Lcd 3d printer software


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The Top Slicers for Resin 3D Printers in 2022

Published on August 11, 2022 by Clemens M.

Slicers, or slicing software, are an essential tool in 3D printing. This software is able to slice a 3D model and then transmit to the printer which layer it will need to create and deposit. There are currently multiple solutions on the market that offer a certain number of functionalities and meet different requirements. These include slicers dedicated to 3D resin printing, i.e. photopolymerization (SLA/DLP/LCD), but also the material jetting process. The software allows, for example, to define the required printing supports and the optimal parameters. This makes them more suitable for the constraints of 3D resin printing. But what solutions are currently available on the market? To give you an overview, we have listed the most important slicers on the market for resin 3D printers, both proprietary and open software, in alphabetical order.  

BuildBee, an Accessible and Easy-to-Use Slicer for Resin 3D Printing

BuildBee has developed a slicer for cloud-based SLA and DLP processes. It was designed to be as accessible and easy to use as possible and provides a structured workflow to avoid printing errors. It is compatible with a wide range of machines including solutions from Flashforge, Elegoo, Anycubic or Creality. The slicer is based on an artificial intelligence model and also offers a feature to repair 3D models. You can also use it with FDM machines. Be aware that while a free trial is offered, the subscription costs $6 per month. 

ChiTuBox, One of the Most Popular Slicers for Resin 3D Printers

Launched in 2017 by the Chinese company CBD-Tech, ChiTuBox quickly became a popular choice for many resin 3D printing enthusiasts, due to its easy-to-use interface. efficiency and compatibility with a large range of SLA printers on the market. Considered by many users to be one of the best slicers for resin 3D printers, Chitubox is a software that includes everything you need to make your next resin 3D printing task a success. Although the software was entirely free in the past and its free version includes its most important tools, CBD-Tech also released a pro version, that includes additional extras that allow more detailed adjustments. The premium version is available for $169 per year. 

Formware, a Powerful Slicer Software for Professionals 

Formware is a powerful slicer software that offers an abundance of helpful features for any kind of resin printing task. The premium software includes, besides all the standard SLA slicing tools, a variety of unique extras for more demanding tasks, such as the creation of jewelry or dental implants. While many resin slicer programs are available as a free version, Formware merely offers a 30-day trial, after which users can decide between buying a version for a single user for $154. 95 (€ 129.95), or, if necessary, a commercial license of the software for $359.95 (€299.95). Altogether, Formware is a very good choice, especially for professionals who are in need of a premium slicer that provides them with a full package of tools. 

Lychee Slicer, Using Pixels for More Accurate Resin Layers

Not a tropical fruit, but a slicer for resin 3D printing, Lychee Slicer – developed by the manufacturer Mango 3D – is already in its 3rd generation. Although this slicer software is only compatible with a list of 3D printers, the list is constantly being expanded by the manufacturer. Lychee Slicer is a slicer software that allows the creation of support structures for even the most demanding 3D models. This is possible thanks to its powerful and intelligent support algorithm. In addition to that, Lychee Slicer also has a special focus on the pixel pipeline, where work is pixel- rather than vector-based, which means that every resin layer is guaranteed to be cured during the printing process.  

NanoDLP, a Web Platform and Slicer for Resin 3D Printers 

Another slicing software we would like to introduce to you is NanoDLP. However, this is not just a slicer, but a program that also includes a full web platform enabling users to conveniently monitor and, if needed, control 3D printing remotely. NanoDLP is a slicing software that is compatible with the majority of resin 3D printers available on the market, but if you want to make use of its custom support, you will have to resort to NanoSupport, which is also available for free. The functions of the slicer include, among others, masking, infill patterns and even anti-aliasing support. 

Photo Credits: NanoDLP

Photon Workshop, Anycubic’s Free Slicer for Resin 3D Printers

The name of this next slicer on our list should not take you by surprise if you are acquainted already with Anycubic’s popular resin 3D printers. Named after their Photon range, Photon Workshop is their very own slicer which has been designed with the specifications of their resin 3D printers in mind, particularly the Photon Series. The slicer is free to download, though is only compatible with Anycubic 3D printers as of now. Though it has less functionality than many other SLA slicers on the market, it is user-friendly and can be used with both Windows and macOS. Additionally, beyond being the ideal slicer for users of Photon printers, Photon Workshop also has a number of features including automatic and manual support generation and hollowing.  

PreForm, the Slicer for Formlabs’ Printers

Yet another addition to our list that was made specifically for use with one brand’s printers, PreForm is a software that is compatible with all of Formlabs’ resin 3D printers. This software is not just a slicer, it is actually a full print preparation and slicer software with a number of features including monitoring capabilities. And it is one of the best slicers to use if you have a Formlabs printer, currently, it is not compatible with machines from other companies. The software is free and can be used with both Windows and macOS. It has been designed to be easy to use, allowing even those who are untrained in 3D printing to set up all necessary parameters quickly with Formlabs’ One-Click Print. 

 

Photo Credits: Formlabs

 

PrusaSlicer, a Free Open-Source Slicer

PrusaSlicer is a free open-source slicer software for FDM and SLA 3D printers. The software was developed by the eponymous manufacturer Prusa and is based on the open-source slicer Slic3r, which the manufacturer has provided with some improvements to meet the needs of users of its FDM and SLA 3D printers. PrusaSlicer is available in 14 languages and there is a choice of three different versions, all of which are free. Each of them is based on the user’s skills and is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced. The open-source software is also constantly being developed to meet the latest requirements and support users in their challenges. 

Vlare 

Vlare Slicer is a free slicer software with its latest version released on May 24, 2022. It features built-in exposure control and reliable automatic support generation with built-in profiles and expert options for successful printing. The easy-to-use interface is particularly suitable for new users, while the expert mode is suitable for professionals who need detailed control. It is also now possible to add text to the 3D models to name just a few of the slicer’s many features. 

Z-Suite, an Ambitious Slicer from Zortrax

Z-Suite is a slicer software that is compatible with all third-party LCD 3D printers optimized by Zortrax Inkspire. Some of the features offered by this slicer are, for example, the possibility of filling gaps, automatic generation of supports, smoothing of edges, additional exposure of the supports, and more.  One of the best things about the software is that thanks to the WIFI module, it allows you to connect multiple devices together to deal with more ambitious projects. You will be able to manage all the printers from your computer, and apart from that, it also includes intelligent options such as detection of the final material, an updated extruder, and construction platform as well as the use of a camera to avoid any other risks.  

Photo Credits: Zortrax

What do you think of our selection of slicers for resin 3D printers? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

3D Printer Elegoo Mars UV Photocuring LCD. Large printable area

Mars UV Photocuring LCD is Elegoo's first 3D printer with LCD curing technology. Comes with proprietary software for quick slicing - ChiTu Box Slicing Software. Easy setup only takes 5 minutes to start printing. Fully removable lid provides unhindered access to the resin reservoir. The stunning industrial design and excellent print quality with minimal settings make the Elegoo Mars UV Photocuring LCD an excellent choice not only for professionals, but also for beginners in 3D printing. Benefits of Mars UV Photocuring LCD:

  • ChiTu Box Slicing Software - 1 minute is enough to cut a 30 MB stl file.
  • Saving Resin - The ChiTu Box allows you to hollow out your model prior to printing, saving time and material on your model.
  • A 3.5″ color touch screen with the latest ELEGOO ChiTu 5.0 system makes offline printing easy.
  • Building platform with steel balancing structure inside allows printing to start 5 minutes after assembly
  • High Accuracy and Resolution - 2K HD 2560×1440 LCD for accurate printing with 0.047mm XY resolution.

3D printer Elegoo Mars UV Photocuring LCD 1pc
Print bed 1 pc.
Photopolymer bath 1 pc.
USB stick 2 GB 1 pc.
Mask 1 pc.
Gloves 6 pcs.
Scraper 1 pc.
Funnel 10 pcs.
Measuring cup 1 pc.
Spare screws 1 pc.
Power adapter 60 W 1 pc.
Tool kit 1 pc.
Manual 1 pc.

3D printers are delivered free of charge in Moscow and Russia*

Delivery of 3D printers in Moscow and Moscow Region

SDEK . After placing the order, the manager will contact you by phone to clarify the delivery details (time, address, name of the recipient).

Delivery of 3D printers to the regions of Russia

Our company delivers 3D printers in Russia using courier services SDEK, Yandex Delivery, Business lines to the TC terminal in your city, pickup point, postomat. After placing the order, our manager will contact you and agree on possible delivery options, the exact date and time at which the order will be delivered;

* The company centrally transfers orders to the shopping mall. Days of shipments to TC SDEC - Tuesday, Thursday . Days of shipments to TC Business Lines - Wednesday;

** The cost of delivery of 3D printers to the cities of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts is calculated individually according to the tariffs of the shopping mall.

Pickup

The 3D printer can be picked up by yourself directly at the 3DMall office at the address: Moscow, Dmitrovskoe sh., bldg. 1, 9A, office 5 (2nd floor). To do this, you need to drive to the office during business hours after you receive a notification letter about the readiness of your order to your email address, or the manager will confirm by phone. The working hours and working hours of the company's office are indicated in the contacts section. nine0005

REC Wiki » Best 3D printing software in 2022

3D printing is a multi-step process, because you first need to design a 3D model, check it for errors, convert it to machine code, and only then does 3D work. a printer. In this article, we will share examples of programs that can help at every stage of preparatory work and directly during 3D printing.

Contents:

1. 3D modeling software:

  • Tinkercad
  • ZBrushCoreMini
  • 3D Builder
  • SketchUp Free
  • Fusion 360
  • FreeCAD
  • Blender

2. Editing and repairing STL files:

  • Meshmixer
  • MeshLab

3. Slicers:

  • Cura
  • PrusaSlicer
  • ideaMaker
  • ChiTuBox Basic
  • Lychee Slicer
  • Kiri:Moto
  • IceSL

4. Control programs:

  • OctoPrint
  • MatterControl 2.0
  • AstroPrint

5. G-code visualizers

  • UVTools
  • WebPrinter
  • Gcode Analyzer
  • Design Software
1.
3D modeling software

If you are ready to create from scratch, you will have to learn special 3D modeling software. Many of them, especially professional computer-aided design systems, can be expensive investments, but on the other hand, there are plenty of quite capable and at the same time free offers on the market.

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a browser-based application from Autodesk that, due to its simplicity, is perfect for users with zero experience, even children. In this program, 3D models are built on the basis of basic blocks - simple geometric shapes that are joined together and then "filed" to the finished look. You can also convert 2D vector images into 3D models. Of course, you have to pay for simplicity - in the case of Tinkercad, rather primitive functionality that makes it difficult to create truly complex models. But such a task is not worth it: having gained basic skills on Tinkercad, you can always move on to more complex and more capable programs on our list. nine0005

ZBrushCoreMini official website

ZBrushCoreMini

ZBrushCoreMini is primarily a 3D sculpting tool, especially popular among those who create figures of people and animals, computer games and comics characters, and the like. This software is mainly aimed at beginners and users with moderate experience, but at the same time, it is full of impressive features that make the work easier. For example, dynamic tessellation algorithms constantly analyze the surface of the working model and automatically add polygons so that detail is not violated. nine0005

ZbrushCoreMini is offered free of charge and billed as an entry-level program for learning and gradually moving up to the more capable and sophisticated options ZBrush and ZbrushCore.

Official website

3D Builder

Developed by Microsoft, this program was originally bundled with Windows 10, although now it needs to be downloaded and installed separately. 3D Builder allows you to edit models in STL, OBJ, and 3MF formats, as well as create models from scratch. In this regard, the program is quite primitive, but it is simple and understandable even for novice modelers. nine0005

One of the interesting features of 3D Builder is the ability to simplify meshes by reducing the number of polygons, file weight and processing time in the slicer - useful in cases where the original designer obviously went too far with polygons. Additionally, you can import models from the library and even use Kinect sensors to 3D scan and import models of physical objects.

Official website

SketchUp

SketchUp is a web application with a great combination of simplicity and functionality. The user-friendly interface is intuitive and greatly facilitates learning, and the set of tools is quite diverse even for advanced users - hence the wide popularity of this program. nine0005

The free version was formerly called SketchUp Make, but is now simply called SketchUp Free. It includes everything you need for 3D modeling for 3D printing, just don't forget to download the module for exporting STL files - it's also free. The kit comes with 10 GB of storage for projects in the cloud and access to the 3D Warehouse, a repository with open source user-generated content.

Official site

Fusion 360

Professional CAD developed by Autodesk and famous for its ease of use and advanced functionality. This includes parametric modeling and mesh analysis and load distribution tools, including through generative design with topological optimization. The program is great for those who are engaged in 3D printing of functional products, for example, for industrial applications. nine0005

Some versions of Fusion 360, such as hobby and student versions, are even available free of charge. FreeCAD FreeCAD The program relies on a parametric approach: at any point in history, you can scroll back and make changes to the parameters. The program even includes finite element analysis and a robotic system simulator. nine0005

Official site

Blender

One of the most popular 3D modeling programs, but quite difficult to master. Not the best choice for a novice designer, but a great tool for those who have already gotten their hands on simpler editors. Fortunately, the popularity of Blender has led to a huge number of guides, tutorials, and visual examples published by experienced users for beginner colleagues.

Developers are trying to make the program more convenient without sacrificing functionality: the interface has recently been updated, rendering has been improved, and 3D design and animation capabilities have been expanded. And yes, it's open source and freeware, so you don't risk anything. nine0005

Official website

2. Editing and repairing STL files

If you find an interesting 3D model on the Internet, this does not mean that it can be immediately sent to a 3D printer. Many models are created for completely different needs, such as animations or video games, and in principle are not intended for 3D printing. But there is a solution: before processing such models into G-code, they must first be repaired so that the slicer can do its job well. The following programs on our list will help you cope with the repair. nine0005

Meshmixer

Meshmixer is an advanced and free program from Autodesk that allows you to view and check 3D models for errors in polygonal meshes that can ruin 3D printing. If such problems are detected, the program can automatically repair meshes. One example of an application is finishing 3D scans to a state suitable for 3D printing.

Additional functionality includes mesh blending, 3D sculpting, surface writing, cavity creation, support branching, mesh smoothing, and more. nine0005

Official website

MeshLab

MeshLab is another open source program for editing polygonal meshes. MeshLab has the necessary tools for editing, checking, cleaning and converting meshes with the ability to combine meshes into one model and patch holes that can lead to incorrect processing of models into G-code.

Official website

3. Slicers

Having received a 3D model, it must be converted into machine code - a series of commands understandable to CNC machines, including 3D printers. Slicers are responsible for this task - programs that accept digital models (usually in the form of files with STL, OBJ or 3MF extensions), analyze their structure, and then compile lists of actions for 3D printers, called G-code (Gcode). Such lists contain all the information the equipment needs: to what temperature to warm up the extruders and stages, whether to use airflow, along what trajectory and at what pace to lay the plastic. nine0005

Cura

Cura is a slicer from the Dutch company Ultimaker, designed primarily for proprietary 3D printers, but open source and compatible with most other FDM/FFF systems. The program is easily customizable with various plugins. Since this is a very popular program, the chances are that it already has a profile with optimal settings for your 3D printer. If not, then nothing prevents you from creating a profile manually or using profiles prepared by other users. nine0005

The program has several levels of difficulty depending on the level of training - basic, advanced, expert and complete. The higher the level, the more access to customizable options. At a basic level, the program takes the bulk of the work on itself, helping inexperienced users.

Cura is constantly being developed and improved through regular updates and is also offered free of charge, although a paid version of Cura Enterprise is available to professional users with licensed plug-ins from the Ultimaker Marketplace, technical support and additional security measures. nine0005

In addition to converting 3D models to G-code, Cura can also take on the role of a control program, but this will require a constant connection between the 3D printer and the computer throughout the 3D printing. Professionals appreciate another feature of Cura - seamless integration with professional computer-aided design systems such as SolidWorks and Siemens NX.

In general, Сura is suitable even for novice users, especially since a huge number of training videos and step-by-step guides are available for this program from both developers and enthusiasts. nine0005

Official website

PrusaSlicer

3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research, under the leadership of the legendary Czech engineer Josef Prusa, whose designs are copied and refined around the world, has developed its own open source software based on the Slic3r slicer. PrusaSlicer quickly gained popularity as it not only retains the original program's extensive customizations, but also adds a number of useful features not found in Slic3r. nine0005

A redesigned interface, support for Original Prusa branded 3D printers, and profiles with settings to work with many common polymers are just some of the improvements. Additionally, algorithms for generating support structures have been improved, support for multimaterial 3D printing and the ability to dynamically adjust the layer thickness have been added.

PrusaSlicer can process models not only for FDM 3D printers, but also for stereolithographic systems printing with photopolymers. As with Cura, the user can select a difficulty level with appropriate access to fine-tuning. nine0005

Official website

ideaMaker

Raise3D's slicer is optimized for branded additive hardware in the same way that PrusaSlicer is optimized for Original Prusa 3D printers, and Cura is optimized for Ultimaker 3D printers, but this does not mean that it cannot be use with third party systems. The organization of workflows and the interface is somewhat more complicated than in Cura and PrusaSlicer, but on the other hand, ideaMaker allows you to set up individual layers and apply textures for product customization. nine0005

ideaMaker users can connect to the cloud platform and access hundreds of 3D printer profiles and materials created by other operators, or create their own library of settings.

Add the ability to customize support structures, split models for more efficient 3D printing of large parts, integrated mesh repair tools, and OctoPrint compatibility, and you have a flexible, versatile program to suit the needs of most 3D printers. nine0005

Official website

ChiTuBox Basic

This is a specialized slicer for those who use stereolithographic 3D printers that print with photopolymer resins. Most budget LCD masked stereolithography (MSLA) 3D printers rely on motherboards and firmware from ChiTu Systems, which also developed this software.

Users gain control over technology-specific parameters such as layer exposure time, as well as access to predefined profiles with settings for many popular 3D printers. The slicer takes into account such moments as the orientation of the model and the automatic construction of support structures with the possibility of manual optimization. nine0005

Official website

Lychee Slicer

A program from the independent Franco-Belgian team Mango 3D, not associated with 3D printer manufacturers, but with support for many popular stereolithographic 3D printers, including those from Elegoo, Anycubic, Phrozen and Creality.

One of the special features of this program is the high level of automation. If you wish, you can simply click on the "magic" button (it's called Magic), and the slicer will do everything by itself: it will orient the model on the platform, generate supports, and so on. Although, here you are lucky: the results are not always optimal, but usually adequate for relatively simple models. Otherwise, everything can be configured manually. nine0005

The program is offered in free and paid versions. The functionality of the free version is slightly reduced, but it has everything you need.

Official site

Kiri:Moto

Browser solution for those who lack computing power. Kiri:Moto can prepare 3D models for both 3D printing and laser engraving or milling. The settings are somewhat more primitive than in locally installed slicers, but are sufficient for most users. nine0005

Official website

IceSL

IceSL is a combination software that combines slicing with 3D modeling. In the left window, you can edit 3D models using scripts in the Lua language, which makes it possible to perform parametric modeling. On the right side, the 3D printing settings are displayed. For beginners, pre-configured settings are available, while experienced users can take advantage of features such as specific adjustment of parameters for individual layers with automatic gradation of intermediate areas. For example, this allows you to gradually reduce or, conversely, increase the filling density of the product as it is built, or gradually change the thickness of the layers. nine0005

Official website

4. Control programs

Control programs are designed for exactly this - managing workflows during 3D printing. Although you can insert a G-code drive into almost any 3D printer and press the start button, this is not always convenient, especially when you have to work with several 3D printers at the same time, and even more so when you do it remotely. This is where control programs come to the rescue. In addition, some of them offer additional functionality, including slicing and even editing 3D models. nine0005

OctoPrint

A web-based hardware and software system that requires connection to a 3D printer via a microcomputer such as a Raspberry Pi equipped with a Wi-Fi module. This system allows you to control 3D printers remotely. OctoPrint accepts G-code from almost any slicer and provides the ability to visualize - view files before and during 3D printing. Alternatively, STL files can be loaded and processed directly in OctoPrint.

OctoPrint not only provides all the necessary tools for remote management, but also allows you to track the work in progress using notifications via various instant messengers. nine0005

This is a completely free, open source program with many plug-ins created by enthusiasts and available on the official website.

Official website

MatterControl

MatterHackers offers its own control program, slicer and 3D editor in one package. MatterControl allows you to directly control and observe 3D printing, slice, export G-code to SD cards for offline printing, and even create 3D models from scratch. The 3D printer will need a Wi-Fi or USB connection to run MatterControl. nine0005

The interface is well structured: on the left side there is a file browser and a library of simple geometric shapes. Interestingly, these shapes can be dragged into the 3D model and used as support structures.

Basic functionality is available in the free basic version, advanced users can pay to upgrade to MatterControl Pro.

Official website

AstroPrint

AstroPrint is a cloud-based management platform that allows you to remotely monitor and control multiple 3D printers simultaneously, store files, convert 3D models to G-code, and track workflow statistics. The functionality ranges from basic in the free version to advanced with different levels of paid subscriptions. nine0005

The 3D printer will require a Wi-Fi module to fully work with AstroPrint. In conjunction with the Raspberry Pi, the system is similar in functionality to OctoPrint: you can process models and send the finished code to a 3D printer via a web interface without the need for additional software. Another plus is integration with popular repositories of 3D models Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory, as well as 3D editors 3D Slash and Leopoly.

Official site

5. Programs for visualizing G-code

What if you find an old file with a G-code, but you have no idea what it is and why - maybe garbage, or maybe an excellent, but long-forgotten model without a clear marking in the file name? The programs in this section will help you visualize the contents of such files.

UVTools

This program combines file browsing with layer editing and even model repair for stereolithographic 3D printing. The program can also be used as a plug-in for PrusaSlicer, adding support for third-party photopolymer 3D printers - although PrusaSlicer is open source, support for stereolithographic systems is still limited to branded equipment. At the same time, UVTools allows you to print calibration samples to check the exposure time and other parameters, which can be useful, for example, when working with new photopolymers that have not yet been tested. nine0005

Official website

WebPrinter

A simple browser tool for quick G-code preview, developed by the same team that created the IceSL slicer and 3D editor. The application works very simply: follow the link, upload the file with the G-code and see how the 3D printer will grow the model according to the commands provided. Unfortunately, the functionality is limited: for example, the application does not provide information about temperature settings. On the other hand, you can quickly figure out what kind of model is hidden in a file with an incomprehensible name. nine0005

Official website

Gcode Analyzer

An old but still very capable and popular G-code analysis web application. The 3D simulation doesn't work very well, but the 2D and G-code previews work great.


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