3D Printing Slicer Software Amazing FDM Domination

The process of 3D printing comprises a few essentials. Having a great 3D printer and a well designed 3D model is important, but it is equally important to have a powerful 3D printing slicer. In case you are new to the field of 3D printing, a 3D printing slicer is a software that provides an interface between the 3D model and the 3D Printer. The Slicer prepares your 3D model for printing, by generating a G-code which is a programming language understood by the 3D Printer. Meanwhile, there are several 3D Printing slicer software available in the market, and we have selected sixteen, their features, platforms, and prices for you to choose the best one from our requirements. In this article, we will talk about all the 3D printing slicers we have tried. I do not rate them from best to worst, as we will try out more slicer software and add them to this article as we try them out.

3D printing has revolutionized the way we create and manufacture objects. From prototyping to small-scale production, this technology has opened up a world of possibilities. However, the success of a 3D printing project doesn't solely depend on the quality of the printer or the design of the 3D model. The slicer software plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the digital model and the physical output. The slicer software is responsible for converting the 3D model into a series of instructions that the 3D printer can understand and execute. It slices the model into thin layers, calculates the path the printer's extruder or laser should follow, and generates the G-code that the printer uses to create the physical object. The choice of slicer software can have a significant impact on the quality, speed, and efficiency of the 3D printing process. Different slicer software offer varying features, settings, and capabilities, making it essential to select the one that best fits your specific needs and requirements.

When it comes to selecting the best 3D printing slicer software, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of 3D printer you are using, the complexity of your 3D models, the materials you are working with, and your personal preferences.

Some key considerations when choosing a slicer software include:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that the slicer software is compatible with your 3D printer and the file formats you are working with.
2. Features: Look for a slicer software that offers the features and settings you need, such as support generation, infill patterns, and advanced slicing options.
3. User-friendliness: Consider the software's interface and ease of use, especially if you are new to 3D printing.
4. Community and support: Check if the slicer software has an active community and good support resources, as this can be helpful when troubleshooting or learning new techniques.
5. Cost: Determine your budget and whether you are willing to pay for a premium slicer software or if a free, open-source option will suffice.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find the 3D printing slicer software that best fits your needs and helps you unlock the full potential of your 3D printing projects.

In the world of 3D printing, there is a wide range of slicer software available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. To help you navigate this landscape, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the top slicer software options, along with their key features, platforms, and pricing information.

While we consider S3D being the best “paid” Slicer in the market, Ultimaker’s Cura takes the number 1 spot for the Open Source slicers. Since it’s free to use, Cura has become one of the most widely used 3D slicer software in the world. Also, Cura 3D slicer can process STL, 3MF and OBJ formats which gives it the versatility to work with almost all 3D-Printers in the market.

Features:

• Open-source and free to use
• Developed by Ultimaker, but supports a wide range of 3D printers
• Offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features
• Includes features like support generation, infill patterns, and more
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Pricing: Free

Features:

• Open-source and free to use
• Optimized for Prusa 3D printers, but can be used with other printers
• Offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls
• Includes features like adaptive layer heights, multi-material printing, and more
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Pricing: Free

Simplify3D is the best available 3D Slicer for professionals. The Slicer is compatible with almost all 3D-Printers of the industry. Its key features include high processing speed, a user-friendly interface, and powerful features to edit the complex 3D models. Also, the Slicer allows you to edit raw G-codes with relative ease. While experimenting with different nozzles, you can edit settings like extruders, layers and select from the various infill methods, temperature control and cooling time settings to get the optimal results.

Features:

• Paid software with a one-time purchase
• Offers a comprehensive set of features and advanced settings
• Supports a wide range of 3D printers and materials
• Includes features like multi-extruder support, custom support structures, and more
• Available for Windows and macOS

Platforms: Windows, macOS Pricing: $149 (one-time purchase)

Another brilliant Open Source3D slicer on the list is Slic3r. Thanks to the actively contributing community of slic3r developers, professionals today can use many 3D printing features. For instance, the use of brim, micro layering, multiple extruders, bridge detection, command line slicing, subsequent printing, etc. are all examples of the features the Slic3r community developed that. One of its best features is the ability to view the infill patterns of honeycomb structure separately across the layers. This gives the designers the freedom to create unique designs, independent of the other layers of the design.

Features:

• Open-source and free to use
• Offers a wide range of customization options for advanced users
• Includes features like support generation, infill patterns, and more
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Pricing: Free

Features:

• Developed by Raise3D, but supports a wide range of 3D printers
• Offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features
• Includes features like support generation, infill patterns, and more
• Available for Windows and macOS

Platforms: Windows, macOS Pricing: Free

We consider OctoPrint slicer being the best option in the market for remotely controlling a 3D printing operation. The cloud-based software gives its users the freedom to manage printing via browsers. The application is installed on Raspberry Pi, which can be extended further by using readily available plug-ins. Further, using its cloud-based operation enables you to directly load STL files onto the 3D-Printer without having to use an SD card interface.

Features:

• Open-source and free to use
• Designed for remote control and monitoring of 3D printers
• Offers a web-based interface and a wide range of plugins
• Includes features like print job management, webcam support, and more
• Available for Raspberry Pi and other Linux-based platforms

Platforms: Raspberry Pi, Linux Pricing: Free

“Keep It Simple Slicer”, or KISSlicer is one of the most user-friendly 3d slicers available in the market. You can select the package from the options of free Commercial ($35) and Educational ($25) versions. The free version is suitable for amateurs who want to get hands-on experience with 3D printing. Further, the pro-version provides features like multi-head printing and G-code generation.

Features:

• Paid software with a one-time purchase
• Offers advanced features and settings for experienced users
• Includes features like support generation, multi-material printing, and more
• Available for Windows and macOS

Platforms: Windows, macOS Pricing: $149 (one-time purchase)

Repetier is perhaps the most favoured 3D printing slicer option among the RepRap 3D-Printer community. Also, it’s compatible with most of the commercial FDM 3D printers. But its true strength lies in its ability to support up to 16 extruders. They can integrate it with multi-slicer support services like CuraEngine and Slic3r. Also, the Repetier Host offers remote access through the dedicated server. It can also be installed on Raspberry Pi.

Features:

• Open-source and free to use
• Offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features
• Includes features like support generation, infill patterns, and more
• Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Pricing: Free

A lot of users say using CraftWare reminds them of the Simplify3D interface. Developed by CraftBot, the Slicer is compatible with all available FDM 3D Printers. Also, its G-code visualizer is powerful and allows you to view the layer-by-layer model. Further, it gives a 360-degree view of the model to you for detailed tinkering.

Features:

• Developed by Craftbot, optimized for Craftbot 3D printers
• Offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features
• Includes features like support generation, infill patterns, and more
• Available for Windows and macOS

Platforms: Windows, macOS Pricing: Free

Next up is the 3DPrinterOS cloud-based slicer that gives excellent mobility to its users. Using the Slicer, you can directly access your 3D-Printer from a browser. 3DPrinterOS is an integration of three 3D-Printer slicer apps Cloud Slicer, Slicer 2 and MakerBot Slicer. Like all other slicers, you can choose the one that fits your needs.

Pros:

• Cloud-based
• Easy to use
• Allows you to convert your slicer settings as JSON code

Cons:

• A lot of features are available on the paid version

While using Astroprint, you realize that it seems like a hybrid between 3DPrinterOS and OctoPrint. Well, they built it on the OctoPrint platform, so the similarity is natural. The Astrobox interface provides you with the freedom to remotely control the Printer from any browser. Also, the software offers integration of many other 3D printing applications like Yeggi and Thingiverse for searching and downloading pre-designed models .

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Cloud-based
• Integrates many useful 3D printing applications

Cons:

• Limited features
• Lesser flexibility as compared to its peers

IceSL is a multifunctional software that offers 3D slicing and modelling features under one roof. The powerful software allows you to work with more control over your projects. Also, the layer-by-layer viewing capability of the G-code is an important feature that the slicer software provides.

Pros: 

• The software gives impressive control to designers
• It’s free
• Multiple 3D printing features under one roof

Cons:

• Not available for MAC
• Not suitable for beginners

And last but not least, Pathio. Pathio slicer looks to be bringing a lot of extra features to the slicing software, 3D Offsetting being one just now Pathio is in open beta meaning anyone can try this Slicer out for free to get the community to help beta test. It works on many operating systems Windows, Linux and mac. The team behind the Pathio slicer seems to have gone quiet with no updates on their blog the latest update V0.6.3 Beta 4 was in july 2019 , download servers up and down is this project dead? or is it in hibernation? Would you like to learn more about pathio, have a look at the bellow articles?

Pros: 

• Works on many operating systems
• Extra features
• Works with octopi and Duet3D

Cons:

• Free for beta testing

Selfcad is another slicing program that was launched just recently. It has a built-in Slicer that helps you generate the G-Code that you can send to your 3D Printer. With this Slicer, you can access your 3D Printer on the browser easily, and if you can’t see your Printer you can request it to be added, and it will be done quickly. It’s also compatible with any FDM 3D Printers. It’s similar to Cura Slicer, but they improve it. Something exciting and unique about SelfCAD in-built Slicer is the 3D print animation feature. You can animate your sliced object to see how it will be 3D printed. If you would like to design your 3D models and 3D print, SelfCAD is an excellent program as you can model, sculpt, animate and Slice your designs all under one program with none additional software or extension. They have also integrated Myminifactory has also into the program to allow users to import models at a click of a button. Do you need more information on the selfcad slicer? we got you covered

Pros:

• The easiest Slicing program
• Suitable for all levels of users
• Compatible with all FDM 3D printers
• More natural to Customize your settings
• It can handle both simple and complex meshes.
• It runs on the cloud. Hence you can access it anywhere.
• You can use the Slicer in the free account.
• The print quality is perfect, just like for Cura

Cons:

• You need an internet connection to access the Software

Kirimoto is an entirely new slicer written from scratch. It does not use any components from other slicers. Since it is written purely in Javascript, it can run entirely in-browser. Future work may offer server-side slicing for larger and more complex models. It is a multi-modal slicing and visualization engine that produces:

• GCode for 3D printers
• Plus GCode for CNC Mills
• Also GCode, DXG, and SVG paths for laser cutters

Pros:

• Suitable for all levels of users
• Compatible with all FDM 3D printers
• Ideal for CNC and Laser cutters
• It runs on the cloud so access from anywhere

Cons:

• You need an internet connection to access the Software

Netfabb Slicer is another slicer that has worked hard to make it up to the top list of Slicers in the market. It is an ideal tool for handling STL files. The Slicer offers glorious features that allow you to work with your models freely. These features include model optimization and preparation. The Slicer is ideal for metal powder bed fusion and energy deposition process. Therefore, it becomes a perfect solution for professionals and experts. Thus, it is a suitable Slicer for professionals. However, the students can avail of the services free of charges for three years.

Pros:

• Netfabb Premium, Netfabb Ultimate and Netfabb Simulation variants offer impressive features for the users
• Students can avail the Slicer for three years for free

Cons:

• The Slicer does not use a subscription model like other Slicers. Instead, you will have to buy the software at the end of the thirty-day trial period.

SliceCrafter is a very interesting Slicer that is based on IceSL. Thus, Mac users can enjoy using the full features of this Slicer. However, a lot of the amazing features of the IceSL are missing from the Slicer. You cannot edit OpenSCAD code from this Slicer. One of the most interesting features of this Slicer is that you can upload your STL files via a link. This gives you amazing mobility while working on unique systems and preserving your designs. Once again, this Slicer is ideal for experts and advanced level users who like to tweak with the features. Another amazing feature of the Slicer is that it is free of cost.

Pros:

• Browser-based Slicer that does not require setting up of Slicer prior to use
• Free of cost
• STL files can be shared via a link

Cons:

• Not enough features as available on the IceSL desktop version

MatterControl is a one-stop-shop for all your Slicer related issues. This Slicer enables you to start a model from scratch and work your way to the printing of the model without having to need help from any other software. However, the Printer needs to be connected to the computer for the entire period of the printing. Thus, it is an amazing Slicer that rounds up a lot of the features of good Slicers in the market right now. There is also another option for you to save the G-Code on an SD card and install it in the Printer, then only can you feel free from the computer staying connected to the Printer. A few of the key features of the Slicer include; layer height change, density fill, support material inclusion, and raft. 

All these features are available with the basic version of the Slicer. However, there are some powerful advanced features of the Slicer that give you superb control over slicing. These features include; auto mesh repair and support for multiple extruders. You can view the entire printing model step by step and how it will develop through the different stages of printing. Also, you can get help from online resources from MatterControl’s support on the MatterHackers website. And on top of it all, if you have a cloud-based account, you can easily move your files around.

Pros:

• Supports beginners, moderate level users and experts alike
• They offer the software free of cost, which makes it amazing for beginners
• Online source library can help you work remotely from any device connected with the internet

Cons:

• The quality of the Slicer is not as good as compared with other mature level Slicers
• Quality of print varies with the printers

The choice of 3D printing slicer software can have a significant impact on the quality, speed, and efficiency of your 3D printing projects. By exploring the top 16 slicer software options and understanding the key features, platforms, and pricing, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements.

Remember, the slicer software is a crucial component of the 3D printing process, so take the time to experiment with different options and find the one that works best for you. With the right slicer software in your toolkit, you can unleash your creativity and bring your 3D printing dreams to life.