The 3D printing software allows to translate model data that can be understood by a 3D printer, enables printing of 3D artefacts produced within 3D modelling software. 3D printing software can also be referred to as a slicer since the 3D model is split into parts that allow the slice by a 3D printer.
The software for 3D printing is commonly used in the manufacture of 3D printing and artist studios, but the printing of 3D printers is mandatory for any person with a 3D printer. 3D printing software often overlaps or co-operates with other software for general usage 3D modelling or CAD software.
The entire program can generate 3D printable objects in this list, and not all printers can be printed in 3D from solid software.
We have already shown the degree of consumer expertise with each program: beginners, amateurs, expert consumers, and specialists. The easiest strategies to utilize are usually close to the start, with the most successful solutions close to the bottom. Any software is free, and videos for free can be tested.
What is 3D Printing Software?
3D printing software can print 3D artifacts produced in 3D printing software by translating the idea into details that can be understood by a 3D printer. Slicer program is also referred to as a third-party printing device as it cuts a 3D printer in pieces enabling a 3D printer to slice the item.
3D software is typically used in 3D printmakers and design studios, but slicer printing software is needed for 3D printers. 3D printing software often overlaps or works with other 3D design software or CAD software for general usage.
You can create and print 3D structuring using a range of software resources. These tools make varieties in a file format: Obj, Stl, x3d, and others.
What You Should Know About 3D Printing Software
Computer 3D Printing enables the real-life printing of 3D devices. The items are typically translated to data that can easily be read from the 3D printing device with tools for 3D printing. 3D printer software solutions are simple instructions on how to create this real-life 3D printer product.
These solutions allow a specific physical printer to be created utilizing 3D printers. 3D printers take the 3D printer program’s instruction and then integrate or reinforce content to create a 3D product in real life. By printing them out before completion, 3D printers generate objects layer by layer.
In a variety of places for businesses, 3D printing may be used. They may also be used to render food styles of this kind. In manufacturing industries, however, software solutions for 3D printing are more popular. The 3D printing software is often used to manufacture devices, items, or construction parts.
1. PrusaSlicer
A forked version of Slic3r has gained PrusaSlicer popularity for several purposes. It has vast lists of tunable parameters and several useful features not visible in the original.
The original program with reworked GUI, native support for Prusa’s own printer lineup, and useful presets for some common materials have been updated extensively. Such important features are flexible support mechanisms, multifunctional support, and seamless height layer characteristics.
PrusaSlicer is best adapted to slicing FDM and resin printers. It has multiple ways to edit settings, depending on the degree of capability, where specialists open a wide variety of configurations. Also, in PrusaSlicer, however, essential profiles fit well.
Founded in Slic3r and supporting the most original features, PrusaSlicer often incorporates Slic3r setup packages when importing profiles.
Features
- Software: PrusaSlicer
- Function: Slicer
- Level: Beginner
2. Cura
Cura is the benchmark for all 3D printers in Ultimaker, but also most other 3D printers. It is fully open-source and can be extended to have a plugin. As one of the most popular 3D printers on the market, your framework probably already offers the ideal profile configuration for your 3D printer so that you can start immediately.
This software is quick to use and allows you to navigate the most important 3D print settings quickly. Start the quick boarding mode “Recommended,” enabling you to pick the reconfigured printer performance settings.
Switch to custom mode if you need more configurable power settings. Cura offers more than 400 software combinations in “Custom” mode. This slicer is constantly updated and refined to create new versions.
You may also use Cura as a 3D printer host program for direct control over your device. However, it would help if you connected the 3D printer to the PC for this software’s duration. Seamless CAD connectivity with SolidWorks and Siemens NX is advanced-use tech; however, for the overwhelming majority of home users, Cura is a fast and cost-effective 3D printer.
Features
- Software: Cura
- Function: Slicer, 3D Printer Host
- Level: Beginner
3. KISSlicer
Don’t get abused by the name of this software. It may be referred to as “Keep It Simple Slicer,” but it is a genuinely sophisticated 3D printing software. Some have lauded it as a convenient alternative for the other 3D slicer software; some have lamented the confusing interface.
While the free edition is enough for most users to print on only one extruder, multi-head printing is feasible in the paid version Pro. KISSlicer also makes fast cutting of such aspects with 3D profile wizards and material optimization tuning wizards when they are advanced.
KISSlicer is fairly launching the new versions, constantly refining the printing method and growing coherence of creativity such as Ironing to strengthen top surfaces.
This slicer, for example, isn’t faint to the heart. With an incredibly complicated setup and interface, KISSlicer provides immense control over the whole method and is suitable for users who want to fall into a 3D slicing hood.
Features
- Software: KISSlicer
- Function: Slicer
- Level: Intermediate
4. Slic3r
Slic3r is a well-known open-source slicer framework that gives no bleeding-edge functions anywhere.
While this 3D slicer has only minor enhancements, Slic3r has continued to remain on the others and is a forum for creating other open-source slicers. For example, Slic3r’s 3D honeycomb infill is a special discovery to allow 3D forms in a printed picture structurally useful.
In May 2018, after almost three years, the production team of Slic3r released version 1.3.0. The program’s latest additions are new infill templates, creative support for SLA and DLP 3D printing, 3MF formats, USB printing, etc.
The Slic3r website features a comprehensive manual that gives easy access to all of the programs. Another feature of this 3D printing platform is its direct interaction with OctoPrint. When a file is cut on the user’s screen, it can be transferred to OctoPrint automatically to be printed.
Features
- Software: Slic3r
- Function: Slicer
- Level: Intermediate
5. 3DPrinterOS
3DPrinterOS is a cloud-based solution that offers job queuing for printing, delegating, and printer controls, and an STL inspection and maintenance program plug-in platform with cloud slicing.
Users will import & print Gcode, view tools, watch progress in pressing remotely and support the forum with the free starter kit. Further features, such as networking and print permissions, project collaboration, printer queuing, simultaneous slicing, and personalized support, are available for $15 a month now. For educational institutions and companies, more advanced 3DPrinterOS printers are now available.
3DPrinterOS is effectively an STL shop with a printed object that is lifted just a finger. The ideal for distributors, universities, companies, and 3D makers. This printer is 3D. All who need a 3D slicer for their home 3D printer can perfectly select anything such as Cura or MatterControl.
Features
- Software: 3DPrinterOS
- Function: STL Editor, STL Repair, Slicer, 3D Printer Host
- Level: Beginner
6. OctoPrint
Octoprint is a 3D printer host focused on the internet created by Gina Häußge, allowing you to track your printers and jobs entirely. In conjunction with WLAN, the OctoPrint web interface allows you to remotely dial in and track your device – much like a Raspberry Pi.
Octoprint supports Gcode from almost any 3D printer slicer program, including a gCodeVisualizer that enables G-code files to be viewed before and after the 3D impression. Alternatively, you can directly slice STL files to OctoPrint and use them for printing as an all-in-one package.
Octoprint not only allows users a full range of tools to manage printing processes remotely, but it also offers a collection of methods to track print employees. Users may configure Octoprint for push alerts or for updates to deliver via various messaging softwares.
Maybe above all, OctoPrint is a successful culture, online, open-source. The OctoPrint features are easily enabled, which makes it a flexible choice for most 3D printers. The Octoprint framework has a comprehensive plug-in list, providing quick access to innovative add-ons generated continuously by the close-knit community.
If your 3D printer is prohibited from your desktop and is operated wirelessly, Octoprint will be the strongest 3D printer software on the market today.
Features
- Software: OctoPrint
- Function: Slicer, 3D Printer Host
- Level: Intermediate
- Price: Free
7. AstroPrint
For consumers to track and manage 3D printers and slicer parameters, print profiles, and material profiles, AstroPrint is another cloud-based solution. With 3DPrinterOS, AstroPrint may also be used. A free AstroPrint Cloud account enables you to save virtually any printing information you can. It would help if you better also use your browser or the AstroPrint app to access these parameters.
It has optimized networking and free CAD 3D software like 3D slash and leopoley with Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory what’s remarkable regarding AstroPrint. There’s also a cloud trim engine that lets users remotely trim 3D printers and upload them to their 3D printing printers.
Any of the more specialized features can enable you to pay for. Nevertheless, a free account offers you immediate access to useful tools to help control and refine the 3D printing process. AstroPrint also supports broad network providers, companies, colleges, and suppliers, including 3DPrinterOS.
Features
- Software: AstroPrint
- Function: Slicer, 3D Printer Host
- Level: Beginner
8. TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is a CAD software focused on an Autodesk browser and a good starting point for beginners.
It is possible to build 3D structures from basic shapes and change parameters to achieve precise output with this 3D printing software. You may also construct and convert 2D geometric (vector) shapes into 3D printers.
Unlike Blender, FreeCAD, and SketchUp, TinkerCAD has a rather slim range of features, so buyers could best choose a more efficient framework for complex projects.
On the other hand, this 3D design software is a great one, whether you like to teach yourself or the student’s classroom regarding 3D printing. On the TinkerCAD website, you can find a huge range of tutorials and 3d design courses. This software lets users create electronic loops and use programming to build 3D objects, in addition to simple 3D prototypes.
Features
- Software: TinkerCAD
- Function: Design
- Level: Beginner
9. Fusion 360
Autodesk experts in the tools of printing have established the Fusion 360 technological 3D CAD Programme. This interface is fully functional and requires the whole method of planning, testing, and 3D printing, unlike other advanced 3D printing apps.
This program of 3D printing offers efficient parametric and computational mesh methods suitable for most industrial design challenges. Moreover, it stimulates the manufactured components’ creation and strain before they are completely developed and used.
Fusion 360 also has innovative immersive characteristics. It enables the interchange, versioning, and import/export of common CAD file formats for cloud-based files.
And most of all, Fusion 360, as a hobbyist, a student, and a founder, would be completely free for a limited period. However, certain requirements: hobbyists can’t be used professionally, fewer than $100,000 should be received as a novice per year, and the authorization for education is limited to three years.
Features
- Software: Fusion 360
- Function: Design
- Level: Intermediate
10. OpenSCAD
Under the hood of the regular 3D printer, OpenSCAD introduces a fresh perspective. OpenSCAD focuses mainly on a CAD aspect in 3D printing than on the artistic side, relative to other printing frameworks. This software works as a 3D printer, reads the data, and converts them into a 3D entity script format.
One positive thing about OpenSCAD is that it is updated regularly by its user-based features. For example, the current upgrade involves a new customizer screen, which was initiated as a Google Code Summer project and 3D inputs support.
While there is almost inevitably a language barrier, several programs, and a strong community are available for newcomers who want to learn about OpenSCAD.
While this does away with the immersive CAD program, it offers the user full control over the 3D printing method and enables the interface parameters to be modified and optimized.
OpenSCAD is a programmer-oriented approach for students who want to know what is needed to design a mechanical 3D printer and an outstanding CAD tool at the beginning of the program.
Features
- Software: OpenSCAD
- Function: Design
- Level: Intermediate
Who Uses 3D Printing Software?
Software for 3D printing is not just a single area. Yet usually, it is used by industrial businesses. The production method is revolutionized with complete simplification and productivity through 3D printing.
3D Printing Software helps businesses shrink production chains, reduce the time taken to manufacture goods and render them more consumer-friendly. This has led to a general decline in output costs for assembly lines. It is also helpful for these businesses as they can start producing short-term goods in their marketing departments such that new items can be produced more frequently.
While in addition to manufacturing, 3D printing is used most commonly in this industry, it may be used by businesses in many other industries. 3D printing software’s can somehow support consumers in virtually all industries. To easily print plastic tubing, environment engineers, for example, may use 3D-technology.
The software can also be used by concept developers and can also generate the final output. The 3D printing technology also enables musicians to print their own high-quality instruments at a meager rate.
How Do You Choose the Best 3D Printing Software?
It is vital to know what tool can help suit your needs with a wide range of tools on the market.
Having selected the right 3D printing software, you may think here some things:
1. Customization – Search for custom features, including sculpture, history editing, and the possibility of creating 3D printers with 2d artifacts. Excellent customized features allow you to create more beautiful 3D prints.
2. Collaboration – You and your team will collaborate better on 3D templates and printing tools across the Cloud 3D Framework. Users will continue to use the software from anywhere for 3D printing and cloud printing.
3. File Format – The earlier new components are imported and incorporated in the 3D printer, the more the tool includes the file format.
4. Simulation – The VR simulation feature allows designers to identify difficulties and design mistakes in the initial phase. It lets you see the past of templates and saves time and money.
5. Scalable – Find the 3D printing software, which will quickly tailor the 3D printer to all constraints. Scalable 3D printers of any sort and size may be created.
Conclusion
I hope you can build cool 3D printers easily and print them with the hardware you need. I have done a lot of research to detail this article. Choose the software appropriately after checking the information on the official site. Again don’t forget to inform someone else who might need this post. Express your ideas in the comment section.
Rising technological advancements in 3D printing technology are driving the global 3D printing market growth.