Feature Request: Smooth Timelapse Mode with Fixed Printhead Position

U1 Toolchanger
1

Description
With the introduction of the Snapmaker U1, which includes a built-in camera, Snapmaker is entering the space of 3D printers with native timelapse capabilities. This is great to see, but there is an important improvement that would significantly enhance the quality of recorded videos.

Currently, in recorded videos, the printhead appears to glitch or jump around between frames. This breaks the visual effect and makes the timelapse look unstable.

Expected Behavior
Many modern 3D printers offer a smooth timelapse mode where the printhead moves to a fixed, predefined parking position before each photo is taken.
This creates the illusion that the print is growing by itself, with no visible printhead movement. The resulting timelapse is visually clean and professional.

Proposed Solution
Add a firmware-level option for Smooth Timelapse Recording, where:

  • The printer pauses briefly at specific layers.

  • The printhead moves to a consistent parking position.

  • The camera captures a frame.

  • Printing then resumes normally.

2 Likes
2

I believe timelapse frames are set by the slicer. At least I seem to recall it being in the gcode, then snapped or not based on the printer setting.

It’s feasible to implement in firmware, but may be easier to do at the slicer level either way.

3

I think it could be done in SnOrca via the “Timelapse G-Code” printer setting. I came here hoping to find someone had already done that and posted it… found this post instead :wink: If I’m right, just need to add g-code to save location, move print head out of the way, take a picture, wipe any accumulated drool from the nozzle, move back to saved location and continue. I’m sure I’m missing something important in there, and I am not familiar with the available variables to simplify this process - but if no one else has taken a stab at it, I guess I’ll probably end up trying to do it myself.

4

​While this could be managed via G-code, it would require direct camera access or an external setup. In my opinion, a firmware-level solution is more efficient and user friendly. In SnOrca the time-lapse functionality can be set after upload the model on the printer or at the printer itself, there’s no need for additional G-code—the printer handles everything internally. This functionality has to be improved by @Snapmaker.