Kiln
Open-source MCP server that lets AI agents control 3D printers. 353 tools for OctoPrint, Moonraker, Bambu Lab, Prusa Link, and Elegoo — search model marketplaces, generate 3D models from text, slice STL files, queue prints, monitor with camera vision
What is Kiln?
Kiln is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to open-source mcp server that lets ai agents control 3d printers. 353 tools for octoprint, moonraker, bambu lab, prusa link, and elegoo — search model marketplaces, generate 3d models from text, slice s...
Open-source MCP server that lets AI agents control 3D printers. 353 tools for OctoPrint, Moonraker, Bambu Lab, Prusa Link, and Elegoo — search model marketplaces, generate 3D models from text, slice STL files, queue prints, monitor with camera vision
This server falls under the Business Applications category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Open-source MCP server that lets AI agents control 3D printe
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
PIP
pip install kiln3dManual Installation
pip install kiln3dConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Kiln
Kiln is an open-source MCP server that gives AI agents direct control over 3D printers, exposing 835+ tools for OctoPrint, Moonraker, Bambu Lab, Prusa Link, Elegoo, Creality, and direct USB (Marlin) printers. It covers the full workflow from natural-language 3D model generation (via Meshy, Tripo3D, Stability AI) and STL slicing through print queue management, live camera monitoring, failure prediction, and fleet orchestration — all callable from any MCP-compatible AI client. Makers, engineers, and print farms use Kiln to automate the entire describe-to-printed-object pipeline from within their AI assistant.
Prerequisites
- Python 3.10+ and pip
- A supported 3D printer reachable on your local network (OctoPrint, Moonraker/Klipper, Bambu Lab, Prusa Link, Elegoo, Creality, or a USB-connected Marlin printer)
- A Kiln account for the signin step (free tier available at kiln.sh)
- Optional: API keys for AI model generation services — KILN_MESHY_API_KEY, KILN_TRIPO3D_API_KEY, KILN_STABILITY_API_KEY for text-to-3D; KILN_MMF_API_KEY for MyMiniFactory marketplace
- An MCP-compatible client: Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or any other MCP host
Install the Kiln Python package
Install kiln3d from PyPI using pip.
pip install kiln3dSign in to your Kiln account
Authenticate the CLI with your Kiln account credentials. This links the installation to your account for printer management and optional Pro features.
kiln signinDiscover and register your printer
Run kiln discover to find printers on your local network, then register one by providing its host address and printer type.
kiln discover
kiln auth --name my-printer --host 192.168.1.100 --type octoprint --api-key YOUR_OCTOPRINT_KEYInstall the MCP server into your client
Use the built-in install-mcp command to automatically add Kiln to your MCP client configuration, or add it manually to claude_desktop_config.json.
kiln install-mcpOr configure the MCP server manually
If you prefer to configure manually, add the following to your claude_desktop_config.json. Set environment variables for your printer and any AI generation service API keys.
{
"mcpServers": {
"kiln": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["-m", "kiln", "serve"],
"env": {
"KILN_PRINTER_HOST": "192.168.1.100",
"KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY": "your-octoprint-api-key",
"KILN_PRINTER_TYPE": "octoprint",
"KILN_MESHY_API_KEY": "your-meshy-key",
"KILN_MMF_API_KEY": "your-mmf-key"
}
}
}
}Verify the connection
Check printer status from the CLI to confirm Kiln can reach and control your printer before using it through the AI client.
kiln statusKiln Examples
Client configuration
Full claude_desktop_config.json block for connecting Claude Desktop to Kiln with a Bambu Lab printer and AI model generation services.
{
"mcpServers": {
"kiln": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["-m", "kiln", "serve"],
"env": {
"KILN_PRINTER_HOST": "192.168.1.50",
"KILN_PRINTER_TYPE": "bambu",
"KILN_BAMBU_TLS_MODE": "insecure",
"KILN_MESHY_API_KEY": "your-meshy-api-key",
"KILN_TRIPO3D_API_KEY": "your-tripo3d-key",
"KILN_MMF_API_KEY": "your-mmf-api-key"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Sample prompts once Kiln is connected to your AI client and printer.
- "Generate a 3D model of a small phone stand and print it on my Bambu Lab printer."
- "Check the current status of my printer and show me a camera snapshot."
- "Search MyMiniFactory for Benchy models and queue the top result for printing."
- "Slice the file at ~/models/bracket.stl using the PLA profile and start printing."
- "Pause the current print, add a pause gate at layer 20 for a color swap, then resume."
- "Run a preflight check on my printer before starting today's long print job."Troubleshooting Kiln
kiln status returns 'printer not reachable' after registration
Verify the printer's IP address hasn't changed (set a static IP or DHCP reservation on your router). For OctoPrint, confirm the API key is correct and the OctoPrint service is running. For Bambu Lab, ensure the printer is in LAN mode and KILN_BAMBU_TLS_MODE is set appropriately (try 'insecure' for initial testing).
Text-to-3D generation fails or returns an error
Confirm the relevant API key is set in your environment: KILN_MESHY_API_KEY for Meshy, KILN_TRIPO3D_API_KEY for Tripo3D, or KILN_STABILITY_API_KEY for Stability AI. Generation services require paid API credits — check your balance on the provider's dashboard.
MCP server tools not visible in Claude Desktop after install-mcp
Fully quit and relaunch Claude Desktop (Cmd+Q on macOS, not just close the window). Verify the entry was added to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. Run `python3 -m kiln serve` manually in a terminal to check for Python dependency errors that may prevent the server from starting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kiln
What is Kiln?
Kiln is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that open-source mcp server that lets ai agents control 3d printers. 353 tools for octoprint, moonraker, bambu lab, prusa link, and elegoo — search model marketplaces, generate 3d models from text, slice stl files, queue prints, monitor with camera vision It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Kiln?
Install via pip with: pip install kiln3d. Then configure your AI client to connect to this MCP server.
Which AI clients work with Kiln?
Kiln works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Kiln free to use?
Yes, Kiln is open source and available under the NOASSERTION license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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