An Overview of the Best 3D Printing Software Tools
To create a 3D print, you need a 3D model generated in a modeling program. Fortunately, there are many easy-to-use and free options available. Here are some of the best 3D printing software tools, sorted by price and skill-level:
| Software | Price | Solid Modeling | Skill-Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinkercad | Free | Yes | Beginner |
| SketchUp | Free | No | Amateur |
| Blender | Free | Yes | Advanced |
| Fusion 360 | $495/year | Yes | Professional |
Tinkercad is a great option for beginners. It’s free and easy to use, with a simple drag-and-drop interface. Plus, it uses solid modeling, so all models are 3D printable.
SketchUp is another free option, but it uses polygon modeling, so it’s not ideal for 3D printing. However, it’s still a good choice for creating 3D models for games and movies.
Blender is a powerful and free option for advanced users. It uses solid modeling and has a wide range of features, including animation and simulation tools.
For professional use, Fusion 360 is a top choice. It uses solid modeling and has advanced features such as parametric modeling and CAM tools. However, it does come with a price tag of $495 per year.
Overall, there are many great options for 3D printing software, with something for every skill level and budget.
3D Modeling Software
If you’re interested in creating 3D models for printing, there are a number of software options available to you. Some are geared towards beginners, while others are more advanced and require a bit of experience. Here are some of the most popular 3D modeling software options:
Shapr3D CAD Modeling
Shapr3D is a multi-device CAD modeling software that allows you to design anywhere with ease. It has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy for beginners to get started, while also offering advanced features for professionals. One of its unique features is the ability to preview models in AR, which can be helpful for ensuring that your print will be perfect in its intended location. The software is available on iPad, Windows, and Mac, and it will keep your files synced between them. Shapr3D is free to use, but there is a $299/year option for professional use.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a browser-based 3D design app that is geared towards beginners. It features an intuitive block-building concept, allowing you to develop models from a set of basic shapes. Tinkercad is full of tutorials and guides to aid any aspiring novices get the designs they’re looking for. It even allows you to share and export files with ease. With a library of literally millions of files, users can find shapes that suit them best and manipulate them as they wish. It also has a direct integration with 3rd party printing services, allowing you to print and have your print at your door-step at the press of a button. Even though it can be a bit too simple to the point of limitation, it serves as a great way to learn about 3D modeling.
Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D modeling software that is suitable for both amateurs and advanced users. It covers many facets of 3D creation, including modeling, animation, and simulation amongst others. Blender has a steep learning curve, but it is considered quite accessible. One of the software’s interesting features is the photorealistic rendering option, which gives the models an air of realism that few free software can achieve. It’s a great option for those looking for a powerful and versatile 3D modeling software.
BRL-CAD
BRL-CAD is an open-source software that is an advanced solid modeling system with interactive geometry editing. It is apparently used by the U.S. military to model weapons systems, showing that it is quite dependable but also very advanced. BRL-CAD offers a high level of precision due to its use of specific coordinates to arrange geometric shapes. It offers a large library of simple and complex shapes users can implement into their own designs. They can take multiple shapes and combine them at their leisure, as well. The software used to be quite costly, however it was converted to open source a few years ago. It includes over 400 tools in its arsenal. It also runs at great speeds, especially considering how dense its features are.
DesignSpark Mechanical
DesignSpark Mechanical is a free CAD software that is ideal for professionals and advanced hobbyists alike. The user interface is relatively straightforward and the software runs quickly, meaning efficient designing. You also have the capability to generate a bill-of-materials that calculates the cost of printing potential 3D design projects. DesignSpark Mechanical allows users to utilise an in-built library to mix with own drawings. Another feature that new users might find useful is the pull feature that allows users to create 3D models from only a surface. It is feature-rich for a free software and quite beginner-friendly.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeling tool that is open-source and enables you to design real-life objects of any size. The parametric component makes editing your design a piece of cake. Simply go to your model history and change the parameters, and you’ll have a different model. As the name suggest, it is in fact totally free. The upside of this is that none of the tools are blocked behind a pay wall, so you can tweak your models to your heart’s desire. It’s not the best for professional purposes, but it’s a great training tool. Despite it’s basic options and design elements it’s worth a try if you’re new and don’t want to have to invest in something before you dip your toe in the water.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a free software with a ton of features and a unique way of creating models. This software takes a programming approach to 3D modeling, making it a unique addition to this list of 3d printing software tools. Instead of the traditional interactive modeling interface, users write code in a script file that describes the parameters of the 3D object. Once you’ve entered your code, you can view the shapes you’ve created by clicking a “compile” button. Another great
Slicers & 3D Printer Hosts
When it comes to 3D printing, slicers are essential software tools that convert 3D models into G-code, which instructs the 3D printer on how to print the model layer by layer. These slicers also include 3D printer settings like temperature, layer height, print speed, and more. In this section, we will explore some of the best slicers and 3D printer hosts available in the market.
REALvision Pro
REALvision Pro, powered by Create it REAL, is a high-end professional slicer that offers frequent user-driven updates and expert support. This slicer comes with tooltips, safe settings, a training academy, and easy-to-use features, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Ultimaker Cura
Cura is an open-source slicer that can be used with almost any 3D printer. This program is ideal for beginners due to its intuitive and fast interface. With over 200 settings available, advanced users can refine their prints to their liking.
Simplify3D
Simplify3D is a premium slicing tool that offers advanced features to improve the quality of 3D prints. This slicer not only slices your CAD models into layers but also corrects any issues and provides a preview of the end result. Although it comes at a cost, advanced users may find the premium features worth paying for.
Slic3r
Slic3r is an open-source software with real-time incremental slicing and a 3D preview. It is widely used in the 3D printing community due to its fast, flexible, and precise slicing capabilities. Real-time incremental slicing ensures that when you change a setting, only the G-code for affected parts is recalculated, resulting in faster slicing times.
Repetier
Repetier is an open-source slicer that supports three different slicing engines: Slic3r, CuraEngine, and Skeinforge. This slicer can handle up to 16 extruders with different filament types and colors simultaneously, making it ideal for advanced users. Repetier host also provides remote access to your printers.
KISSlicer
KISSlicer is a basic slicing software that delivers great results. Although the user interface is somewhat basic, it does its job well. Note that the basic version is for single-head machines only, and a PRO version is required for multi-head machines.
ideaMaker
ideaMaker is a free slicer distributed by Raise3D. This slicer provides fast and simple slicing for most 3D printers. Team members can share print profiles, and supports can be automatically or manually placed. The adaptive layer height tool adjusts layer height depending on the level of detail in the model, maximizing print quality while minimizing print time. Remote monitoring and control are also available.
OctoPrint
OctoPrint is a free and open-source web interface that allows for remote control and monitoring of 3D printers. It is compatible with most 3D printers and allows users to watch their prints with an embedded webcam feed. Prints can be started, paused, and stopped remotely, and plugins are available to track print statistics and send push notifications on job progress.
3DPrinterOS
3DPrinterOS is a cloud-based 3D printer management software that allows for the management of the entire 3D printing process with one platform. Users can edit and repair designs, slice STL files from the cloud, and even send files for printing from anywhere in the world. Although it comes at a cost, this software also features the capability to share CAD files.
In conclusion, the above slicers and 3D printer hosts are some of the best tools available for executing 3D prints. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, there is a slicer that will suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top free 3D printing software options available?
There are several free 3D printing software options available in the market. Some of the top ones include:
- Ultimaker Cura: This is an open-source software that allows you to prepare, slice, and print 3D models. It supports a wide range of 3D printers and has a user-friendly interface.
- PrusaSlicer: This is another open-source software that is compatible with a variety of 3D printers. It offers advanced features such as customizable support structures and variable layer height.
- Blender: This is a popular 3D modeling software that can also be used for 3D printing. It has a steep learning curve but offers powerful features for creating complex 3D models.
Which 3D printing software is recommended for beginners?
For beginners, Ultimaker Cura is a great option as it has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use. It also offers a quick start guide and a community forum for support. TinkerCAD is another beginner-friendly software that allows you to create 3D models using simple shapes and drag-and-drop tools.
What are the best alternatives to OctoPrint for managing 3D printers?
OctoPrint is a popular software for managing 3D printers, but there are several alternatives available. Some of the best ones include:
- Repetier-Server: This is a web-based software that allows you to control multiple 3D printers from a single interface. It offers features such as webcam support and remote access.
- AstroPrint: This is a cloud-based software that allows you to manage and monitor your 3D printer from anywhere. It also offers a marketplace for 3D models and a community forum for support.
Can you suggest any user-friendly 3D design applications for Ultimaker printers?
Ultimaker Cura is a great software for preparing and slicing 3D models for Ultimaker printers. In terms of 3D design applications, TinkerCAD is a user-friendly option that allows you to create 3D models using simple shapes and drag-and-drop tools. Fusion 360 is another option that offers more advanced features for creating complex 3D models.
What CAD programs are preferred for 3D printing projects?
There are several CAD programs that are preferred for 3D printing projects. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Autodesk Fusion 360: This is a powerful CAD software that offers advanced features for creating complex 3D models. It also has built-in support for 3D printing and allows you to export files in STL format.
- SolidWorks: This is another popular CAD software that is widely used in the engineering industry. It offers features such as parametric modeling and assembly design, and has built-in support for 3D printing.
What do users on Reddit suggest as the best 3D modeling software for 3D printing?
According to users on Reddit, some of the best 3D modeling software for 3D printing include:
- Fusion 360: This software is popular among users for its advanced features and ease of use.
- Blender: This is another popular software that offers powerful features for creating complex 3D models.
- Tinkercad: This is a beginner-friendly software that allows you to create 3D models using simple shapes and drag-and-drop tools.