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Added Kiri:Moto to Pure slicers

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== Introduction ==

There are two major types of software that will allow printing a (good read-to-print) 3D model file:

A so-called '''slicer''' takes a3D drawing (most often in .STL format) and translates this model into individual layers. It then generates the machine code that the printer will use for printing.

3D printers can be either '''controlled''' through a small on-board control screen or through a (USB) interface with a computer or through both. User '''interface/control software''' allows a user to send a machine code file from the computer to the 3D printer, change some parameters on run time (e.g. speed, flow and temperature), and move the print head manually around the x/y/z axis

Some programs, like the Netfabb engine, '''combine the functionality''' of a slicer and a user interface/control software. In addition programs like Netfabb engine, can add [[STL editor|STL editing]], repairing, merging and some simple 3D modeling.

See also:
* [[3D printing]]
* [[g-code]]
* [[STL editor]]
* Other articles in the [[:category:3D printing|3D printing]] category

== Slicer software ==

Current low-end 3D printers extrude plastic like [[ABS]] or PLA from filament. The filament is pulled into the extruder and heated in its nozzle (hot end) and finally deposited. The extruder (also called print-head) will move while extruding, or move (or jump) without extruding.

A slicer program allows to calibrate printer settings for various types of "areas to print", like:
* extrusion speed (rotations / minute)
* head speed
* temperature
* Fan on/off

Furthermore, the program allows to define:
* wall thickness
* fill patterns
* extrusion speed, head speed and temperature per type of area
* Etc.

Deposited filament for a layer or a section of a layer depends on extrusion speed, head movement speed, and temperature. In addition, factors like movement patterns, plastic brand, fan on/off etc. also have an influence on the design.

== List of slicer and control software ==

=== Pure slicers ===

(not complete !)

* [[Skeinforge for RapMan|Skeinforge]]
** This was the first publicly available sophisticated slicer (2010). Rarely used anymore.
** Supports various machines, e.g. RepRap machines, RapMan, Ultimaker, etc.
** Difficult to learn since you must parametrize a lot of parameters and figure out how they interact. But once you master it, it's a very flexible and powerful tool

* [[SFACT slicer]]
** A fork of Skeinforge that attempts to work with less parameters using "scalers". Easier to use.

* [https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura Cura]
** While it is developed to be used with Ultimaker 3D printers, it can be used with other RepRap based designs, e.g. as of sept 2019 it supports our [[Felix TEC-4.1 3D printer|Felix TEC4]]

* [http://www.kisslicer.com/ Kisslicer]
** Quote: is a fast, easy-to-use, cross-platform program that takes 3D files (STL) and generates path information (G-code) for a 3D Printer. The FREE version has all the features needed for the hobbyist who uses a single-head machine. The PRO version essentially adds multi-head and multi-model printing.
** For RepRap printers or similar
** Runs from any drive (no system install)

* [http://slic3r.org/ Slic3r]
** For RepRap printers and similar
** Runs from any drive

* [https://grid.space/kiri Kiri:Moto]
** For most Gcode or Marlin based printers. Accepts STL object files.
** Runs entirely in-browser. No software to install. Data remains local and private to browser.
** Entirely FREE and open source under the MIT license
** Integrated with Onshape and Thingiverse

=== Pure control software ===

* [https://www.repetier.com/download-software/ Repetier-Host]
** {{quotation|Simple to use host software, which is be compatible with most firmwares around. You can add and position your STL files on the simulated printbed and slice them all together. For slicing you can use the built-in Slic3r slicer or use the well-known Skeinforge.}} ([http://reprap.org/wiki/Repetier-Host at Reprap Wiki], retrieved July 2012).

* [http://www.replicat.org/ ReplicatorG] is the software that will drive your CupCake CNC, RepRap machine, or generic CNC machine. You feed it GCode, it parses the GCode, and then controls your machine via a driver. Its cross platform, easily installed, and is based on the familiar Arduino / Processing environments.

=== Combined slicer and control/user interface software ===

This programs can do several things, not all do the same. Some control software (e.g. Repetierhost, see above) provide transparent interfaces to slicing software and also could be listed in this section.

* [http://www.netfabb.com/ Netfabb] does have "engine" product that can be launched from the better know "Studio" mesh repair software. In EduTechwiki, see:
** [[Netfabb Studio tutorial|Netfabb Studio]]
** [[Netfabb engine for RapMan]] (outdated)
** [[Fabbster testing and setup]], [[Netfabb engine for RepRap]]

* [http://www.simplify3d.com/ Simplify3D]
** This commercial integrated 3D Printing Software can import, repair, slice, preview and print… all from one integrated desktop application.
** We use it with our Felixprinters, e.g. the [[Felix TEC-4.1 3D printer]]. Compared to Cura, it is a bit easier to configure and it is much easier to print Lego compatibles since, by default, it does not add unwanted thickness to walls.
** Seems to work with [http://www.simplify3d.com/software/supported-printers/ most printers].

* [http://www.123dapp.com/3dprint-install Autodesk 3D print]
** Works directly with MakerBot and Type A machines, but others can be configured (not tested)
** The program is distributed within the general purpose mesh mixer / repair program: [http://www.123dapp.com/meshmixer Meshmixer]

* [http://www.mattercontrol.com/ MatterControl]
** Quote: MatterControl is a free, Open Source app that lets you organize and manage your 3D prints. (not tested)
** It includes its own slicer, but also Slic3r and Cura

* [http://software.materialise.com/build-processor Materialise]
** does not have an off-the shell product for printers, but works together with manufacturers, e.g. EOS or SLM. They also do that for hobby printers, e.g. [http://www.felixprinters.com/webshop/service/felixbuilder-3d-print-software FELIXbuilder], [http://www.lpfrg.com/materialise Creatr]
** I prefer Simplify 3D or free software like the RepetierHost/Cura combination that came with our printer.

=== CAD programs with integrated slicers ===

* [http://www.loria.fr/~slefebvr/icesl/ IceSL]. Described as a combination of OpenScad (scripting is done with Lua) and skeinforge. As of oct. 2013 still under development, not yet tested.

=== Other ===

* [http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/3d-builder/75f3f766-13b3-45e9-a62f-29590d5781f2 3D Builder] for Windows 8.1 (not tested so far)

* [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:49276 Generate wood patterns with temperature changes]. Takes a G-code file as input.

== Support generators ==

Most slicers have fairly undiscrimate support generators, e.g. you could define spacing and distance but not much more. A support generator can do more (or should be able to do more).

* [http://www.meshmixer.com/ Meshmixer]. A free tool from Autodesk for meshmixing, sculpting and support generation. (read for example [http://www.extrudable.me/2013/12/28/meshmixer-2-0-best-newcomer-in-a-supporting-role/ MeshMixer 2.0: Best Newcomer in a Supporting Role?]

== Links ==

* [http://greenfly.org/talks/misc/3dprinting.html 3D Printing with Linux] (slides) by Kyle Rankin

* [http://punkmanufacturing.com/wiki/toolpath-generation-software Toolpath generation software] at PunkManufactoring.

; Machine specific machine code
* [http://reprap.org/wiki/Firmware_features RepRap g-codes]
* [[G-code]] (Rapman)

[[Category:3D printing]]

Slicers and user interfaces for 3D printers - Revision history

Daniel K. Schneider: Text replacement - "$" to " {{edutechwiki}}"

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edutechwiki_en>Stewart: /* Added Kiri:Moto to Pure slicers */