AI Failure Detection data sharing: what is shared, how training works, and how it helps us

Overview

SimplyPrint's AI Failure Detection feature helps users identify failed prints using advanced artificial intelligence. This feature is powered by Printpal, a US-based company specializing in AI for 3D printing. However, all AI processing takes place on SimplyPrint's servers in Frankfurt, Germany—Printpal does not have access to user data or webcam feeds.

By opting in to train the AI, users contribute to improving its accuracy over time. This article explains what data is shared, how the training process works, and why opting in can help reduce false positives and enhance print failure detection.

What Data is Shared?

If you choose to opt in to AI training, SimplyPrint may share the following data with Printpal:

Printer ID – A unique identifier for your printer (not its name).
Webcam Images – Photos from your printer’s webcam during a print job.
Printer Temperatures – Temperature readings from your printer.
Print Job State – Information about the current print progress and status.

What is NOT Shared?

To ensure user privacy, the following information is never shared:

Personal Information – Your name, email address, or any other personal details.
Location Data – No geolocation or IP address data is shared.
Printer/File Names – The names of your printers or print files remain private.

This data is used solely to improve AI detection capabilities. We adhere to data minimization principles and only collect essential data. All data is anonymized where possible, and users can opt out at any time.

How the AI Training Process Works

Machine learning models, like the AI used in SimplyPrint's Failure Detection, rely on large datasets to improve over time. Here’s how the process works:

Data Collection (Opt-in Only) – When a user opts in, SimplyPrint collects print-related data, such as images and temperature readings, and securely sends them to our AI partners, Printpal.
Image Classification – To improve detection accuracy, some images may be reviewed by a real person who assigns labels (e.g., "successful print," "failed print"). This step helps the AI understand different failure scenarios.
Model Training – The AI is trained on tens of thousands of images, learning to recognize failure patterns and reducing false positives.
Updates & Improvement – As the AI model improves, updates are applied to SimplyPrint’s AI Failure Detection system, enhancing reliability and reducing unnecessary failure alerts.

How This Helps You

By participating in AI training, you contribute to:

More Accurate Failure Detection – Fewer false positives and better failure identification.
Continuous AI Improvement – The AI becomes smarter over time, benefiting all users.
Refinement of Edge Cases – AI can better differentiate between minor print issues and actual failures.

Data Security & Privacy

Hosted in the EU – AI processing occurs on SimplyPrint’s servers in Frankfurt, Germany.
No Direct Printpal Access – Printpal does not have access to your webcam feed or data beyond what is explicitly shared.
Opt-in Only – Data is only used for AI training if you explicitly choose to participate.
No Personal Data Shared – No names, emails, location data, or file/printer names are ever shared.
Consent Management – You can withdraw your consent at any time via SimplyPrint settings.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy or Printpal’s Privacy Policy.

Conclusion

AI Failure Detection is a powerful tool that can help ensure successful prints. While using the feature does not require data sharing, opting in to AI training allows the model to improve, leading to better detection accuracy and fewer false alarms. Your data is handled with care, and you are always in control of your privacy settings.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our support team!

Updated on: 10/02/2025