3D printing gives designers an inspiring way to make quick prototypes, improve their designs, make exceptional presentations, and create beautiful and useful objects. To make the most of the 3d revolution, it’s good to know how it works. So how do you get the software to 3d print? What is 3d printing software? And what CAD software for 3d printing should you choose? This guide reveals all about the software you need to make ‘amazing’ happen. By the end of it, you’ll know what’s what, and you’ll be empowered to make the best decisions.
What Software Do You Need for 3D Printing?
First, how do you get the software to 3d print? There are three different tools to take into account to get started with 3D printing. For a start, you’ll need 3D modelling software to design a printable 3D model of the object you want to make. There are plenty of choices and the top choices are Autodesk Fusion 360, SketchUp, Tinkercad, and Blender.
You’ll also need some good slicing software, which digitally slices up your object into incredibly thin layers for the 3D printer. It outputs clear instructions for the printer to follow, printing out the object layer by layer. The most popular are Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D, and Slic3r.
Printer control software is the third part of the equation, the thing that controls your 3D print machine and its settings. You use it to upload sliced print-ready files, change the print settings, and keep an eye on the job’s progress. You might want to take a look at Repetier-Host, OctoPrint, or Pronterface, all popular options.
3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing
There are some choices to make around 3D modelling software, so let’s look at a few of the best.
Autodesk Fusion 360
Created for professionals, Autodesk Fusion 360 is just as good for beginners. A feature-rich quality tool, it includes the varied features you need for designing printable 3D models. You’ll be able to use parametric design, sculpting, mesh editing and more to get great results. The software is free for startups making less than $100,000 a year and free for individuals.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a famously user-friendly and very popular 3D modelling software tool. Because it’s so easy to learn it’s a top choice for beginners as well as widely used by professionals, particularly in architecture, interior design, and garden design. The software comes with excellent 3D printing capabilities and a free version so you can experience it for yourself. The Pro version takes the imagination to new levels with more advanced features.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is another freebie, a popular 3D modelling software loved by beginners. As well as being simple to use, it offers a suite of essential tools for creating basic 3D models. While it’s not as feature-rich as some it’ll make your first 3D modelling and printing experiments nice and easy, a good place to start.
Blender
Blender is a free 3d modelling tool. Designed for more experienced users and packed with features, this one is a particular favourite with designers in the animation and special effects sectors. It comes with excellent advanced 3D printing capabilities, making it ideal for designing and printing complicated 3D models.
Slicing Software for 3D Printing
Now you’ve made your 3D model, it’s time to virtually slice it into thin layers for the print machine to output one by one. Here are some of the best-loved tools for the job.
PrusaSlicer
PrusaSlicer is open-source and free for everyone to use. It’s designed specially to suit Prusa 3D printers so if yours isn’t a Prusa, it might not be the best choice. It provides you with advanced features to tailor the print settings to your project, supporting several extruders as well as advanced support structures.
Simplify3D
Simplify3D is a premium choice loved by 3D printing fans. This slicing software comes with cool advanced features for custom print settings and optimising the results, supporting a variety of extruders and custom support structures. Simplify’s detailed print previews are great.
Slic3r
Slic3r is a simple free tool with a variety of features for customising print settings. Supporting a choice of extruders and advanced support structures, beginners find it easy, and quick to learn.
Printer Control Software for 3D Printing
How do you control your 3D printer and manage printing tasks? What is 3d printing software? It’s all about printer control, and we’re happy to recommend these.
OctoPrint
OctoPrint is free and designed to work with a variety of 3D print machines. You can upload sliced files, monitor print projects and change the print settings remotely, a handy option when you’re working on the move.
Repetier-Host
Repetier-Host is free as well, designed to work with a range of machines. With all the functions you need, it’s particularly good for people wanting a simple, easy-to-use tool.
Pronterface
Pronterface is also free, works with multiple machines, and lets you do all the 3D printing essentials. It’s particularly popular with people wanting clear, simple printer control.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to use all three types of software for 3D printing?
Can I use different software for each step of the process?
Can I use free software for 3D printing?
Time to give it a go
Now you know what’s what. Whatever you’re printing you need a design tool to design the item, a slicer that prepares it and tells the printer what to do, and a way to control the printer and print settings. What CAD software for 3d printing you use is your choice. You might want to test drive a few of them to see which feels best and most suits your skill level. Your final task? To design, prepare and print a brilliant 3D object from start to finish. You’re going to love it!
