Slicer Software

Created by: Lester Caine, Last modification: 27 November 2018

Since I'm trying to standardise on FreeCAD as the design tool base these days, the starting point for looking at options is 3d Printer Slicer which lists the tree most popular but by no means the only slicer software.

Cura, the third on the list is already available on my Linux desktop having an experimental package in the OpenSUSE repositories. KISSlicer and Slic3r both have community packages but only the first is an up to date one. It would seem that Linux is well served as a base for 3D printing software where the conventional subtractive prcesses are still playing catchup.

Typically none of them have a profile for the X5S, but various user generated ones are available on the internet. That can wait until we have working hardware to run on and the blurb on the printer lists Cura anyway as it's supported software. In the meantime it's a matter of learning just what is involved with this additive process and how to configure the sort of models I would like to print. This is hopefully made easier by the various models already available for parts to improve the X5S on various sites.

Cura

  • Cross-platform, open source software, available completely free of charge
  • Print right away using recommended mode, or use custom mode to configure over 300 settings, for maximum control
  • Expert-configured and road-tested profiles make hardware and material configuration simple and fast, and achieves reliable, professional results
  • Out-of-the-box support for STL, OBJ, X3D, and 3MF file formats
  • Add even more functionality with plugins for CAD software and optimized profiles for third-party materials
  • Native Qt5 Code

KISSSlicer

KISSlicer has come a long way from the initial command line release ("Three settings should be enough for anybody!"). Targeting precision and focusing on the technical aspects of 3D printing has kept KISSlicer adding features and options to keep up with a wide variety of printer types, print styles, and mesh topologies, all while gracefully handling new and more demanding materials.

It's been a running joke among KISSlicer users for some time that KISS can't stand for "Keep It Simple Slicer" since it has some of the most complex features available in a slicer. It is impractical to rename it to "Keeping It As Simple As Possible While Still Incorporating Every Feature Needed By Every User...Slicer".

That is why KISSlicer 1.6 is armed with a series of Profile Wizards designed to get you printing, from scratch, in a matter of minutes. Once the basics are in place, KISSlicer offers a Tuning Wizard to precisely tune material settings in a single print. Now you will only need to keep a bin of Marvin or Benchy prints around if you really want to. Get printing quickly, then get printing precisely.

Next-Gen features like the adaptive ("Stepover-Controlled") layer heights, numerically modeled dynamic plastic deposition ("Preload"), extruder priorities (for handling overlapping meshes), varying Styles per object ("Lock Paths"), loop stitching ("Fractional Loops") to better bond to the infill, loop-modifying seam hiding ("Join-Loop"), and others combine to generate beautiful and precise G-code paths for technically demanding prints.

KISSlicer's new profile handling makes it easy to share a specific profile with a friend, archive all settings used in a print in a Project File, or carefully monitor and manage your settings with a version control system of your choice. Most Recently Used profiles are also linked with each Printer profile, so you can easily switch between multiple printers, slice and print.

Need the paid for Pro versions of KISSlicer to support multiple extruders and other extended facilities.

slic3r

  • Turn your 3D models into G-code
  • Visual preview of toolpaths
  • Advanced configuration management
  • Custom G-code with conditional logic
  • Print spool queue (print on multiple machines simultaneously) or send to OctoPrint
  • FDM/FFF and SLA/DLP
  • modifiers (distinct settings on custom regions)
  • perl scripting is a negative point

IceSL

Our aim is to make our latest research in modeling and slicing available as quickly as possible, in powerful yet accessible software. It integrates several ground breaking ideas that our team developed over the years, such as cubic/tetrahedral infills, bridge support structures, optimal adaptive layer thickness optimization, progressive infills, efficient offsetting, tight protective shields, maximal self-supporting cavities, and advanced path planning for dual-color printing1. Several of these features have inspired other slicers.

IceSL core technology is exposed through three different software:

  • IceSL-forge is the most complete and powerful software. It combines modeling and slicing and gives unprecedented flexibility for modeling and fabricating complex, customizable shapes. Modeling is done through scripting with a Lua-based language that allows to describe boolean combinations of shapes (triangle meshes, voxels, implicit surfaces, shaders). Thanks to state of the art rendering technology, all operations are performed interactively with real-time feedback , allowing interactive customization of model parameters. The same technology enables efficient slicing and generation of printer instructions (e.g. G-code), avoiding the expensive step of producing a mesh. Nothing stands between your model and your printer!
  • IceSL-slicer focuses on slicing. Given a 3D model (e.g. STL), it will use our slicing technology to generate instructions for your printer (G-code, but also images for DLP printers and cutting paths for laser cutters).
  • SliceCrafter is an online version of our slicing technology. It is less powerful than IceSL-slicer, but runs entirely from within a web browser.

Others

There are numerous other free slicers available, but I have restriced my selection to those that support a Linux desktop. All the good ones are cross platform and I don't think there are any advantages to the Mac or Windows only options. A fairly up to date review and comparison table is provided by all3dp