CAD, construction
3D printing
CAM, CNC
3D Metrology
PDM, MES
Architecture, Construction
Mechatronics & Robotics
Image processing
Hardware
CAD, construction
3D printing software
In addition to deciding on a suitable additive manufacturing process and a suitable 3D printer model , the selection of the right software is also one of the decisions that must be made as part of the 3D printing process.
You can’t do it without it – the software is essential
Special software is required to operate a 3D printer. This converts designed 3D models into a machine code (G-code) and transmits all information relevant for printing to the 3D printer. Without the software steps 2. and 3. no 3D printing process is possible.
What job do “Slicer” and “Host” do?
Two programs are required to operate a 3D printer:
Slicer
The slicer cuts the 3D object to be printed into layers and creates the necessary commands for the machine.
HOST
The host program controls the printer directly using the commands generated by the slicer.
The slicer is of central importance
The slicer is now more important than the host program. On the one hand, because most printers today are already supplied with a fully-fledged controller and host. On the other hand, there are already many all-in-one programs that are both slicer and host programs .
WHICH 3D printing software is the right one?
There are various 3D printing software programs. While some of them are only compatible with a few 3D printers, the majority of programs can be used with a large number of different devices. Many 3D printer software solutions are available free of charge.
However, if you are looking for a professional solution, free versions quickly reach their limits.
With the right software for industrial 3D printing , you not only reduce costs, but also increase the efficiency of the 3D printing process. For companies that need suitable software for industrial use, we can recommend one of the following 3D printing software solutions: