The first option to discuss is Autodesk TinkerCAD. Using TinkerCAD for Fast and Easy Prototyping
This article presents you with three free-to-use options for your designs.
However, finding a good, exact, intuitive, and free program is often not that easy. The annual price is $230 for Standard and $4,635 for Premium.When creating designs for 3D printing, you can choose from a large range of CAD and 3D modeling software. Note that Netfabb comes in several licensing options: Standard, Premium, Ultimate, and Simulation, each with its unique features. If errors are detected, you can use the software's repair tools to fix them. With the software, you can import models from various CAD systems and quickly analyze files for printability, estimated material usage, print time, and possible cost. The simulation tools, for instance, can predict how metal additive manufacturing parts will warp, helping reduce build failures. One notable feature is the simulation toolkit designed to ensure components print correctly and perform as expected. Netfabb includes features that allow you to analyze, repair, and edit STL files before slicing. You can, for example, create hollow products, thus saving on weight.
The software allows you to apply additive manufacturing to a part of or entire model.Īdditive manufacturing allows you to manufacture unique components, like lightweight lattice structures.
Netfabb also integrates with several 3D printers, including Aconit圓D, Mimaki, and EOS. The 3D slicer includes Fusion 360, and we've put together our top tips for Fusion 360 beginners if you're new to this. The software is popular with automotive, aerospace, and heavy industry engineers. Slic3rĪutodesk-owned Netfabb is an advanced 3D slicing software and is easily the best paid 3D slicer for professionals.
You'll, however, need to pay some fee for upgrades.ĭownload: Simplif圓D for Windows, Mac, and Linux (Subscription required free trial available) 4. The software costs a one-time payment fee of $149. Simplif圓D has many tutorials and a great support community. You can customize settings for extruders, infill 3D settings, temperature and cooling, and layer control.
There are many printer settings to give you maximum control of the printing process. You also can access great pre-print simulations that allow you to pinpoint errors for fixing. Simplif圓D enables you to easily switch between multiple machines and monitor several printing processes at once. You can also import OBJ, 3MF, or STL files very fast. With Simplif圓D, you can import, edit, and repair 3D models. The slicer works with almost all 3D printers and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. The software is suitable for experienced users who need a 3D slicer for high-quality printing. Simplif圓D is powerful 3D slicer software with easy-to-use advanced features. There are many great free programs, so if the 3D printer slicer is paid, it should offer significant advantages over the free options. This will ensure that your final print is more precise and accurate, especially over wide-angle printing. Slicer SupportsĪ good slicer should automatically generate supports. If your file has errors that could affect the print, a good 3D slicer software will alert you and fix them if necessary. Any good 3D slicer should quickly import STL files (or any other 3D printer model), no matter the size or complexity of the files. You don't want to waste time waiting for your 3D printer files to display. The estimations should be as accurate as possible. PreviewĪ good slicer should provide estimates on the printing time, how much material is needed, and how much is left. An ideal slicer should have a user-friendly interface and straightforward guides. There's no point in having great and advanced features if no one can find and use them. Here are the main variables to consider when searching for the best 3D slicer. To be considered great, there are some features an industry-standard slicer should have. What Are the Qualities of Good 3D Printer Slicer Software? But first, let's look at the characteristics of a good slicer. This article covers some of the best 3D printer slicer software.
The G-code file contains a set of instructions that tell the 3D printer what to do and how to do it. If you're new to 3D printing, a 3D printer slicer, or slicer, is software that acts as the middleman between the 3D printer and the 3D model.ģD printer slicers convert 3D models (like STL) into a format (like G-code) that 3D printers understand and can trace to create a print. The process of 3D printing comprises three essential components: the 3D printer, the 3D model, and the slicing software for 3D printing.