The Define,Works And Types Of 3D Printing Slicer

In the context of 3D printing, a slicer is a software tool used to convert a 3D model into instructions that can be understood by a 3D printer. It takes a digital 3D model file, typically in a format such as STL or OBJ, and slices it into a series of 2D layers that the 3D printer can understand and fabricate.

The primary function of a slicer is to determine the printing parameters for each layer of the 3D model. This includes settings such as layer height, print speed, extrusion width, infill density, support structures, and more. These settings can be adjusted based on the desired print quality, strength, and other requirements.

The following lists 19 3D slicing software tools for desktop-level FDM 3D Printing technology in 2023, some of which I have used, such as Cura, HORI 3D printing slicing and control system, Flashforge FlashPrint, Simplify3D, Makerbot print, etc. Most of them are It was used when testing the 3D printing of FDM technology in the past, because many slicing software have corresponding hardware, and of course some software is general-purpose, giving users very good personalized setting parameters. After many years of iterations Optimization, most of the 3D printing slicing software are doing well now, but there are some differences in user positioning and functions. Some software positioning is for beginners, so the setting of many parameters will be very simple, the setting options There are also fewer, and some software is for professional users, and there are many parameter options that can be set, including nozzle temperature, bottom plate temperature, speed, layer thickness, layer gap, material diameter, etc., and some software supports Cloud slicing, model restoration and design have relatively large functional differences.

Model Printed Without Supports

Friends who have used 3D printers know that the 3D printing slicer prepares the selected model for your 3D printer and generates Gcode files. Some hardware manufacturers’ slicing software will generate a file in a special format, such as MakerBot’s .x3d, and the Gcode code It is a numerical control (NC) programming language with good versatility.

FDM 3D Printers Can Also Produce Perfect Results

But for now, let’s start using the best 3D slicing software tools to work with 3D printers, and it has become a trend to optimize setting parameters for design and model, which can also be understood as process optimization for FDM technology.

To evaluate a slicing software, judge from the experience, you can evaluate it from the following dimensions: SLT file import and slicing efficiency, whether the repair function is powerful, whether the printing parameter options are rich enough, model and printing information display, support for different The printer still only supports one brand of printer, supporting functions, final output of the model, printing efficiency, etc.

There are three 3D printer slicing applications integrated into the 3DPrinterOS standard 3D slicer software, namely “Cloud Slicer”, “Slicer 2” and the dedicated “Makerbot Slicer”. 3DprintOS supports a wide range of 3D printers, which can meet the needs of commercial solutions.

“Cloud Slicer” and “Makerbot Slicer” are almost identical in interface and function. As with other professional 3D slicing software tools, users can choose between different levels of complexity (simple, advanced and expert). However, there is a function that most FDM slicing software does not have, which is to estimate the price of the printed model, so it is more suitable for users who do printing services.

If the user does not have a 3D model to print, it can be downloaded from a web service such as the search engine Yeggi, the repository CGTrader or Thingiverse. It is also possible to design 3D models from scratch in the web-based 3D modeling tools 3DSlash and Leopoly. If the user’s 3D model cannot be printed correctly, Astroprint can be connected to 3DPrintCloud to fix it. If users do not have their own 3D printer, they can also print model files through i.materialize.

The Astroprint3D Slicer software itself is very simple. In simple mode, the user can select the material and print quality. At the same time, the software has an advanced mode for professional players.

3.SliceCrafter

SliceCrafter is an online 3D slicing software that supports Mac users. Users cannot edit OpenSCAD codes. The slicing function is roughly the same as IceSL. Users can upload STL files through web links.

• Features: Users can generate GCode without installing 3D slicing software, and support online services.
• Disadvantages: Does not support desktop applications and has fewer functions.
• SliceCrafter download address: http://shapeforge.loria.fr/slicecrafter/

Cura supports STL, 3MF and OBJ file formats, also supports file repair, supports display of print head path, printing time and material usage.

• Features: Cura is not only suitable for beginners, but also suitable for professional players. The most important settings are more intuitive. For professional players, there are more than 200 settings to choose from, supporting dual-head dual-material printing. Cura’s slicing efficiency is relatively high, and it can quickly process large STL files.
• Insufficient: The printing time estimation is not accurate enough, sometimes it will be reduced by about 10-20%.
• Cura download address: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/manuals/software

5.Repetier

In the open source 3D printing system, RepRap must be mentioned. Repetier is the slicing software of the open source system. The functional modules are more professional and suitable for advanced users. As an all-in-one solution, Repetier provides multi-extruder support, up to 16 extruders, multi-slicer support through plug-ins, and supports almost any FDM 3D printer on the market, provided that users upgrade frequently. Repetier Host also provides remote access through Repetier Server, which, similar to OctoPrint, can be installed on a Raspberry Pi so that the 3D printer can be accessed and controlled from anywhere through a browser on a PC, tablet or smartphone.

In the infill setting, Slic3r supports a new honeycomb infill design, created in three dimensions, the infill pattern can cross layers instead of repeating the same pattern, which can greatly increase the strength of internal infill and final printing.Another feature of Slic3r is direct integration with OctoPrint. When files are sliced on the user’s desktop, they can now be uploaded directly into the user’s OctoPrint library with the click of a button.Slic3r has accumulated many years of 3D printing settings, materials and 3D printer matching problems. Many new functions of slicing software are derived from Slic3r, such as multiple extruders, edges, microlayers, bridge detection, command line slicing, variable Layer heights, sequential printing, honeycomb filling, mesh cutting, model cutting, and more.

Another 3D slicing software developed in-house by 3D printer manufacturer Hungarian startup CraftUnique supports the company’s crowdfunded CraftBot 3D printer, but also other brands of 3D printers.

Like Cura, the CraftWare app can be switched between “easy” and “expert” modes. The visualization of the Gcode file is better, and each function is represented by a different color. But it is characterized by supporting personal management, and the slicing software with this function is currently charged.

This slicing software for 3D printers is still in beta and can experience bugs in everyday use.

8.Netfabb Standard

The growth experience of Netfabb is quite special. It has been upgraded from the initial free software to a powerful toolkit for processing STL files. In addition to the powerful slicing function, users can analyze, repair and edit STL files before entering the slicing stage.

Autodesk acquired Netfabb in 2015, forming the three software we see now: Netfabb Standard, Netfabb Premium and Netfabb Ultimate, even the standard version is a very powerful 3D printing software.

This software can slice newly designed models, has very advanced pre-print preparation controls, and all common parameter settings, such as layer height, infill density, print speed, etc.

• Features: After slicing, use the sliders to see a preview of each layer, showing estimated print time, material usage, and final model weight. In addition, the Spaghetti filling function can bring different effects and experiences to the model.
• Disadvantages: It is charged and does not support cloud slicing and cloud printing.
• SelfCAD download link: https://www.selfcad.com/

Users can use rich settings: extruder, layer control, various filling methods, temperature and cooling settings, and even edit original G-code and scripts. These settings can be saved in the form of printing configuration files, which is convenient for calling and testing different parameter controls.

• Features: It can help professional players obtain the best model effect through parameter control, and the printing quality is excellent.
• Insufficient: The expensive price is a threshold for ordinary users, and the price of 2 computer licenses is 150 US dollars.
• Simplify3D download link: https://www.simplify3d.com/

In the middle of the software is the real-time preview interface of the model, and the functional area on the right can be used for various slice settings, which is not friendly enough for beginners. This software also supports two-color printing, and IceSL also has a soft material shield to protect the model from residual materials.

• Features: Support design features, programmers and makers may prefer IceSL’s amount of control.
• Insufficient: does not support mac OS system
• IceSL download link: https://members.loria.fr/Sylvain.Lefebvre/icesl/index.html

The free version of KISSliser is only suitable for amateurs who print with one print head, but the professional version can realize multi-head printing and has fewer setting options for generating Gcode. For advanced settings, users need to purchase the professional version, which supports merging multiple STL files into one printout.

• Features: It can replace most slicing software, and the model surface optimization and seam optimization are better.
• Disadvantages: This 3D slicer software supports most 3D printers on the market, but if there is no corresponding printer in the list, it needs to be invoked manually. Pro $35 (Business), $25 (Education)
• KISSlicer download link: http://kisslicer.com/

MatterControl has three slicing engines (MatterSlice, CuraEngine and Slic3r), users can slice and compare print results. In basic mode, layer height, infill density, support material and raft can be adjusted, and saved settings are applied to continuous printing. It has automatic repair function and supports multiple print heads. In order to predict possible printing problems, users can preview the entire process layer by layer.

• Features: Three different slicing engines compare slicing results.
• Cons: The print quality is slightly inferior.
• MatterControl download link: http://www.mattercontrol.com/

• Features: The functions and optimization of the software continue to be sublimated, which is more in line with the usage habits of Chinese local users, and it is related to the domestic design software 3D one. Widely supports modeling, pictures and other files, has a user-friendly print management system, slice settings and its advanced factory mode, and feature-rich model editing.
• Disadvantages: Large-size and complex model slicing efficiency is low, waiting time is long, only supports windows system.
• HORI 3D print software download link: http://www.hori3d.com/Software

There is a very useful feature that automatically arranges models on one or more build plates when preparing a series of components, and users can access and print Thingiverse objects from within the program. This program also has the function of OctoPrint: you can monitor and control the working status of the 3D printer through the built-in webcam of the printer.

• Features: Printing with MakerBot will get the highest quality of MakerBot printers, with better ease of use and higher efficiency in printing large-scale files.
• Disadvantages: It does not support other brands of 3D printers and has no versatility.
• MakerBot print download link: https://www.makerbot.com/print/

The user UI interface is really refreshing. This 3D slicing software is capable of basic editing and creating support structures for 3D models, allowing for quick selection of settings for Tinkerine 3D printers.

• Features: Simple and beautiful interface design Tinkerine Suite guarantees the best results for Tinkerine’s printers.
• Disadvantages: Similar to MakerBot, it is a closed-source system that only supports Tinkerine’s 3D printers.
• Tinkerine Suite download address: http://tinkerine.com/tinkerine-suite/

The design concept of Z-Suite is basically the same as Tinkerine Suite. It is also a slicing software developed by Zortax, a 3D printer manufacturer. It has limited editing functions. The attached 3D slicing software can meet the basic slicing needs. The support structure is created, and finally the “Z-Code” file is produced.

• Features: Can you say there are no features?
• Disadvantage: Only one brand of 3D printers is supported.
• Zortax download address: http://support.zortrax.com/downloads/

FlashPrint also has a basic mode and an expert mode for beginners and professional players. Choose, the software supports Chinese and multiple languages. The final slice generates a GX format file, and the model can be previewed on the printer’s screen.

• Features: FlashPrint has a wealth of practical functions, such as flat image conversion to 3D data, internal and external diameter compensation, etc., and FlashCloud and Happy 3D form a cloud printing management and beginner-designed Flashforging software three swordsmen.
• Insufficient: The cloud printing function is not integrated in FlashPrint, it needs to call the FlashCloud software.

3D printing jobs can be loaded onto the printer. Among OctoPrint’s many powerful features is an integrated 3D slicer software based on the trusted CuraEngine, meaning users don’t need to slice the file on a computer, just send it through the STL model and the printer will do the rest.

• Features: Open source and free, supports slicing directly in the Raspberry Pi system of the printer.
• Insufficient: not found yet
• OctoPrint download address: http://octoprint.org/