3d printer software allows you to create digital models of your products, which can be then be sent to a 3D printer and printed out as a physical product. Using this technology has many benefits, such as cost savings and design freedom.
There are many different types of software to choose from, ranging in price and feature set. Before you can decide on which one to use, it’s important to consider your needs and intended use. If you’re a hobbyist, you may want a simple and easy-to-use program that doesn’t require extensive learning, while professionals will likely need software that has specific job-related features. Also, make sure that the software you choose will support the 3D printer you plan to use.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open source, free and robust 3D printing and slicing software that can be used by both novices and advanced users to design, edit and print models of any size and shape. It has a wide range of design and editing tools, including parametric modeling, Boolean operations, sculpting and more.
The software has a number of handy features, such as automatic hollowing and scaling, which will help you get started with resin printing quickly and efficiently. The software’s intuitive interface also makes it easy for beginners to use.
Cura by Ultimaker
The most popular of all 3D printing software options, Cura is the world’s leading slicing tool with over 1 million downloads and millions of hours of community feedback. It offers a powerful slicing engine, intent profiles that print specific applications, and custom settings to give you granular control over the entire process.
MeshLab
If you’re looking for an open-source, free option for preparing your designs for 3D printing, then Meshlab is the best choice. It has a large library of textures, a drag-and-drop interface and can be used by all skill levels.
Rhino 6
For those who need a more sophisticated design tool, Rhino is an excellent option. It’s available for a reasonable price and students can even get an educational discount on the software, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about 3D design.
Autodesk Fusion 360
For any serious 3D design enthusiast, Fusion 360 is a premium software tool that’s worth considering. It’s designed for a wide range of industries, and it’s available at a student discount and as a free trial.
It’s a comprehensive tool for modeling and editing, with a range of sophisticated curving, polygon meshing and surface editing tools. It’s also very user-friendly and comes with a lot of tutorials to show you how to use its complex tools.
Tinkercad
For beginners and students, Tinkercad is a good choice. Its intuitive interface and built-in slicer will make it a breeze to create and edit your own 3D models. It’s also available for free and offers a variety of tutorials to teach you how to use the program effectively.
VECTARY
If you’re a professional designer who doesn’t mind spending a little money, then the more professional-level VECTARY is an excellent choice. It offers a huge library of royalty-free assets, millions of which are 3D printable, and a simple drag-and-drop interface. You can also easily import and export your models from Figma and Sketch.
