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  • Which 3D printer software is suitable for Windows?

Which 3D printer software is suitable for Windows?

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.

Which 3D printer software is suitable for Windows?

In order to actually print your object, you need to download software that will divide the 3D object into layers. These layers are part of the printing instructions for the 3D printer and are sent in the form of G code. In addition to the design, the printing instructions also contain information regarding, among other things, the material, the printing temperature, the layer thickness and the infill percentage. The software used for this is known as 'slicer software' and is usually available for free.

You need to download your slicer software on your computer or laptop. It is therefore important to choose a slicer that is compatible with your operating system. Fortunately, there are several slicers available for Windows, allowing you to choose the software that works best for you.

Top 6 slicer software for Windows

Below is an overview of the most popular free software packages available for Windows.
  1. Slic3r
  2. Repetier Host
  3. Ultimaker Cura
  4. KISSlicer
  5. MatterControl
  6. Autodesk Meshmixer

Slic3r

Slic3r's software is very user-friendly and ideal for beginners. The simplified process consists of uploading your file in STL, OBJ or AMF format, determining the 'print settings' and filling in the filament & printer settings. In addition, this software allows you to save both the Slice and G code separately for future use.

Repetier Host

In addition to the usual functions of a slicer, Repetier Host's software also offers the option of manually operating your 3D printer on the interface. The slicer process consists of 4 simple steps:

Object placement

Upload your 3D object in STL, OBJ, AMF, 3DS or AST format and place the object at the desired location relative to the virtual print bed. You can also rotate, scale and duplicate the object here.

Slice

In this step, you need to determine various slicer parameters such as speed, infill density, adhesion type, filament setting and quality.

Preview

In the preview phase you can inspect all layers, view the print statistics and do a final check before you start 3D printing.

Print

The last step consists of sending the printing instructions to the 3D printer. You do this via a host, USB, or TPC connection. You can also send the data via the Repetier server.

Ultimaker Cura

This simple and user-friendly software has been specially developed for the Ultimaker Cura 3D printers. The slicer is compatible with a large number of file formats such as 3MF, G file, X3D, STL, BMP, PNG and more. Via the 'Prepare Section' you can view your 3D design and see where it is placed in relation to the virtual print bed. In the 'Print Setup menu' you can then adjust various parameters such as the print temperature, the material type, the layer height, wall thickness, infill density, etc. In addition, with Ultimaker Cura during printing, you can monitor the progress of your 3D print interim check, via the 'Monitor Section'.

KISSlicer

The KISSlicer software is compatible with any type of 3D printer and transforms your STL file into G code at lightning speed. After uploading your STL file, it will be immediately visible in the interface. With the 'Profile Setting' you can easily duplicate your 3D object, so that you can print multiple objects at the same time. Then you define all parameters related to the printer and the material in the Wizards Menu. Simple, but very complete!

MatterControl

MatterControl's software is suitable for various 3D printers and accepts file types such as STL, AMF, ZIP, G code and more. You can view the imported 3D object in both 'layer view' and '3D view' and you can easily adjust the print and material parameters in the 'settings & control' section. Besides the ultimate ease of use, this slicer allows you to track the progress of your print via your online account, regardless of your location!

Autodesk Meshmixer

The design function consists of several useful tools for selecting, editing, shaping, stamping (copying) and shading. After you have designed your 3D object, you can immediately get started with the 3D printer settings. Determining the 3D printer settings in your slicer software consists of 5 simple steps:
  1. Select your 3D printer
  2. Select the material you want to print with
  3. Use the transform tool to scale, rotate and move your object
  4. Use the repair tool to check stability and strength
  5. Add the support structure and start 3D printing!

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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