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What is 3D slicer software?

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

What is 3D slicer software?

Buying a 3D printer is a nice step, but you cannot use the device without the right software. This is because most 3D printers can only handle STL files. It is then impossible to send a 3D design, which you have just found online, directly to the 3D printer. This file must first be converted to the correct format. In this way, the 3D printer can generate and read the so-called G code. You do this with a slicer software, which you use from your computer or laptop.

What else can I do with a slicer software?

A slicer software is not only used for converting file types. You can also set up your 3D printer with this software. For example, you can determine how your 3D objects should be printed including the position of it and the structure on the inside of the print. Are you going for a honeycomb structure or a solid print? Do the hollow spaces remain empty or are they filled with support material? You can also add extra support material to the print, which prevents it from breaking during production. Finally, it is also possible to specify the heat of the print bed and the nozzle per print. Do you want to know everything about the primary settings of your 3D slicer software? Read our helpful tips.

Once everything is set up correctly, the file is saved again and converted into an STL file or other file type that can be read by your 3D printer. The printing instructions are expressed in 'G code', which is actually a set of coordinates and commands for your 3D printer.

How do I get the right slicer software?

The slicer software is available in free or paid versions. The software is often supplied with your 3D printer or can be downloaded from the website of the relevant manufacturer. If you want to know which slicer software is popular among beginners, take a look at this page. There you will find a summary of the most commonly used slicer software.

Is the slicer software suitable for any operating system?

Most slicer software can be used on Mac, Windows or Linux operating systems. We have already listed the most popular slicer software for Mac and Windows. In addition to an application on your desktop, the 3D software is also often available as a cloud solution. That means you can simply open the program from your web browser. You should even have access to the software from multiple devices.

Is a slicer software easy to use?

Because everyone who works with 3D printers uses slicer software, it must by definition be user-friendly. However, there are indeed different levels per software. Some software is complex when it comes to interface, options or tooling. Other slicer software is recommended among beginners, because of the user-friendly settings. So take a good look at the required experience per tool. To make it easy for you, we have classified the most used slicer software by level. On this page you can see at a glance which slicer software is best suited for you.

Do you have another question?

Have you not been able to find the answer to your question in the overview above? At 123-3D.ie we are busy with 3D printing every day and we like to follow every development. We are happy to share the knowledge and experience that we have built up over the years with you in our 3D printing help centre!

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