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Virtual Printers

Virtual printers let you test your Printago workflow without needing physical hardware. They simulate real Bambu Lab printers, complete with temperature changes, print progress, and error states.

What You'll Learn​

  • What virtual printers are and why they're useful
  • How to create and configure virtual printers
  • Running test prints and simulating errors

What Are Virtual Printers?​

Virtual printers are software-simulated printers that behave like real Bambu Lab printers. They're useful for:

  • Learning Printago - Explore features without risking real prints
  • Testing workflows - Verify your queue and automation settings work correctly
  • Development - Test integrations and customizations
No Hardware Required

Virtual printers run entirely in software. You don't need any physical printers connected to use them.

Creating a Virtual Printer​

  1. Go to the Printers page in Fuse
  2. Click the Add dropdown and select Virtual Printer
Add dropdown showing Virtual Printer option
  1. Configure your virtual printer:
    • Printer Name - Give it a descriptive name
    • Printer Model - Select from X1 Carbon, P1S, A1, etc.
    • Nozzle Diameter - Choose 0.2mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, or 0.8mm
    • AMS Units - Optionally add AMS units with configurable slot counts
Virtual printer creation form
  1. Click Add Printer

Understanding the Virtual Printer​

Once created, your virtual printer appears in the printers list just like a physical printer:

Virtual printer in the printers list
  • Shows real-time status, temperatures, and AMS/spool slots
  • The virtual badge distinguishes it from physical printers
  • Receives print jobs from your queue like any other printer

Virtual Printer Controls​

Click the Virtual Printer Controls button on the printer card to access simulation controls:

Virtual Printer Controls panel

Connection Status​

Toggle the printer online or offline. When offline, the printer reports as disconnected - useful for testing how your workflow handles printer disconnections.

HMS Error Simulation​

Trigger printer errors to test error handling:

  1. Select an error type (nozzle temperature, filament runout, AMS connection, etc.)
  2. Optionally add a custom error message
  3. Click Trigger Error
  4. Click Clear All Errors when done testing

Test Print​

Start a simulated print job to watch the full print lifecycle without needing to queue a real file.

Reset Printer​

Return the printer to its initial idle state, clearing any active print or error conditions.

Running a Test Print​

  1. Open Virtual Printer Controls
  2. Click Start Test Print
  3. Watch the print lifecycle progress:
    • Downloading - Simulates file transfer
    • Heating bed - Bed temperature rises to target
    • Heating nozzle - Nozzle temperature rises to target
    • Printing - Progress percentage and layer count update
    • Cooling - Temperatures return to ambient after completion
Virtual printer during a print job
Realistic Timing

Virtual printers simulate realistic heating rates and print progress. Test prints complete in a few minutes rather than hours.

Simulating Errors​

Test how your workflow handles printer errors:

  1. Open Virtual Printer Controls
  2. Select an error type from the dropdown:
    • Nozzle Temperature Error
    • Bed Temperature Error
    • Heatbreak Fan Error
    • Filament Runout
    • AMS Connection Lost
    • Nozzle Clog Detected
    • First Layer Inspection Failed
    • Filament Tangle Detected
  3. Optionally enter a custom error message
  4. Click Trigger Error

The printer will enter an error state, allowing you to verify your alerts and recovery procedures work correctly. Click Clear All Errors to return to normal operation.