Print Queue & Scheduling
Schedule prints for specific times with powerful automation including smart plug integration for automatic power control.
Overview
The print queue allows you to:
- Queue multiple prints per printer
- Schedule prints for specific date/time
- Automatically power on printers before scheduled prints
- Automatically power off after prints complete
- Drag-and-drop queue reordering
Adding Prints to Queue
From Archives
- Go to the Archives page
- Right-click an archive
- Select Schedule (or click the calendar icon)
- Choose options:
- Printer: Select target printer
- Scheduled Time: Leave empty for "next available" or pick a specific time
- Auto Power Off: Turn off printer when complete
- Click Add to Queue
Queue Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Printer | Which printer to send the job to |
| Scheduled Time | When to start (empty = ASAP) |
| Auto Power Off | Power off printer after completion |
Managing the Queue
Queue Page
Access the dedicated queue page to see all queued prints across all printers.
Per-Printer Queue
Click the queue icon on any printer card to see that printer's queue.
Queue Item States
| State | Description |
|---|---|
| Pending | Waiting for scheduled time or previous print |
| Waiting | Scheduled time reached, waiting for printer |
| Uploading | Transferring 3MF to printer |
| Printing | Currently printing |
| Completed | Print finished successfully |
| Failed | Print failed or was cancelled |
Reordering
Drag and drop queue items to change print order:
- Click and hold the grip handle
- Drag to new position
- Release to reorder
Note: Only pending items can be reordered. Active prints cannot be moved.
Cancelling Prints
- Pending items: Click the X button to remove
- Active prints: Click the stop button (with confirmation)
Automation Flow
When a scheduled print is ready to start:
1. Scheduled time reached
↓
2. Smart plug powers ON (if configured)
↓
3. Wait for printer connection (up to 2 minutes)
↓
4. Upload 3MF via FTP
↓
5. Start print command sent
↓
6. Monitor progress in real-time
↓
7. Print completes
↓
8. If "Auto Power Off" enabled:
- Wait for nozzle to cool below 50°C
- Power off smart plug
Smart Plug Integration
For full automation, link a smart plug to your printer. See Smart Plug Integration for setup.
Pre-Print Power On
When a scheduled print is about to start:
- Bambuddy sends power-on command to smart plug
- Waits for printer to boot and connect
- Proceeds with print upload once connected
Post-Print Power Off
When a print completes with "Auto Power Off" enabled:
- Waits for nozzle temperature to drop below threshold
- Sends power-off command to smart plug
- Marks queue item as complete
Scheduling Tips
Overnight Prints
Schedule long prints to start overnight:
- Queue the print with a late evening start time
- Enable "Auto Power Off"
- Printer runs while you sleep and turns off when done
Morning Warm-Up
Schedule a print to start before you arrive:
- Set start time 30 minutes before arrival
- Printer warms up and starts
- Print is running when you get there
Batch Printing
Queue multiple prints for sequential execution:
- Add all prints to the queue (no scheduled time)
- First print starts immediately
- Each subsequent print starts when the previous completes
Error Handling
Connection Timeout
If the printer doesn't connect within 2 minutes after power-on:
- Queue item marked as failed
- Error message displayed
- Smart plug remains on (manual intervention needed)
Upload Failure
If FTP upload fails:
- Automatic retry (up to 3 attempts)
- Queue item marked as failed if all retries fail
Print Failure
If the print fails mid-job:
- Queue item marked as failed
- Next queued item does NOT auto-start
- Manual intervention required
Queue Notifications
Get notified about queue events:
- Print Started: When a queued print begins
- Print Completed: When a queued print finishes
- Print Failed: When a queued print fails
Configure notifications in Push Notifications.
Limitations
- One active print per printer at a time
- Scheduled prints require the printer to be available
- Smart plug automation requires compatible Tasmota device
- Queue items expire after 24 hours if printer remains unavailable
Tips
- Use "Auto Power Off" for energy savings and safety
- Schedule long prints during off-peak electricity hours
- Keep the queue page open to monitor progress
- Set up notifications to know when prints complete