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Best 3D Printing Software with a Free Trial
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- 1
MakePrintable
Mixed Dimensions
MakePrintable is a cloud solution that analyses and repairs any 3D model for 3D printing. It's created by Mixed Dimensions. Our Vision at MakePrintable is streamlining the process between 3D content and 3D printing. Making it simpler for anyone to get into 3D printing, by ensuring print success from the get-go. Our platform is for 3D hobbyists, engineers, makers and 3D enthusiasts who use 3D printing in their workflow and don't want to spend their time repairing wall thickness or solidity issues. In-depth analysis of your 3D model's printability and a highlight of problematic areas inside of our viewer to help you understand your model's challenges before printing. Advanced wall thickness adjustment that is unmatched by the industry, easily adjust thin walls and let our fixer detect and thicken thin areas for you automatically.
- 2
SelfCAD
SelfCAD
SelfCAD is a 3D modeling for users of all levels. There is an online as well as downloadable versions for Windows and Mac. Most of the CAD programs available are either expensive or don’t generally provide all the necessary 3D modeling and printing tools. Some take months or years to learn and are meant for specific industries. SelfCAD has bridged this gap as it’s affordable, easy to learn and it targets all the industries. It has a simplified user interface too making it a perfect tool for novice users. SelfCAD is fully-featured including modeling, Sculpting, rendering, simple animations, and 3d print slicer, but the aggregate amount of tools is much less than any compatible software package because of its brilliant UX. The in-built slicer of SelfCAD is handy as it helps prepare the designs for printing without having to switch to another program. SelfCAD is very affordable.
There are interactive tutorials available that helps one learn 3D modeling with much ease. - 3
Onshape
Onshape
Onshape is a modern CAD and data management solution with features that include modern CAD, standard content libraries, multi-part modeling, and in-context editing. Onshape allows users to access the solution anywhere and anytime without downloads and installations. Onshape enables users to store and share CAD data in a secure cloud workspace. Onshape allows users to control and monitor access privileges of stored CAD files.
- 4
Fusion 360
Autodesk
Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. Get integrated CAD, CAM, CAE & PCB on a single development platform. Also includes EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to consumptive services, such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering.
Engineer products with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Ensure form, fit, and function of your products with various analysis methods. Create and edit sketches with sketch constraints, dimensions, and a powerful suite of sketch tools. Edit or repair imported geometry from non-native file formats. Make design changes without worrying about time-based features. Create and edit complex parametric surfaces for repairing, patching or designing geometry. Create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, etc., that update with design changes. - 5
Materialise Magics
Materialise
Materialise Magics. The Most Powerful Data and Build Preparation Software. When a 3D design file reaches your desk, you first need to make it printable. The possible operations vary greatly, from small edits like changes in wall thickness to generating support structures for the entire build.
Without the right software, these steps equal a lot of time and effort. Materialise Magics simplifies data and build preparation with one easy-to-use solution. Whether you want precise control over your workflow or quick, optimized enhancements at the click of a button, Magics will guide you to success. Tap into Materialise’s more than 30 years of 3D printing software expertise. Get software that fits the most demanding standards of the most demanding industries. Join Materialise Magics’ worldwide user base. - 6
Autodesk PD&M Collection
Autodesk
Accelerate your product design and manufacturing processes. The collection is an integrated set of professional-grade applications that connect everyone, from concept to production, with shared tools to streamline your product development process. Create high-performing product designs and production system layouts. Extend product capabilities and prevent product failures.
Connect your team and your data from design to manufacture. See how the collection gives you the power to create your most ambitious ideas, collaborate more efficiently, automate busywork, and explore more design options than ever before. Increase win rates and deliver faster, with a connected and automated toolset, quickly configure and deliver products to customer spec. Use advanced simulation to validate and optimize products and manufacturing processes. Develop products and processes that optimize material use and minimize waste. - 7
Creo
PTC
Imagine, design, create, and innovate your products better with Creo, 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software, and solutions for product design and development. Now, more than ever, product design and manufacturing teams are expected to create products more efficiently and cost effectively, without sacrificing innovation or quality. Fortunately, Creo delivers the most scalable range of 3D CAD product development packages and tools in today’s market.
Creo 7.0 has breakthrough innovations in the areas of generative design, real-time simulation, multibody design, additive manufacturing, and others! Take your products from concept to digital prototype efficiently, precisely, and intuitively with Creo—on the cutting edge of CAD for more than 30 years. With Creo 7.0, PTC amply demonstrates its skill at adding compelling new features to an already robust tool-set using smart partnerships to extend its capabilities even further. - 8
Netfabb
Autodesk
Netfabb® software includes efficient build preparation capabilities alongside tools for optimizing designs for additive manufacturing, simulating metal additive processes, and planning for CNC post-processing. Import models from a variety of CAD formats and use repair tools to quickly correct errors. Make your models production ready by adjusting wall thicknesses, smoothing rough areas, and more.
Identify areas that require support and use semi-automated tools to generate support structures. Convert organic, free-form mesh files to boundary representation models and make them available in CAD in STEP, SAT, or IGES format. Use 2D and 3D packing algorithms to optimally place parts within the build volume. Create custom reports that include critical information for manufacturing and quoting. Develop build strategies and define toolpath parameters for maximum surface quality, part density, and speed. - 9
Simplify3D
Simplify3D
3D printing slicing software controls every aspect of your 3D print. It translates 3D models into instructions your printer understands. Better instructions mean better prints, so a simple software upgrade makes all the difference in the world. In fact, more than 90% of experts agree that 3D printing software has the greatest impact on print quality, even more so than the 3D printer itself! Engineers, architects, designers, and research professionals rely on Simplify3D to deliver exceptional results with complete control over the printing process.
Passionate entrepreneurs, makers, and designers take advantage of powerful software controls that unlock new capabilities and take their designs to the next level. Professors, teachers and students learn one software interface to control all their 3D printers. Extensive online resources keep students challenged throughout the learning process. - 10
Craftcloud
Craftcloud
Get the best price with a real-time price comparison of 3D printing services worldwide. Place your order with us, and we’ll handle the rest! Our 3D printing services have production facilities on every continent, ensuring fast and affordable shipping straight to your doorstep! We compare prices between 3D printing services worldwide in real-time, so you get high-quality 3D prints for the best price. Thanks to our partners, we offer the widest range of materials available. If you can’t find specific material, please contact us.
We offer custom-fit solutions to any project. If you need special materials or batch production, we are here to help and to make sure you get the best service possible. We adhere to US and European data protection laws to make sure your design is safe throughout the entire process. We are constantly expanding our selection of reliable 3D printing service partners in order to offer our customers the best prices, high quality, and fast shipping. - 11
Alibre Atom3D
Alibre
The best 3D design tool for hobbyists. Precision is built-in, things will fit together every time. Whether your design has one part or 1000, you can make it. Export your design in STL, STEP, SAT, DWG, or DXF for whatever your 3D printer or CNC software needs. Create 2D drawings with dimensions that you can print out to help you build it. A simplified yet powerful toolset doesn't bombard you with options, get up and running fast.
No subscription nonsense, own your tools and use them offline. Design precision components for miniature machinery or full-scale awesomeness. The most epic pinewood derby car or elegant works of art, if it can be milled, it can be designed. Make fully custom projects for your router table. Design simple parts or push it to the limit with exotic geometry, whatever your project calls for. Output any design to a 3D printer. Start simple with a basic sign, model a replacement for something that broke, or go wild and make a new robot. - 12
Amphyon
Additive Works
Additive Works provides software solutions aiming at a "first-time-right" additive manufacturing process by integrating new analysis and simulation tools into the process chain of Laser Beam Melting processes (LBM, SLM, DMLS, Metal 3D Printing). Driven by current requirements and challenges of industrial additive manufacturing, the software suite Amphyon aims to significantly reduce pre-processing costs and take metal AM to the next level of automation.
The ASAP-Principle describes four ideal steps on the way to a stable, efficient and reliable process chain: Assessment, Simulation, Adaption and the Process itself. By examining all possible build-up orientations with respect to economical and physical aspects of the process on the Assessment stage, both, limitations of the design and optimal orientations can be calculated.
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Best 3D Printing Software for Windows
- 1
Blender
Blender Foundation
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline. Cycles is Blender’s built-in powerful unbiased path-tracer engine that offers stunning ultra-realistic rendering.
Blender’s comprehensive array of modeling tools make creating, transforming and editing your models a breeze. VFX professionals say: “Probably the best tracker in the market”. Blender includes production ready camera and object tracking. Allowing you to import raw footage, track the footage, mask areas and see the camera movements live in your 3D scene. Eliminating the need to switch between programs. Thanks to the high quality rigging and animation tools, Blender is being used for numerous short films, advertisements, TV series and feature films now. - 2
AstroPrint
AstroPrint
Keep your 3D models stored neatly in the cloud so you can access them anywhere. Simply upload your own .stl files for cloud based slicing or upload pre-sliced .gcode files. Add and edit your designs with our online STL viewer and print wirelessly through a beautifully simple, intuitive interface. Slice with confidence with manufacturer suggested settings.
Everything is accessible from your browser so there is no software to install or keep up to date. Using the AstroPrint mobile app, you can print by enabling WIFI 3D Printer so you can print from any device, remotely controling your 3D printer, and even get push notifications when your prints are finished. Neat! View real-time progress of your prints. Add a camera to stream live video, take snapshots, and timelapses. Whether you are with a 3D Print Farm Business, a major University with 100+ printers, or an Enterprise like Stanley Black and Decker, we have you covered. - 3
MakePrintable
Mixed Dimensions
MakePrintable is a cloud solution that analyses and repairs any 3D model for 3D printing. It's created by Mixed Dimensions. Our Vision at MakePrintable is streamlining the process between 3D content and 3D printing. Making it simpler for anyone to get into 3D printing, by ensuring print success from the get-go.
Our platform is for 3D hobbyists, engineers, makers and 3D enthusiasts who use 3D printing in their workflow and don't want to spend their time repairing wall thickness or solidity issues. In-depth analysis of your 3D model's printability and a highlight of problematic areas inside of our viewer to help you understand your model's challenges before printing. Advanced wall thickness adjustment that is unmatched by the industry, easily adjust thin walls and let our fixer detect and thicken thin areas for you automatically. - 4
Meshmixer
Autodesk
Meshmixer is state-of-the-art software for working with triangle meshes. Do you need to clean up a 3D scan, do some 3D printing, or design an object that fits something else? Meshmixer can help. Think of it as a sort of "Swiss Army Knife" for 3D meshes. Drag-and-Drop Mesh Mixing. 3D Sculpting and Surface Stamping. Robust Convert-to-Solid for 3D printing.
3D Patterns & Lattices. Hollowing (with escape holes!). Branching Support Structures for 3D printing. Automatic Print Bed Orientation Optimization, Layout & Packing. Advanced selection tools including brushing, surface-lasso, and constraints. Remeshing and Mesh Simplification/Reducing. Mesh Smoothing and Free-Form Deformations. Hole Filling, Bridging, Boundary Zippering, and Auto-Repair. Plane Cuts, Mirroring, and Booleans. Extrusions, Offset Surfaces, and Project-to-Target-Surface. Interior Tubes & Channels. Precise 3D Positioning with Pivots. Automatic Alignment of Surfaces. 3D Measurements. Stability & Thickness Analysis. - 5
Slic3r
Slic3r
The Slic3r project has been under active and massive development. Make sure you get 1.3.0 now or try the development builds! Slic3r is free software, developed by Alessandro Ranellucci with the help of several contributors and a wonderful community.
Turn your 3D models into G-code. Visual preview of toolpaths. Advanced configuration management. Custom G-code with conditional logic. Print spool queue (print on multiple machines simultaneously) or send to OctoPrint. FDM/FFF and SLA/DLP. Modifiers (distinct settings on custom regions). Most features are exposed from command line, thus providing a handy tool for batch operations and custom integrations. A C++ library for building custom applications on top of the Slic3r internal algorithms. Handle 3D models (open, repair, transform, convert). Generate G-code in many flavors. Generate infill patterns. Send G-code over serial port. Estimate G-code printing time. - 6
Ultimaker Cura
Ultimaker
Trusted by millions of users, Ultimaker Cura is the world’s most popular 3D printing software. Prepare prints with a few clicks, integrate with CAD software for an easier workflow, or dive into custom settings for in-depth control.
At the heart of Ultimaker Cura is its powerful, open-source slicing engine, built through years of expert in-house development and user contributions. Intent profiles print specific applications at the click of a button. Recommended profiles tested for thousands of hours ensure reliable results. ‘Custom mode’ gives over 400 settings for granular control. Regular updates constantly improve features and printing experience. If you own a 3D printer, software matters. Get the most from your printer with software designed to suit your workflow. Manufacturing doesn’t need to be complicated. We design our software so anyone can use it – both experienced or rookie 3D printer users. - 7
SelfCAD
SelfCAD
SelfCAD is a 3D modeling for users of all levels. There is an online as well as downloadable versions for Windows and Mac. Most of the CAD programs available are either expensive or don’t generally provide all the necessary 3D modeling and printing tools.
Some take months or years to learn and are meant for specific industries. SelfCAD has bridged this gap as it’s affordable, easy to learn and it targets all the industries. It has a simplified user interface too making it a perfect tool for novice users. SelfCAD is fully-featured including modeling, Sculpting, rendering, simple animations, and 3d print slicer, but the aggregate amount of tools is much less than any compatible software package because of its brilliant UX. The in-built slicer of SelfCAD is handy as it helps prepare the designs for printing without having to switch to another program. SelfCAD is very affordable. There are interactive tutorials available that helps one learn 3D modeling with much ease. - 8
Fusion 360
Autodesk
Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. Get integrated CAD, CAM, CAE & PCB on a single development platform.
Also includes EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to consumptive services, such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering. Engineer products with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Ensure form, fit, and function of your products with various analysis methods. Create and edit sketches with sketch constraints, dimensions, and a powerful suite of sketch tools. Edit or repair imported geometry from non-native file formats. Make design changes without worrying about time-based features. Create and edit complex parametric surfaces for repairing, patching or designing geometry. Create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, etc., that update with design changes. - 9
Creo
PTC
Imagine, design, create, and innovate your products better with Creo, 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software, and solutions for product design and development. Now, more than ever, product design and manufacturing teams are expected to create products more efficiently and cost effectively, without sacrificing innovation or quality.
Fortunately, Creo delivers the most scalable range of 3D CAD product development packages and tools in today’s market. Creo 7.0 has breakthrough innovations in the areas of generative design, real-time simulation, multibody design, additive manufacturing, and others! Take your products from concept to digital prototype efficiently, precisely, and intuitively with Creo—on the cutting edge of CAD for more than 30 years. With Creo 7.0, PTC amply demonstrates its skill at adding compelling new features to an already robust tool-set using smart partnerships to extend its capabilities even further. - 10
ideaMaker
Raise3D
IdeaMaker prepares Gcode for 3D printing and support STL, OBJ, OLTP and 3MF files. It features user-friendly interface and limitless customization for advanced users. For example, ideaMaker allows adaptive layer heights to automatically adjust the layer height depending on detail level required for printed area, further improving quality and reducing print time.
Furthermore, user can differentiate the settings for single or multiple models by Modifier, Per-Group Setting, and Per-Layer Setting. In additional, ideaMaker provides customized support, free cut and model repair. ideaMaker is seamlessly linked to Raise3D’s other resources and tools. RaiseCloud is a cloud-based printer management platform enabling automate small batch manufacturing and print remotely. ideaMaker Library is an open library for user to get and share slicing profiles, model files and printing files. ideaMaker enables user to upload Gcode to Octoprint, thus its connected any 3rd party open-source 3D printer. - 11
OctoPrint
OctoPrint
Control and monitor every aspect of your 3D printer and your printing jobs right from within your browser. OctoPrint's powerful plugin system allows extending its functionality with awesome plugins from the community. Free and open source software released under the Affero General Public License (AGPL).
Control and monitor every aspect of your 3D printer and your printing jobs right from within your browser: Access the embedded webcam feed and watch remotely how your printer is creating your newest thing, get constant feedback regarding the current progress of your print job, take a look at the integrated GCODE visualizer to see a rendition of the GCODE you are currently printing, keep an eye on the temperatures of your hotends and print bed and adapt them on the fly, move the print head along all axes, extrude, retract or just define your own custom controls, start, stop or just pause your current print job, you are in full control at any time. - 12
Alibre Atom3D
Alibre
The best 3D design tool for hobbyists. Precision is built-in, things will fit together every time. Whether your design has one part or 1000, you can make it. Export your design in STL, STEP, SAT, DWG, or DXF for whatever your 3D printer or CNC software needs.
Create 2D drawings with dimensions that you can print out to help you build it. A simplified yet powerful toolset doesn't bombard you with options, get up and running fast. No subscription nonsense, own your tools and use them offline. Design precision components for miniature machinery or full-scale awesomeness. The most epic pinewood derby car or elegant works of art, if it can be milled, it can be designed. Make fully custom projects for your router table. Design simple parts or push it to the limit with exotic geometry, whatever your project calls for. Output any design to a 3D printer. Start simple with a basic sign, model a replacement for something that broke, or go wild and make a new robot. - 13
3YOURMIND
3YOURMIND
Additive doesn’t exist in isolation. AM processes need to communicate with other software systems, provide quality assurance, and work in the highest security environments.
In order to support enterprise production, we ensure that our software is built to integrate. We support complex on-premises installations and provide a well documented API to send order information, optimized 3D files, tracking information and production data to a company’s existing enterprise software. We understand how to deploy our software into these critical environments and include a change management process to synchronize with your company’s way of work. - 14
Repetier-Host
Repetier
Import one or more 3D models and place, scale, rotate or duplicate them on your virtual bed. Slice your plate with different slicers and optimal settings for perfect results. Check the result completely, in regions or layer for layer. Print directly from the host via USB or TCP/IP connection, via SD card or via Repetier-Server. Repetier-Host works with almost all popular 3D FDM printers! Repetier-Host is your ALL-IN-ONE software solution, which gives you countless benefits.
Repetier-Host can handle up to 16 extruders with different filament types and colors simultaneously and visualize the result with individual filament colors, so you can see your result before printing. Repetier-Host includes directly 4 different slicers: Slic3r, Slic3r Prusa Edition, CuraEngine and Skeinforge. If that is not enough, you can use any other slicer you want with Repetier-Host. - 15
Creality Slicer
Creality
Creality slicer-4.8.0 is the new update with the Portuguese language for all the Creality FDM 3d printers. It is only used on windows if you use Mac, please install the Cura software. Creality is a leading 3D printer manufacturer dedicated to developing the FDM/resin 3D printer, 3D printer filament, and maker related products. Founded in 2014, Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the design, research, production of 3D printers and 3D printing related products.
Consisting of professional researchers and skilled engineers, our R&D team constantly strives for creative function and excellent user experience. The company’s R&D investments on 3d printing cover FDM/resin 3D printers, 3D scanners, filaments, resin, as well as 3D printed drones and robots that back up STEAM education. We intend to enable people to know more about 3d printing technology. Create reality, achieve dreams! - 16
PrusaSlicer
Prusa Research
PrusaSlicer is our own in-house developed slicer software based on the open-source project Slic3r. PrusaSlicer is an open-source, feature-rich, frequently updated tool that contains everything you need to export the perfect print files for your original Prusa 3D printer. PrusaSlicer is based on Slic3r by Alessandro Ranellucci. It's completely free and open-source. Thanks to the strong community and core team of developers in Prusa Research we can continually add new functionality.
You can follow the development process on Github. Paint custom supports directly on the model! Or block automatically generated supports in selected areas. You can also use custom meshes as support blockers and enforcers. Everything is neatly saved in the project file, always customizable. Testers and developers at Prusa Research are constantly working on presets for 150+ filaments and resins. We are adding profiles on regular basis, following materials by the most popular manufacturers. - 17
Ultimaker Connect
Ultimaker
Manage the 3D printing process from your desktop for maximum efficiency. Queue print jobs across one or multiple Ultimaker printers, schedule maintenance tasks, and track print analytics. Ultimaker Connect makes it easier to manage 3D printers in the workplace. Group printers based on your workflow and start scaling up production. Make your printers work harder.
Send a print job from your desk, remove when it’s done, and the next print in the queue starts automatically. Track analytics to optimize your 3D print process and increase ROI. - 18
Simufact Additive
Hexagon
Simufact Additive is a powerful and scalable software solution for the simulation of metal-based additive manufacturing processes. Discover how to use Simufact Additives to optimize your metal 3D printing / rapid prototyping. Simufact Additive helps you to significantly reduce the number of test prints. Our goal is to provide you with a software solution which helps you produce AM components with repeatable dimensional accuracy first time right. Simufact Additive´s multi-scale approach combines the best approaches in a unique software solution - from an extremely fast mechanical method to a full thermal-mechanical coupled transient analysis with the highest accuracy of simulation results.
You can choose the right simulation method for your situation. Simufact Additive is a specialised software solution dedicated exclusively to the simulation of additive manufacturing processes. For the user, this is reflected in a lean operating concept.
Top 20 Free 3D Printing & 3D Printing Software
Looking for 3D printing software? We've rounded up the top 20 software tools for beginners and professionals alike. Most slicers are free.
What is a slicer? This is a program for preparing a digital model for printing. Models for 3D printing are usually distributed in STL files. To turn an STL file into G-code (a language that a 3D printer understands), a slicer program is required. It is called a slicer because it cuts (to slice - English) a 3D model into many flat two-dimensional layers, from which a 3D printer will add a physical object.
Which slicer should I choose? In this article, we will tell you which slicer is best for 3D printing for each stage of your work.
Which one is better for preparing a 3D model for printing? But what if you need to create a 3D model from scratch? And if you are only taking the first steps in 3D?
Don't be afraid: we've answered all of these questions, including the required skill level for each program and where you can download it. The great thing is that most of these programs are completely free and open source.
- Cura
- CraftWare
- 123D Catch
- 3D Slash
- TinkerCAD
- 3DTin
- Sculptris
- ViewSTL
- Netfabb Basic
- Repetier
- FreeCAD
- SketchUp
- 3D Tool
- Meshfix
- Simplify3D
- Slic3r
- Blender
- MeshLab
- Meshmixer
- OctoPrint
#1: Cura
For beginners who need a slicer to prepare STL files for 3D printing
Cura is the default slicer software for all Ultimaker 3D printers, but can be used with most others , including RepRap, Makerbot, Printrbot, Lulzbot and Witbox.
The program is completely open source, its capabilities can be extended using plugins.
This program is very easy to use and allows you to manage the most important 3D printing settings through a clear interface. Start in Basic mode to quickly get up to speed and change print quality settings. If finer control is required, switch to Expert mode.
Cura can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other.
Download: Cura
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#2: CraftWare
3D printers by the Hungarian startup CraftUnique to support their CraftBot crowdfunding machine. However, the program works with other printers.
Like Cura, CraftWare allows you to switch from "Easy" to "Expert" mode, depending on how confident you feel. It's a colorful app that features a visual G-code visualization with each function represented by a different color. But the most outstanding feature is the individual support service.
As far as we know, only the paid program Simplify3D has this.
Please note, however, that this program is still in beta, so bugs may occur.
Download: CraftWare
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac
#3: 123D Catch
-systems, smartphones and tablets, which allows you to convert images of objects into a 3D model. Pictures can be taken with a smartphone/tablet or digital camera.
You need many photos of an object from different angles - the more the better - after which they will be compiled into a 3D model.
123D Catch is more of a fun app than a professional 3D printing tool, but after some tambourine dancing, you can get good results, especially when paired with an STL editor like MeshLab or Meshmixer.
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Android, iOS, Windows Phone
#4: 3D Slash
and surprisingly simple, and refreshingly new. With 3D Slash, you can design 3D models using your dice skills.
You can start with a large block and, like a virtual sculptor, remove small cups from it with tools such as a hammer or drill, or start from empty space and build a model from cubes and other shapes. You can paint with flowers or use template pictures.
Other features worth mentioning are tools for creating logos and 3D text. The Logo Wizard imports an image and creates a 3D model, while the Text Wizard allows you to enter and format text, and then turn it into 3D.
Recommended!
Download: 3dslash.net
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux, Browser
#5: TinkerCAD
- A computer-aided design (CAD) system for 3D printing, which is a good starting point for beginners. Since its capabilities are limited compared to Blender, FreeCAD and SketchUp, many users switch to more powerful tools after some time.
As in 3D Slash, here you can build models from basic shapes. At the same time, unlike 3D Slash, TinkerCAD allows you to create vector shapes in 2D and convert them into three-dimensional models.
Come in: Autodesk TinkerCAD
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#6: 3DTin
For beginners who want to create 3D printable models
another easy and intuitive online tool choice for beginners in 3D modeling. All you need is a Chrome or Firefox browser with WebGL enabled.
Choose from a huge library of 3D shapes and add them to your sketch. All sketches are stored in the cloud, access to them is free if you honor the Creative Commons license. Everything can be exported to STL or OBJ formats.
Enter: 3DTin
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#7: Sculptris
For beginners who want to create 3D printable models
clay. This is a fantastic 3D modeling program if figurines are your main task. For example, you can make a bust of your favorite video game or comic book character. Sculptris is completely free and bills itself as a stepping stone to the more complex (and expensive) ZBrush tool.
Download: Pixologic Sculptris
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac
#8: ViewSTL
For beginners who want to view STL files
ViewSTL is the easiest way to view STL files . Simply open a web page and drag the STL onto the dotted box.
The STL online viewer allows you to display the model in one of three views: flat shading (for a quick view), smooth shading (for a high-quality image), and wireframe.
Enter: ViewSTL
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#9: Netfabb Basic
some nice features that allow you to analyze, "repair" and edit STL files before moving on to the model cutting stage.
A good choice if you need more than just a slicer and want to be able to quickly fix STL files without having to learn programs like MeshLab or Meshmixer.
Don't let the 'Basic' in the title fool you, Netfabb Basic is actually a very powerful 3D printing tool. It's "basic" only in the sense that it doesn't cost €1,500 like Netfabb Professional!
Download: netfabb.
de
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
No. 10: Repetier
For advanced to prepare STL files for 3D printing
9002 the next level of 3D printer slicer software, but if you want to stay open source, you should look into Repetier. It is the great grandfather of 3D printing software and a favorite of the RepRap community.To date, the program is moving by leaps and bounds from the level for beginners to advanced users. Packaged in an all-in-one configuration, it supports up to 16 extruders, multi-slicing via plug-ins, and virtually every fusing 3D printer on the market. Get ready to tinker!
What's more, Repetier Host works remotely via Repetier Server, so that the 3D printer can be controlled via a browser, tablet or smartphone.
Download: Repetier
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#11: FreeCAD
The program is a great option for developing your design skills. More technically, this parametric 3D modeling program allows you to easily change the project by rolling back through the history of the model and editing the parameters.
Download: freecadweb.org
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#12: SketchUp
For beginners who want to create 3D printable models
SketchUp is the perfect combination of simplicity and the perfect combination functionality, with a user-friendly interface and a relatively flat learning curve (i.e., as experience grows with the time spent), the ideal program for developing three-dimensional models.
The Make SketchUp version is free and will include everything you need for 3D modeling if you also download and install the free STL exporter. There is also a professional edition for architects, interior designers and engineers.
Download: sketchup.com
Price: Free (SketchUp Make), $695 (SketchUp Pro)
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#13: 3D-Tool Free Viewer
view and validate STL files
3D-Tool Free Viewer is a sophisticated tool that, among other things, allows you to check the structural integrity and printability of your file.
With the Cross-Section function, for example, you can look at the model from the inside and check the wall thickness. Very useful if you want to check your STL file for killer errors before printing.
Download: 3D-Tool
Price: Free
Systems: PC
#14: Meshfix
your model for errors.
Price: Free
Systems: Browser
#15: Simplify3D
For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing print. A flexible algorithm checks the model for problems, fixes them, shows a preview of the printing process (ideal for identifying potential problems), and then slices it.
This slicer offers the best infill pattern options in the competition. For models that require supports, Simplify3D will create the appropriate structures on its own and give you full control over their placement. For printers with a dual extruder, when printing with different materials, the Dual Extrusion wizard will help, as a result of which, for example, it will be easier to remove the dissolving filament.
Simplify3D supports 90% of today's commercially available desktop 3D printers and is compatible with Marlin, Sprinter, Repetier, XYZprinting, FlashForge, Sailfish and MakerBot firmware. Simplify3D can also be used to directly control the printer, but then the printer and computer must be connected to each other.
Download: simplify3d.com
Price: $149
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#16: Slic3r
source code, which has a reputation as a carrier of super new functionality, which you will not find anywhere else. The current version of the program is able to show the model from multiple angles, so that the user gets a better preview experience.
There's also an incredible 3D honeycomb infill, the first of its kind that can extend over multiple layers rather than repeating itself like a stamp. This significantly increases the strength of the internal filling of the model and the final printout.
Another option is direct integration with Octoprint.
Once the files on the user's desktop are sliced, they can be directly uploaded to Octoprint with one click.
Download: Slic3r
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#17: Blender
For professionals who want to create 3D printable models
Blender is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) system with a steep learning curve. Not at all the best choice for beginners, but what you need if you are quite experienced and need something more complex for modeling and printing.
In short, Blender is one of the most powerful tools out there. Its community is always ready to help, there are a lot of educational materials. It's also open source, so enthusiasts often write extensions to make it even better and more powerful.
Download: blender.org
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#18: MeshLab
For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing
MeshLab - advanced editor.
It allows you to remove parts of a 3D model, merge two models into one, patch holes. If you need a program to modify models for 3D printing or some kind of "repair" work, MeshLab is the right choice.
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
#19: Meshmixer
For professionals to prepare STL files for 3D printing files. It's especially good for identifying potential problems and fixing them automatically. For example, it will show paper-thin walls that can lead to problems with 3D printing. Meshmixer is part of the Autodesk family of 3D printer software, so it should work well with tools like TinkerCAD.
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac
#20: OctoPrint
start, pause or interrupt 3D print jobs. Combined with Wi-Fi capable devices, it makes for a great monitor for remotely monitoring the 3D printing process.
Octoprint understands the G-codes of almost all 3D printers and slicers and includes a gCodeVisualizer to visualize this code before or during printing.
If you want to work away from your 3D printer and control it remotely, Octoprint is the best you can find.
Download: octoprint.org
Price: Free
Systems: PC, Mac, Linux
Source
3D printers: history, development, main manufacturers
A few years ago, 3D printing was perceived as an outlandish technology , the corresponding equipment was found exclusively in industrial enterprises. It developed, however, at a very fast pace, 3D printers first appeared in medical centers, and then in educational institutions. Now these devices are available to everyone, there are a huge number of models focused on home use. How exactly did the technology come about? Which manufacturers were pioneers, and which are the market leaders now?
- Charles Hull awarded by the European Patent Office in 2014
- Charles Hull
Introduced
Engineers from several countries worked on the creation of 3D printing. Chuck Hull, a specialist from the USA, succeeded for the first time.
It was he who developed the “device for stereolithography” in 1984, and in 1986 received a full patent for it. Registration of the patent allowed to start serial production.
The first printing technology involved the application of a liquid polymer cured by ultraviolet light to the substrate.
Hull devices began to be actively sold in 1988, in the same year another American engineer, Stephen Crump, proposed his own technique based on the formation of a model by welding. The development of the third method, laser sintering of a polymer material in powder form, belongs to Carl Deckard, a specialist from the University of Texas.
All of the listed devices and technologies implemented in them have become the basis for modern equipment. Of course, quality has come a long way since then, even the simplest household models now work better than the first models of equipment, provide a higher quality result, and ease of control.
Evolutionary development
The huge potential of 3D printing was immediately clear, so a huge number of scientists worked on improving the techniques.
They created new materials, offered improved technologies for their processing. However, there is still no universal technique, it is necessary to select a method in accordance with a specific area, the features of using the model:
- LOM. Year of development - 1985, author - Mihailo Feigen. The formation of the object occurs by gluing a multitude of the thinnest polymer, paper, fabric, combined materials. First, the laser cuts the source material along the desired contour, then it starts heating and joining under pressure;
- SLS. Selective sintering with a laser beam. The starting material is polymer granules or powder, distributed over the surface in an even layer. The laser only affects certain areas, according to the design. When the layer is ready, the next one is formed;
- SGC. Layered seal. The authors are specialists from the Israeli concern Cubital. Printing is based on projecting a template model onto a layer of polymeric material cured by ultraviolet light;
- FDM.
At the moment, this is the most common technique based on layer-by-layer polymer fusion. The material is fed into the extruder, where it heats up, becomes viscous, and is extruded onto the worktable, layer by layer, until the desired layout is achieved.
Leading Manufacturers
The following brands are best known:
- Coherent Incorporated. The history of this brand dates back to 1966, when its main specialization was the production of laser systems. The development of the 3D printer market became possible through the acquisition of the O.R. laser technology. The experience of Coherent, coupled with the developments of the acquired brand, made it possible to create the most productive, reliable, high-quality 3D printer models;
- BigRep. A young company founded in 2014. BigRep's catalogs feature huge printers that can print everything, including life-size sculptures, furniture, car bodies;
- 3D Systems. A company founded in 1983 by the already mentioned Chuck Hull.
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