Connecting 3D Printer to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) through MQTT Sparkplug B Protocol

Recent developments in manufacturing technology, such as IIoT and smart manufacturing have ignited the growth of interconnected networks of automation equipment, services, and enterprises. All tiers of the industrial ecosystem now require greater interoperability. However, this becomes a challenge due to the absence of accessible standardization. To address this, the study aims to establish interoperability of 3D printers with IIoT to monitor, manage, and control 3D printing operations more effectively using Sparkplug B IIoT protocol. The methodology starts with the system operating through an MQTT infrastructure that incorporates external sensors and cameras attached to the 3D printers, with HiveMQ functioning as the MQTT broker, and dashboards for remote display and control of the 3D printers. Tests and evaluations show system compliance with Sparkplug B standards, successfully receive real-time data along with email notifications and alarms, and receive print orders via the GUI website. The analysis evaluated in the study suggests the possibility of integrating AI into 3D printing to streamline the manufacturing process.