Production software
In development
HOLK Factory
The production software that turns a digital model into an authorized job for a connected printer.
What we are building
Workflows for registration, preparation, slicing, queueing, authorization, transfer, history and, later, coordination of more than one printer.
The problem it addresses
A digital file is not manufacturing capacity. Someone has to prepare it, choose a real machine, authorize the work and keep an honest record of what happened.
How it works
An STL model enters the laboratory software. OrcaSlicer builds the machine file for the X1 Carbon profile under test. The job moves through named states. A prepared file can be transferred and checked. Starting the print, watching it run and confirming completion are later gates, and they are not all open.
Technical diagram
In development
A job is a record with a model, a preparation and a state. The laboratory path runs from intake to a transferred file. It does not yet run through a completed physical print.
In development
An owner pairs a Connect device with a one-time code. The device is then bound to that owner. Pairing is implemented in the Connect service. A fleet of enrolled printers is not in operation.
In development
Heartbeat and printer reports tell the service whether a device and its report are fresh. A report past the freshness window is offline. This rule is in the software. It has not been demonstrated across a running print.
Partly tested
Laboratory jobs have moved through created, preparing, ready to start and transferred. A second request for the same work returns the same job. A queue that schedules many independent printers is planned.
Tested in the laboratory
The laboratory software accepts an STL model and prepares it for the X1 Carbon profile used in the test, including the plate that was confirmed for that job. Preparation is rejected when the slicer result does not match the requested settings.
Tested in the laboratory
OrcaSlicer prepares the machine file. A verified laboratory file used PLA Basic, a 0.4 mm nozzle and a Textured PEI plate on the X1 Carbon. This does not mean every geometry, material or printer profile is supported.
Technology being used
- STL intake and a stored job record
- OrcaSlicer, including a settings check that can reject a bad result
- State transitions through ready to start and transferred
- Checksum verification after transfer to the laboratory printer
- Separate authorization that does not itself start a print
Current development stage
Preparation, slicing and file transfer have been exercised on the laboratory X1 Carbon. The start command has not been sent. Completion confirmation and multi-printer orchestration are planned. Private production screens are not shown.
Current milestones
- Keep file transfer and print start as separate facts.
- Add live monitoring only after a real print is run under test.
- Describe multi-printer orchestration as planned until more than one machine is enrolled.