Slicer software what does do?

Slicer software is the software that converts a digital 3D model into printing instructions for your 3D printer. It cuts the model into horizontal slices (layers), generates tool paths to fill them and calculates the amount of material to be extruded.

Payed vs Free(open source)

Some of the open source Software available will work just as good as the high-end Software. Long as open source software is set up proper! The pay Slicer software will of course come with more bells and whistles. For some one just getting into 3D Printing the dollar value can out weigh the frustration level with “setting up the software” them self’s. The software which comes with most ready to run 3D prints for the most part are fairly user-friendly.

Click the link at the bottom of each developer to find out more about each Slicer software

Developer

Pricing

Comments

Edmonton 3D Prints vote.

Ultimaker Cura

$$$

open-source -  not limited to Ultimaker 3D printers - fast and easy to use

Ultimaker Cura

CraftWare

$Free

easy to use -  fast - gcode visualizer -      manual support setting mode

CraftWare

Repetier Host

$Free

open-source 3D printer front-end. It uses Slic3r as default slicing engine but Skeinforge is also available

Repetier Host

Simplify3D

$$$

Premium slicer and 3D printer host- powerful features -  lightning fast - advanced support generation - more advanced users

Simplify3D

Slic3r

$Free

Slic3r is  software, developed by Alessandro Ranellucci with the help of contributors and community.

Slic3r

3D Modeling Tools

Listed below are the most common and widely used 3D modeling software. There are three main categories: CAD Tools, Freeform Modeling Tools and Sculpting Tools. Whereas the tools of each category can generate models suitable for 3D printing, the way the inputs are generated are different: CAD tools are largely based on using geometrical shapes to build models while Freeform modeling tools allow more freedom by allowing you to create freeform shapes. Sculpting tools are pretty much like using digital clay that you can push, pull, pinch and grab to form your models.

For easy reference we included information on User Level and Price, such that you can pick your software of choice based on your skills and budget.

Developer

Pay/Free

User Level

Comments

Edmonton 3D Prints vote.

Autodesk inc.

$Free

Beginner

123D Design is a powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool. The free version gives you access to most features and allows you to create and use 3D models for non-commercial purposes.

123D Design

Trimble Navigation ltd.

$Free/Payed


Beginner to intermadiate

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program for applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering. Its powerful yet easy to use interface make it ideal for beginners in 3D modeling. A freeware version and a paid version with additional functionality, Note that the free version does not allow you to export to *.stl for 3D printing, you'll need to install a plug-in to do so.

SketchUp

Autodesk inc.

$Freemium

Beginner

TinkerCAD is a browser based 3D modeling program ideal for beginners. You can save your designs online or share them with others. Export *.stl files to print with your own 3D printer or send your designs to one of popular 3D printing services

TinkerCAD

Blender Foundation

$Free/Open Source

Intermadiate to Professional

Blender is a free and open source 3D animation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation

Blender

The Bottom Line

There are still a large  verity of software out there, if you know of some that we should feature Contact us. With that my friends i leave it up to you.