3D Printing Slicers prepare 3D models for your 3D printer by generating G-code, a widely used numerical control (NC) programming language.
There is a wide selection of 3D printing slicing software. So, to help you find the most suitable tool, this article lists 20 top 3D printing slicing software tools.
Recommendation: Use NSDT Designer to quickly build programmable 3D scenes.
1、Care
Cura is developed, hosted and maintained by 3D printer company Ultimaker and its enthusiastic user community. According to Ultimaker, after extensive beta testing, its latest release includes some of the software's most significant improvements to date. Most notably, the slicing engine supports variable line widths, resulting in faster, more robust, and more accurate printing.
Because of the company's roots in the open-source community, the 3D slicer software came as a freebie and has remained so. So, over the years, Cura has even added profiles for competing 3D printers.
Cura supports STL, 3MF and OBJ file formats and will repair them when needed. It will also show toolpaths, print times and material usage estimates. Ultimaker is constantly updating Cura and allowing users to develop third-party plugins, ensuring this popular slicer remains at the cutting edge. The Experiments section also has interesting things to find if you want to explore.
In addition to the free version of Cura, Ultimaker also offers various paid plans. Pricing depends on how many printers you connect and what additional features you need.
2、Simplify3D
In general, if you need a slicer, use Cura. If Cura doesn't have what you need, use Simplify3D .
The slicer of choice for professionals is Simplify3D. It offers a level of control that other slicers struggle to match, all in one organized package. For example, you can undoubtedly manually edit the support structures, but you can even have different settings for different areas of the model.
At the time of writing, Simplify3D is not the only slicer that supports this feature. But the interface that manipulates all of these settings is the one most familiar to many users, so they pay $199 for it.
Of course, this slicer supports most of the 3D printers available - you can download and import over 90 3D printer configuration files. If your model isn't on the list, it's relatively easy to add the configuration file yourself.
The software allows you to import, scale, rotate and fix a 3D model until it's just right. The import speed of STL, OBJ, 3MF files is very fast, and even huge meshes can be displayed in an instant.
There are tons of settings at your disposal: extruder, layer control, various filling methods, and temperature and cooling settings. Even raw G-code and scripts can be edited. These settings can be saved in so-called "sessions," which come in handy if you're experimenting with different setups, 3D printer nozzles, or different filaments.
3、Prusa Slicer
PrusaSlicer originated from Slic3r, and until mid-2019, it was called "Slic3r Prusa Edition". Packed with a ton of advanced features and enough settings for anyone to use, this slicer works with both FDM and SLA/DLP 3D printers—one of the few in its class.
It's also fully open source, allowing advanced programmers to create their own forks and tweak them with new features -- as if that wasn't enough already. For example, 3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab is rapidly rising in the community with its popular X1 and P1P 3D printers, and its slicing software Bambu Studio is based on PrusaSlicer.
With three user modes, PrusaSlicer is perfect for anyone; beginners will only see the most basic settings, while advanced users can tweak their prints to a T. With a redesigned user interface, PrusaSlicer is easy to navigate and offers convenient additional features, such as the ability to repair models via Netfabb's online service, custom support or the dreadfully accurate estimated print times (especially on Prusa's printers).
4、ideaMaker
Developed by 3D printer manufacturer Raise3D, ideaMaker is a 3D printing slicer that focuses on providing a user-friendly and versatile experience. This slicing software will work with most FDM 3D printers, although it is certainly compatible with Raise3D 3D printers. It runs on a natively compiled multi-threaded 64-bit slicing engine for fast slicing speed.
Several features are designed to simplify the slicing process, automatic generation support (as well as manual generation), repair of tedious models, and automatic layout of multiple files in a single print job. ideaMaker is also beneficial for slicing complex models because it can automatically separate parts in assemblies. You can also view cross-sections of 3D models. Despite the variety of settings it offers, ideaMaker is very easy to use and ready for 3D printing in just four clicks.
Aside from being free, another benefit of ideaMaker is that it doubles as a 3D printer management platform. You can keep track of multiple print profiles and seamlessly switch between different print settings. You can also remotely monitor and manage ongoing print jobs. Input file formats include STL, OBJ, and 3MF, while the software can use English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and more.
5、OctoPrint
OctoPrint is a nifty machine that hosts a 3D printer, allowing you to control and monitor all its activities through a web browser and a handheld device. The application itself is installed on the Raspberry Pi, and you can extend it, for example, with a webcam and a large number of plugins. This way, 3D printing jobs can be loaded onto your printer without the hassle of shuffling SD cards.
Among the many great features we've discussed elsewhere is an integrated 3D slicer software based on the trusted CuraEngine. This means you don't even need to slice the file on your computer anymore, you can just send the STL model and the printer will do the rest.
6、Astroprint
Astroprint , a cloud-based platform, is built around similar ideas to 3DPrinterOS and OctoPrint. The actual hosting of the 3D printer is via a dedicated device called an Astrobox (basically a Raspberry Pi). This allows you to monitor and control your printers from any web-enabled device in the world. If you like that kind of stuff.
Let's say you don't have a 3D model to print. In this case, the 3D model can be downloaded from one of the integrated web services such as the search engine Yeggi, downloaded from a repository such as CGTrader and Thingiverse, or designed from scratch in a web-based 3D modeling tool such as 3DSlash and Leopoly). If your 3D model is not printing correctly, you can connect Astroprint to 3DPrintCloud to fix it. Finally, if you don't have your own 3D printer, you can print the model through the 3D printing service i.materialise.
The 3D Slicer software itself is very simple. In simple mode you can choose the material and desired quality. In advanced mode, you can do anything to achieve your goal.
7、TuBox
ChiTuBox is made with SLA/DLP machines in mind. No wonder ChiTu builds motherboards for the most popular budget SLA 3D printers. So if you're shopping for an affordable resin machine, this is the software of choice.
It is easy to use, one-click to complete the processing, and the preview function allows users to view the print layer by layer to better understand how the 3D printer builds the object. The slicing process is fast, it gives you control over the support structure, and it works reliably.
ChiTuBox is another company that decided to go the freemium route and release a professional plan alongside its basic version. ChiTuBox Pro features advanced features such as multi-parameter slicing, professional model repair and editing tools, and improved automatic support generation. While the basic version includes everything you need to successfully prepare your data, the professional version has the potential to significantly improve your processing workflow.
8、Net fab
Netfabb has come a long way. What started as freeware has grown into a powerful toolkit for working with STL files. This 3D slicer software for 3D printers offers powerful features that allow you to analyze, repair and edit STL files before going to the slicing stage.
Autodesk acquired Netfabb in 2015. After initially also offering a standard version, they are currently offering only three products to new customers: Netfabb Premium, Netfabb Ultimate and Netfabb Local Simulation. These are not stand-alone products, but are sold as utilities alongside Autodesk's CAD software, Fusion 360. So if you don't already have a subscription to Fusion 360, you can expect a lot more for your money.
Both Premium and Ultimate are tools primarily used for model optimization and manufacturing preparation. Optimized specifically for metal powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition processes, Netfabb Simulation enables professionals to run tests to ensure their parts are printing correctly, with features such as minimizing and addressing warped and shrinking parts.
But even hobbyists who don't work in multinational engineering companies can enjoy Netfabb's features. For example, the 2022 release introduces angle brace generation. You can generate supports that bend through cavities in the print to avoid attachment to the print surface for easy removal. You can bet PrusaSlicer can't do that -- at least as of this writing.
What's good? Netfabb is truly a 3D printing Swiss Army Knife. Students can try the software for free for three years.
9、Slic3r
Slic3r is open source 3D slicer software known for adding cutting-edge features not found anywhere else. Over the years, the community has experimented with setups, materials, and new types of 3D printers—all of which knowledge feeds into Slic3r. It is home to many functions that we take for granted today. Multiple extruders, edges, micro-layering, bridge detection, command-line slicing, variable layer heights, sequential printing (one object at a time), honeycomb filling, mesh cutting, and more.
The current release offers command-line tools, a desktop application to quickly generate G-code, experimental support for SLA printers, and OctoPrint integration.
10、IceSL
Without a doubt, IceSL is one of the best 3D printing tools out there. It is not only a 3D slicing software, but also a 3D modeling tool. In the left window you can edit the grid directly in Lua code. This may seem scary at first glance, but as in OpenSCAD, this allows for some beautiful parametric modeling. The center window is the live preview.
Finally, on the right, you'll find a wide variety of slice settings that will frustrate any beginner. In addition to the usual features we've come to expect from a 3D printer slicer, such as support or two-color printing, the IceSL also boasts a slime shield that protects your model from "extruder drips". Another useful feature is the layer-by-layer view of the G-code.
11、MatterControl
MatterControl is a slicer with integrated modeling software for desktop computers, which means you can print models from scratch without leaving the program.
It was originally developed as printer host software, and many features still reflect that. Ideally, the software runs alongside the printer, and the computer and printer must be connected for the entire print to take place. Alternatively, you can save the G-code file on an SD card. The interface has changed significantly between the original and the current version, but the structure is still pretty solid. On the left, you have a list of primitives you can use for modeling, much like Tinkercad, but with more powerful tools.
MatterControl has helpful wizards and extensive online documentation to help you get started with the program. You can adjust layer height, infill density, support material and base plate in basic mode. These settings can be saved and applied to continuous printing. Advanced features include details like automatic mesh repair and support for multiple extruders. In order to foresee possible problems, you can preview the whole process layer by layer.
Additionally, MatterControl integrates with the MatterHackers website, linking directly to tutorials and products. The benefit of this is that there is also a cloud-based design and project repository, allowing you to save and access your projects from another computer. When using the software as a host computer, you can even remotely log in and view the printing progress through the Internet.
12、Repetier
If you're ready to move up to the next level of 3D slicer software, but want to stay within the open source framework, Repetier is a compelling option. This is the great-granddaddy of 3D printing software, and remains the most popular choice among the RepRap maker community.
It's worth noting that this application spans the intermediate to advanced user spectrum. As an all-in-one solution, it offers multi-extruder support (up to 16 extruders!), multi-slicer support via plugins, and supports almost all FDM 3D printers on the market. By default it includes the option to slice using CuraEngine, Slic3r or Slic3r Prusa Edition depending on your preference. Get ready for lots of tinkering!
In addition, Repetier Host provides remote access through Repetier Server. Similar to OctoPrint, you can install it on a Raspberry Pi so you can access and control your 3D printer from anywhere through a browser on your PC, tablet, or smartphone.
13、CraftWare Pro
While many have compared CraftWare's old UI to Simplify3D's UI, their current version (which has been renamed to CraftWare Pro) looks quite different, and according to Craftbot, it runs on a brand new slicer on the engine. CraftWare Pro is noteworthy as a free alternative to the popular $200 3D printing slicer. The main selling point is an attractive feature set. For example, Craftware is one of the few slicers that allows you to manage multiple build plates in one project - print farm management. Additionally, modifier meshes can be used to modify the density of different parts of the model. Might be helpful in specific situations.
Other notable features include interactive print management, which reduces overall build time and adds optimization support to models. With the G-code visualization tool, users can view each print layer by layer from any possible angle, providing a 360° view of the model.
According to the manufacturer, the slicer uses an algorithm that generates the optimal toolpath for the 3D printer. Additionally, on CraftWare, models can be easily scaled, rotated and cloned before being laid out on the virtual build platform.
While the Standard edition offers full slicer functionality, there are also Premium and Advanced Enterprise plans for $99.99 and $499.99 per year, which include certain "productivity features" that can reduce build times. These paid plans also allow you to control multiple printers.
14、Z-SUITE
Z-SUITE is another program for FDM and LCD technology that focuses primarily on one manufacturer's machines—in this case, Zortrax—but the software also supports third-party LCD printers. The program has limited editing capabilities, allowing you to split a given mesh into sections or scale it. It's also meant to be a 3D printing farm management software. The included 3D slicer software covers basic slicing needs, although the clean user interface leaves only a few options for the user. It has four infill options to choose from, automatically repairs damaged meshes, and allows you to create support structures for your meshes.
If you own one of the M Series Plus, M300 Dual, Inkspire 2 or Endureal 3D printers, join the mailing list now to download Z-SUITE 3.0 BETA for free. New features in this release include multiple contour plots, a wider variety of hatch patterns, and improvements to existing parameters.
15、MakerBot Print
MakerBot Print is exclusively for the older MakerBot line of 3D printers (now UltiMaker). Unlike generic 3D slicer software tools that work with a variety of 3D printers, MakerBot Print's algorithms automatically adjust slicing settings to fit your specific 3D printer model and extruder type. The engineers have included a really nifty feature that is useful when preparing an entire series of components. It automatically arranges the grid on one or more build plates. You can access and print Thingiverse objects from within your program. In addition, the program also has a feature of OctoPrint: you can monitor and control your 3D printer via webcam.
With the latest version of its browser-based platform, Makerbot Cloudprint, it is now even possible to prepare, print and monitor files remotely, while machines can be easily managed and shared among team members.
Plus, MakerBot's MinFill print mode prepares models with the smallest possible fill for quick printing of non-critical parts like design concepts. Another unique and powerful feature is the ability for Windows users to import native CAD models, while Mac users are limited to the STL file format.
16、SelfCAD
For the entire 3D printing workflow, including 3D model design, SelfCAD is an interesting new beast. In addition to a powerful 3D modeling application, SelfCAD provides a one-stop shop for manufacturers who design models for printing, using their own 3D slicer in their print preparation.
In fact, you can use the very advanced print preparation controls and all the usual suspects, such as layer height, infill density (percent), print speed, etc., to use the newly made model for slicing. Download the generated G-code and you're good to go.
17、3DPrinterOS
3DPrinterOS is a cloud-based platform for professionals. It integrates all the different components necessary for 3D printing. The name tells you what it is: you plug your 3D printer into your computer and host it from your browser or desktop application. Besides slicing, 3DPrinterOS includes different options to fix your mesh, download it from Sketchfab.com or print it on an industrial machine.
There's a free plan, but more exciting features are available for a fee, starting at $200. However, the company has promised that slices will always be free. The range of supported 3D printers is extensive, as you would expect from a commercial solution.
As with other 3D slicer software tools, you can choose between different levels of complexity ("Simple", "Advanced" and "Expert"). As a bonus, the app can also estimate the price of a printed file. Slicer 2 also allows you to choose from a list of presets that can be adapted to your needs. However, if you like precise control over your prints, it is possible to dive into the intricacies of manually configuring a print from scratch.
18、KISSlicer
Don't be fooled by the acronym of this program. It might be called "Keep It Simple Slicer," but depending on which version you choose, it can be quite a complex piece of software. Some praised KISSlicer as a worthy alternative to other 3D slicer software tools, while others complained about the confusing interface.
The free version is good enough for hobbyists printing with only one extruder, while the professional version supports multi-head printing. Generate G-code with minimal setup. For advanced settings, you need to buy the pro version. This release allows combining multiple STL files into one printout.
19、Tinkerine Cloud
Most of the 3D slicer software tools on our list do a decent job, considering they generate G-code for almost all 3D printers. If you want more than "presentable", take a look at Tinkerine Cloud . Formerly known as Tinkerine Suite, it's designed for the Ditto and Litto line of 3D printers, but also supports custom print profiles to include anyone with a 3D printer. It prides itself on being "the most user-friendly 3D slicing software".
In fact, the user interface is refreshingly uncluttered. However, this 3D slicer software is capable of basic editing and creating support structures for 3D models.
Original Link: Top20 3D Printing Slicing Software—BimAnt