Klipper is the firmware that revolutionised open-source 3D printing by moving the calculation of trajectories from the printer's control board to an external computer, typically a Raspberry Pi. The result is a faster, more accurate and infinitely more configurable printer. With the Raspberry Pi 5 and its enhanced performance, the Klipper experience reaches a new level.
What is Klipper and why use it
Klipper is an open-source firmware that divides the work into two parts: Raspberry Pi handles trajectory calculation, network communication, the web interface and advanced functions, while the printer control unit (MCU) handles only the execution of real-time commands (motor movement, sensor reading, temperature control). This approach offers much faster and more accurate trajectory calculation, advanced features such as Input Shaper (resonance compensation), Pressure Advance (pressure compensation), a complete web interface accessible from any device, firmware upgrades without flashing the board, and the possibility of using inexpensive control boards without sacrificing performance.
Why Raspberry Pi 5
The Raspberry Pi 5 is significantly more powerful than previous models: 2.4 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor, 4 or 8 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and USB 3.0 ports. For Klipper, this translates into a more responsive web interface (Mainsail/Fluidd), more input shaper calculation rapido, simultaneous management of multiple components (camera, ADXL345, display), and timelapse processing without slowdowns. A Raspberry Pi 4 or even a Pi 3B+ will still work, but the Pi 5 offers the best experience.
What you need
To set up Klipper with a Raspberry Pi 5 you need a Raspberry Pi 5 (4 GB is sufficient, 8 GB for intensive use), a microSD of at least 16 GB (32 GB recommended, class A2), an official USB-C 5V/5A power supply for the Pi 5 (important: do not use undersized power supplies), a USB cable to connect the Pi to the printer board, optionally a heatsink or case with fan for the Pi 5, and optionally an ADXL345 accelerometer for Input Shaper calibration.
Installation: step-by-step
1. Installing the operating system
Use Raspberry Pi Imager to flash Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) to the microSD. During configuration, enable SSH, configure Wi-Fi network and set username and password. Insert the microSD into the Pi 5, connect power and wait for the first boot.
2. Klipper installation with KIAUH
KIAUH (Klipper Installation And Update Helper) is the recommended tool for installing Klipper and all related components. By connecting via SSH to Raspberry Pi, simply clone the KIAUH repository and run the installation script. KIAUH guides the user through the installation of Klipper (the actual firmware), Moonraker (the server API), and the web interface with a choice of Mainsail (the most popular, modern and complete) or Fluidd (a lightweight and intuitive alternative).
3. Compiling and flashing MCU firmware
Klipper requires specific firmware on the printer control board. Via the KIAUH interface or manually, you compile the firmware by selecting the processor type of your board (STM32, ATSAM, RP2040, etc.) and flash it via USB or DFU. Boards Duet3D with RepRapFirmware do not need this step if you use RRF directly.
4. Printer.cfg configuration
The printer.cfg file contains all printer configuration: kinematics, dimensions, motor parameters, heater PIDs, sensor and fan configuration. The community Klipper maintains example configurations for hundreds of printers. For custom printers (such as Voron), configuration files are part of the official project documentation.
Advanced features of Klipper
Input Shaper
The Input Shaper analyses the printer's mechanical resonances (measured with an ADXL345 accelerometer) and applies software compensation that eliminates ghosting/ringing even at very high speeds. It is the feature that most visibly improves print quality at high speeds.
Pressure Advance
Compensates for the delay between the extrusion command and the actual output of material from the nozzle. Improves corner sharpness and consistency of extrusion width, especially at variable speed.
Raspberry Pi and accessories at DHM-online
On DHM-online you will find Raspberry Pi 5 (4 and 8 GB), official power supplies, case with fan, microSD, USB cables, and ADXL345 accelerometers for Input Shaper.
Additionally: Klipper compatible control boards (Duet3D, BTT), display, webcam and all accessories for a complete setup.
