Kiln — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects AI assistants to 3D printers for modeling, slicing, and print monitoring. Operates autonomously via OctoPrint, Klipper, or a cloud API.
claude mcp add --env KILN_PRINTER_HOST=<KILN_PRINTER_HOST> --env KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY=<KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY> --env KILN_PRINTER_TYPE=<KILN_PRINTER_TYPE> --transport stdio kiln -- uvx kiln3dWhat Kiln does
Kiln connects AI coding agents to physical 3D printers. The agent drafts geometry and slices layers autonomously. During fabrication, the server checks the camera feed to catch failed jobs early.
Connections run through Moonraker, OctoPrint, or direct USB. Supported hardware covers Bambu Lab, Prusa, and Creality machines. Parametric modeling requires OpenSCAD on your machine. The execution itself relies on uv.
Without configuring KILN_PRINTER_HOST and KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY, your agent cannot reach the physical device. For purely remote modeling tests, Kiln provides https://api.kiln3d.com/mcp.
What it helps with
- Generate 3D parts from text descriptions
- Slice model files and dispatch them to print queues
- Monitor extruder progress via attached camera feeds
- Halt or recover active print jobs after errors
Example prompts for the agent
- Design a custom electronics bracket and queue it on Moonraker
- Check the Bambu printer status and current bed temperature
- Slice the enclosure model and send the job to OctoPrint
How to install Kiln
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env KILN_PRINTER_HOST=<KILN_PRINTER_HOST> --env KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY=<KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY> --env KILN_PRINTER_TYPE=<KILN_PRINTER_TYPE> --transport stdio kiln -- uvx kiln3dReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from kiln3d <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add kiln --env KILN_PRINTER_HOST=<KILN_PRINTER_HOST> --env KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY=<KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY> --env KILN_PRINTER_TYPE=<KILN_PRINTER_TYPE> -- uvx kiln3dReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from kiln3d <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"kiln": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"kiln3d"
],
"env": {
"KILN_PRINTER_HOST": "<KILN_PRINTER_HOST>",
"KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY": "<KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY>",
"KILN_PRINTER_TYPE": "<KILN_PRINTER_TYPE>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from kiln3d <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"kiln": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"kiln3d"
],
"env": {
"KILN_PRINTER_HOST": "<KILN_PRINTER_HOST>",
"KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY": "<KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY>",
"KILN_PRINTER_TYPE": "<KILN_PRINTER_TYPE>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from kiln3d <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e KILN_PRINTER_HOST=<KILN_PRINTER_HOST> -e KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY=<KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY> -e KILN_PRINTER_TYPE=<KILN_PRINTER_TYPE> kiln uvx kiln3dReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from kiln3d <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Kiln
How do I install Kiln in Claude Code?
Run `claude mcp add --env KILN_PRINTER_HOST=<KILN_PRINTER_HOST> --env KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY=<KILN_PRINTER_API_KEY> --env KILN_PRINTER_TYPE=<KILN_PRINTER_TYPE> --transport stdio kiln -- uvx kiln3d`.
What does Kiln do?
Kiln equips AI agents to handle parametric 3D design, slicing, camera tracking, and hardware control without manual intervention.
Which printer control backends does Kiln support?
It integrates with OctoPrint, Moonraker under Klipper, PrusaLink, and Direct USB connections.
