

On Prusa Mini the limitation is 171 mm in Y direction.

Another limitation is the larger footprint of JobOx system compared to a regular printer. Red product description to learn about dimensions of the certain JobOx version.

Also when using smooth PEI spring sheets, it need to be taken into account that these surfaces will possibly wear off faster than in a regular use. This is because the hooks of the upper spring sheet in the magazine rubb against the surface of the lower spring sheet while it is pulled out. Reducing the load by using fewer building plates in a stuck will help but not entirely prevent this effect. On the textured sheets this effect is not present (or not yet noticeable according to our experience) .

What happens when the magazine goes empty?

When the magazine of the JobOx system goes empty, the printer will not notice that because there are no such sensors. So your printer will continue executing the GCODE of the next print, regardless of missing springsheet. However each time when the new spring sheet is loaded, your Prusa MK3 will run a mesh-bed leveling before proceed with the actual print. Herre your printer will notice that something is wrong and will stuck in a loop trying recalibrate the Z axis and restart mesh-bed leveling again and again. This is not the most elegant way to deal with the empty magazine, however this should usually prevent your printer from damaging himself when you forgot to refill the magazine.

What happens when the loading or unloading procedure goes wrong resulting in a collision?

For this certain case we strongly advise our user turning on "collision detection" on their printers. This will most likely prevent the printer from been damaged when malfunction occurs.

How reliable is JobOx? How often does the loading and ejecting error occur?

It is hard to say, because it depends on multiple factors. It's more likely that some errors will occur at the beginning. We prepared a dedicated self-test-GCODE which tests the setup step by step after the assembling and there is a detailed troubleshooting section which helps to find a possible solution for a certain error. When JobOx is tuned well, the failure rate can vary between 5 and 1%. It need to be mentioned that JobOx works more reliable with the JobOx own building plates. However Original Prusa building plates offers a larger selection of surfaces and is highly appreciated by the community. That's why we developed an adapter so these plates can be easily used in JobOx system as well. However, we have not yet long-term insights on the reliability of these adapters.