Job Scheduler
The scheduler assigns print jobs to printers automatically, factoring in filament compatibility, availability, and priority. It replaces manual "which printer should I send this to?" decisions with a scoring system that optimizes your farm's throughput.
Color-Match Scoring
When a job specifies a filament color, the scheduler scores each available printer based on what's currently loaded. A printer with the exact color loaded scores highest, avoiding unnecessary filament swaps. Printers with compatible material but different colors score lower.
This means your jobs route to the right printer without manual intervention -- especially useful in farms with dozens of machines running different colors.
Time-Window Scheduling
Assign print windows to individual printers to control when they run:
- Operating hours -- restrict a printer to only accept jobs during work hours
- Shift scheduling -- allocate specific printers to specific time blocks
- Maintenance windows -- block out time for routine upkeep
Blackout Hours
Blackout hours prevent the scheduler from starting new jobs during defined periods. Common uses:
- Overnight quiet hours in shared spaces
- Scheduled maintenance windows
- Holidays or facility closures
Blackout hours only prevent new jobs from starting. A print already in progress will continue through a blackout period.
Queue Management
The job queue supports drag-and-drop reordering in the web UI. Move urgent jobs to the top of the queue or push lower-priority work down.
Priority Levels
Jobs can be assigned priority levels:
| Priority | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Urgent | Jumps to the front of the queue, assigned to the next available printer |
| Normal | Standard queue position |
| Low | Yields to normal and urgent jobs |
Load Balancing
When multiple printers qualify for a job (same filament, same capabilities), the scheduler distributes work across them to prevent any single machine from being overloaded while others sit idle.
The balancing considers:
- Current queue depth per printer
- Printer availability (online, idle, not in blackout)
- Recent utilization
For best results, keep your filament slot assignments up to date. The scheduler relies on accurate "what's loaded" data to make color-match decisions.