Met goede 3D slicer software krijg je betere resultaten, zelfs op middelmatige machines. Slechte software vergroot het aantal mislukte prints en levert andere generieke 3D printproblemen. In dit artikel beschrijven wij 16 verschillende merken.

3D slicer software is een soort vertaler voor je 3D printer

Verschillen tussen 3D slicer software?

1. STL import snelheid: Het lijkt misschien niet zo belangrijk maar als jij werkt met complexe bestanden dan kan het je computer behoorlijk belasten en je hebt geen zin om een kop koffie te halen omdat je moet wachten totdat jouw systeem klaar is met het tonen van het bestand..
2. Viewer mogelijkheden: Als je niet de beschikking hebt over CAD software zul jij waarschijnlijk het te printen bestand voor het eerst ziet wanneer je het opent met de slicer software. Goede slicers maken het mogelijk om het bestand vanuit alle perspectieven te bekijken en natuurlijk soepel en snel.
3. STL reparatie: Een goede slicer helpt je bij het repareren van fouten in het 3D model. Ze toont ze aan en waar mogelijk repareert ze automatisch.
4. Gebruiksgemak: Hoe makkelijk is de software in gebruik. Zijn er instellingen voor beginners en opties voor experts. Legt de software de wijzigingen vast zodat je terug kunt grijpen naar eerdere versies.
5. Preview: Een goede slicer geeft je een schatting van de printduur en de hoeveelheid materiaal. Natuurlijk moet elkaar dit in de praktijk benaderen.
6. Kosten
7. Ondersteuning: Is de helpfunctie goed ontwikkeld en is er toegang tot een goede forum omgeving en gebruikersgroep.

De 16 beste 3D Slicer Software Tools voor 3D Printers

3DPrinterOS

3DPrinterOS is een software applicatie die in de cloud draait en combineert alle noodzakelijke componenten ten aanzien van 3D printen. Je plugt je 3D printer aan je computer en je stuurt hem aan vanuit een browser of de desktop applicatie. De software omvat natuurlijk het slicen maar ook diverse opties om het mesh te repareren, downloaden van bestanden van Sketchfab.com en zelf het printen naar een industriële, externe 3D printer. Niet alle functies zijn gratis beschikbaar. Het bedrijft geeft echter aan dat het slicen altijd gratis zal blijven.

Er zijn 3 slicer applicaties aanwezig in 3DPrinterOS. De standaard 3D slicer (Cloud Slicer), ‘Slicer 2’ en de exclusieve ‘Makerbot Slicer’. Het aantal 3D printers dat ondersteunt wordt is enorm zoals je mag verwachten van een commerciële software applicatie.

‘Cloud Slicer’ en ‘Makerbot Slicer’ zijn vrijwel identiek qua grafische interface en functionaliteit. net als bij andere 3D slicer software kun je instellingen laten afhangen van de mate van complexiteit: ‘Simple”, ‘Advanced’ en ‘Expert’. Daarnaast kan de applicatie ook een indicatie geven van de kosten van de print. ‘Slicer 2’ heeft een andere gebruikersinterface: je kunt hier kiezen uit een lijst van standaard instellingen die je kunt aanpassen aan je wensen. Als je exacte controle wilt hebben over je prints dan heb je ook de mogelijkheid om handmatig te parametriseren vanaf de basis.

Wat werkt uitstekend?
Zodra de G-code is gegenereerd kun je het bekijken in de ‘Toolpath viewer’. Als je veel vertrouwen hebt in je eigen vaardigheden kun je de instellingen invoeren als JSON code.

Wat valt tegen?
We zouden premium features gratis willen maar dat is natuurlijk niet realistisch voor een commerciële onderneming.

Geschikt voor beginner en semi professionals die de beschikking willen hebben over een betrouwbare omgeving voor het printen van 3D modellen.

Waar te koop: Via 3DPrinterOS.com
Prijs: Freemium
OS:  Browser, Windows, Mac

Astroprint

Dit cloud-based platform hanteert de zelfde strategie als 3DPrinterOS en Octoprint. De feitelijke aansturing van de 3D printers gaat via een apparaat met de naam Astrobox (in de basis een Raspberry Pi computer). Hiermee kun je de printer aansturen vanuit elke webapplicatie.

Als je geen 3D model hebt kun je het downloaden via geïntegreerde webdiensten zoals Yeggi, CGTrader en Thingiverse. Je kunt zelfs een 3D model ontwerpen met de geintegreerde 3D software van 3DSlash en Leopoly. Als het 3D model niet goed geprint wordt dan kun je de Astroprint verbinden met 3DPrintCloud om het te repareren. Ten slotte kun je je prints ook laten printen via i.materialise als je zelf niet de beschikking hebt over een printer. De 3D slicer software zelf is erg rechtdoorzee. In de ‘Simple’ mode kies je je materiaal en de gewenste kwaliteit. In de ‘Advanced’ mode kun je werkelijk alles tweaken om je doelstelling te bereiken.

Wat werkt goed?
De integratie met diverse web services belooft een ideaal pad om kennis te maken met de wereld van 3D printen.

Wat viel tegen?
Misschien ligt het aan ons maar wij hadden moeite om de 3D slicer functie te vinden. Hij is verstopt in de ‘File Manager’ waar hij niet standaard wordt weergegeven nast andere opties zoals downloaden.

Geschikt voor beginners die niet graag geld willen investeren.

Waar: Via deAstroprint website
Prijs:  Freemium
OS: Browser, Raspberry Pi, pcDuino

Craftware

Another 3D slicer software developed in-house by a 3D printer manufacturer — in this instance Hungarian startup CraftUnique — to support their crowdfunded CraftBot 3D printer. However, it can be used by other 3D printers, too.
Like Cura, the CraftWare application can be switched between “easy” and “expert” modes, depending on how confident you’re feeling. It’s a zippy application, with some outstanding G-Code visualization, where each feature is represented as a different color. But the real standout feature is individual support management. To our knowledge, this is only available elsewhere in the paid application Simplify3D.

However, please note that this 3D slicer software for 3D printers is still in beta, so bugs can still occur in day-to-day use.

What bevalt ons?
The interface is nicely designed. The 3D slicer software operates fast and is very easy to use. If you change settings, you’ll get live visual feedback to what part of the print will change – that’s a terrific feature.

Wat valt tegen?
There are minor bugs in the software – it‘s still in beta.

Suited for Geschikt voor beginners tot professionals die 3D slicer software nodig hebben om STL bestanden nodig hebben om in 3D te printen.

Waar: On the Craftware webpage.
Prijs: Gratis maar dit kan veranderen zodra het commercieel beschikbaar komt
OS: Windows, Mac

Cura

Cura was developed, hosted and maintained by 3D printer company Ultimaker and it’s community. As the company has its roots in Open Source, the 3D slicer software came out as a freebie – and it stayed that way ever since. Over the years, Cura even added profiles for competitor 3D printers. Many companies wouldn’t do that.
It can be fed STL, 3MF, and OBJ file formats – which the 3D slicer software will also repair if needed. It will show a toolpath, printing time and material estimates.

What‘s great? It‘s suited for novices and experts alike as a beginner, you’ll just see the most important settings. For experts, there are over 200 settings to fiddle with. The graphical user interface is fast; with some workarounds, you can even handle dual material prints. The 3D slicer software handles huge STL moderately fast. We found Cura gave us good, not necessarily excellent results.

What’s not so great? There are some minor features missing (i.e. Octoprint support) and the print time estimates are sometimes off around 10 – 20 percent.

Suited for 3D printing beginners and semi-pros

Where can I get it? On the Cura webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac, Linux

IceSL

IceSL is beyond any doubt one the most remarkable tools available for 3D printing. It is not merely a 3D slicer software, but also a 3D modeling tool. In the left window, you can edit your mesh directly in Lua code. At first glance, this may seem like a frightening prospect, but as in OpenSCAD, this enables some nifty parametric modeling. The center window is a live preview.
Finally, on the right, you can find a wide array of slicing settings that is sure to dishearten any beginner. Besides the usual features we expect from a 3D printer slicer (supports, dual color printing etc.), IceSL boasts ooze shielding, that protects your model against “extruder drippings”. Ugh! Another useful feature is the layer by layer view of GCode.

What‘s great? Die hard coders will love the amount of control IceSL gives them.

What’s not so great? Why is there no Mac version of this gem?

Suited for intermediate to advanced users who like to keep their 3D printers close, but their G-Code closer.

Where can I get it? On the IceSL webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Linux

KISSlicer

Don’t be fooled by the acronym of this program, it may be called “Keep It Simple Slicer”, but depending on which version you choose, it can be actually a pretty sophisticated piece of software. Some have hailed it as a worthy alternative to the other 3D slicer software tools, others complained about the confusing interface.
While the free version is sufficient for amateurs that print with only one extruder, the pro version enables multi-head printing. GCode can be generated with a minimum amount of settings. For advanced settings, you’ll need to purchase the pro version. This version allows for combining multiple STL files into one print.

What‘s great? KISSlicer is a worthy alternative to the other 3D printer slicer software tools on this list.

What’s not so great? While this 3D slicer software supports most desktop 3D printers on the market out of the box. If you happen to need GCode for a printer that is not on the list, you have to manually adapt the program.

Suited for beginners and advanced users who can take advantage of the pro features.

Where can I get it? On the KISSlicer webpage.

Price Free, Pro $35 (commercial), $25 (educational)

OS Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pie

MakerBot Print

MakerBot Print is dedicated to the MakerBot line of 3D printers. Unlike general 3D slicer software tools that cater to a broad range of 3D printers, MakerBot Print’s algorithm automatically adjusts slice settings for your specific 3D printer mode and extruder type. The engineers included a very nifty feature that is useful when preparing a whole series of components, it will automatically arrange meshes across one or more build plates. You can access and print Thingiverse objects from within the program. Plus, this program has a feature known from OctoPrint: you can monitor and control your 3D printer via webcam built into your printer.

What‘s great? With MakerBot Print you will get the highest possible quality from you MakerBot printer. Beginners will love its ease of use, while advanced users will appreciate the help in printing on a larger scale.

What’s not so great? If you decide to switch to another 3D printer manufacturer, you will have to learn a new 3D slicer software as well.

Suited for Beginners to advanced users who want to print without hassle.

Where can I get it? On the MakerBot webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac

MatterControl

MatterControl is a 3D printer host for your desktop computer, that means the two will have to be connected for the entire print. Alternatively, you can save the GCode file on an SD Card. The interface is remarkably well structured. To the left side, you can reorder the print queue with your mouse (That’s right! Now you can open your own hub!). Toggle to the right and slice the prints to your liking.

MatterControl features three slicing engines (MatterSlice, CuraEngine, and Slic3r), making it easy to experiment and compare the results. In basic mode, you can adjust layer height, fill density, support material, and raft. The settings can be saved and applied to successive prints. The advanced features niceties like auto mesh repair and support for multiple extruders. In order to foresee possible hiccups of your print, you can preview the entire process layer by layer.

What‘s great? This is the sort of 3D slicer software that will still be relevant as your expertise in 3D printing matures.

What’s not so great? Depending on your 3D printer, the quality does not yet compare to other, more mature 3D slicer software.

Suited for beginners to advanced users who want to print a lot.

Where can I get it? On the MatterControl webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac, Linux

Netfabb Basic

Netfabb Basic is 3D slicer software for 3D printers with some nice features, that allow you to analyze, repair and edit STL files before you get to the slicing stage.

It is a good choice if you need something more than just 3D slicer software, and you want to be able to quickly repair STL files without having to learn to use additional tools like MeshLab or Meshmixer.

And don’t let the “Basic“ in the name fool you; Netfabb Basic is actually very powerful 3D printing software. It’s only “basic” in the sense when compared to the €1,500 Netfabb Professional edition!

What‘s great? Netfabb Basic is a true swiss army knife for 3D printing.

What’s not so great? The advanced features of the professional edition are available in free 3D slicer software tools such as Slic3r.

Suited for Intermediate Users who need 3D slicer software to prepare STL files for 3D Printing.

Where can I get it? On the Netfabb webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac, Linux

OctoPrint

The OctoPrint is a nifty piece of machinery that hosts your 3D printer, allowing you to control and monitor all its activities from your web browser and handheld devices. The application itself is installed on a Raspberry Pi, that you can extend e.g. with a webcam and a plethora of plugins. This way, 3D printing jobs can be loaded onto your printer without the pesky shuffling of SD cards. Among the many great features that we have discussed elsewhere, is an integrated 3D slicer software based on the trusted CuraEngine. Which basically means that you won’t even need to slice your files on a computer anymore, you can just send over the STL model and the printer will do the rest.

What‘s great? This testament to human ingenuity is completely Open Source and gaining more and more followers every day.

What’s not so great? What is there not to like?

Suited for Intermediate and advanced users want to stay in control of their equipment.

Where can I get it? On the OctoPrint webpage.

Price Free

OS Raspberry Pi, Windows, Mac, Linux

Repetier

If you’re ready to graduate to the next level of 3D slicer software but want to stay within an open source framework, then Repetier is a compelling option. This is the great-grandaddy of 3D printing software and the favored choice within the RepRap maker community.

Now, the thing to note is that this application straddles the intermediate to advanced user spectrum. Pitched as an all-in-one solution, it offers multi-extruder support (up to 16 extruders!), multi-slicer support via plugins, and support for virtually any FDM 3D printer on the market. Be prepared to do a lot of tinkering!
Moreover, Repetier Host also offers remote access features, via Repetier Server. Similarly to OctoPrint, you install it on a

Raspberry Pi, so you can access and control your 3D printer from anywhere via a browser on your PC, tablet or smartphone.

What‘s great? It’s the favorite open source 3D slicer software of the RepRap maker community.

What’s not so great? Print quality is reportedly better on newer 3D slicer software, like Cura.

Suited for Intermediate Users who are not afraid to tinker.

Where can I get it? On the Repetier webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac, Linux

Simplify3D

Simplify3D is a 3D slicer software for pros. It supports nearly all available 3D printers – you can download and import over 100 3D printer profiles. If your model isn’t on the list, it’s relatively easy to add a profile on your own.

The software allows you to import, scale, rotate and repair your 3D model until it is just right. The import of STL, OBJ or 3MF files is very fast, and even huge meshes are displayed in no time.

There are a ton of settings which you can fiddle around with: Extruders, layer control, various infill methods, temperature and cooling settings, even raw G-code and scripts can be edited. These settings can be saved in so-called “Processes”, which can come in handy if you’re experimenting with different settings, 3D printer nozzles or different filaments. Help is available by hovering over the buttons.
What‘s great? Simplify 3D can help you to get the quality you always looked for. And even though this 3D slicer software offers a huge variety of options, you won’t feel overwhelmed using it. Also, the quality of the documentation is outstanding. Professionals will love the editable supports.
What’s not so great? It would be unfair to say „the price“. Still, it’s quite an investment for a hobby 3D printer enthusiast.
Suited for everyone who wants to get quality prints. Though there‘s a basic mode, you should have some experience with a 3D printer, though.
Where can I get it? On the Simplify3D webpage.
Price $150 for a 2-computers license.
OS Windows, Mac

Slic3r

Slic3r is open source 3D slicer software with a reputation for adding bleeding edge features not found anywhere else. The current version of the 3D printing software includes multiple views so users can better preview how their models will 3D print.
There’s also an incredible new honeycomb infill that’s created in three dimensions: the first time that an infill pattern that can be varied across layers instead of repeating the same pattern. This can greatly increase the strength of the internal infill and your final print.

Another feature is direct integration with OctoPrint. When files are sliced on the user’s desktop, they can now be uploaded directly to the user’s OctoPrint box with the click of a button.

Over the years, the community experimented with settings, materials and news 3D printers – all that knowledge went into Slic3r. It the birthplace of many features we take for granted today (to name a few: multiple extruders, brim, micro layering, bridge detection, command line slicing, variable layer heights, sequential printing (one object at a time), honeycomb infill, mesh cutting, object splitting into parts…).

What‘s great? Thanks to real-time 3D slicing, the software is reasonably fast even on slow computers. If you change a setting, the software only calculates affected parts. It includes real-time incremental slicing, 3D preview, toolpath preview in 2D and 3D, 3D honeycomb infills, a customizable bed shape, integration with OctoPrint, pressure regulation and much more.

What’s not so great? There are no print time and material estimates so far.

Suited for 3D printing experts and pros. Newcomers will find this 3D slicer software intimidating thanks to „feature overload“.

Where can I get it? One the Slic3r webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac, Linux

SliceCrafter

This online 3D slicer software is based on IceSL, which means Mac users also to enjoy it. Well, at least part of it: Unlike the desktop 3D slicer software, you cannot edit OpenSCAD code. While the slicing capability is mostly identical with IceSL, some of the advanced stand out features that make IceSL so great are missing. An interesting option is that you can upload your STL file via a link.

What‘s great? You can generate GCode without installing a 3D slicer software or sign up to one of the larger online services.

What’s not so great? We would love to see more features from the desktop application.

Suited for Advanced users which like to tweak for perfect results.

Where can I get it? On the SliceCrafter webpage.

Price Free

OS Browser

Tinkerine Suite

Most of the 3D slicer software tools on our list do a decent job, considering they generate G-Code for almost every 3D printer out there. If you want more than “a decent one”, take a look at Tinkerine Suite. It was specifically designed for the Ditto and Litto series 3D printers and prides itself to be “the most user-friendly 3D slicing software”. Indeed, the user interface is refreshingly uncluttered. Still, this 3D slicer software is capable of basic editing and creating support structures for 3D models. The settings for Tinkerine’s 3D printers can be selected quickly, with only a few, yet powerful, options to tinker with.

What‘s great? Tinkerine Suite guarantees to achieve the best possible results for Tinkerine’s printers.

What’s not so great? If you decide to switch to another 3D printer manufacturer, you will have to learn a new 3D slicer software as well.

Suited for beginners to intermediate users who want to make sure their prints are pitch perfect.

Where can I get it? On the Tinkerine webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac

Z-Suite

Z-Suite follows the same philosophy as Tinkerine Suite. It is a program dedicated to the 3D printers of one manufacturer – in this case, Zortax. The program has limited editing capabilities that allow you to split a given mesh into several pieces, or scale it. Although the clean user interface leaves only a few choices to the user, the included 3D slicer software fulfills basic slicing needs. It features four infill options for you to choose from and allows you to create support structures for your mesh. Z-Suite produces proprietary “Z-Code”.

What‘s great? You get a program that is custom fit for your 3D printer brand and your 3D printer brand alone!

What’s not so great? The flip side is, the 3D slicer software is custom fit for one brand of 3D printers alone…

Suited for Beginners users who want to make sure their prints are pitch perfect.

Where can I get it? On the Zortax webpage.

Price Free

OS Windows, Mac