3D printing would not be possible without being able to break an object down into layers. This requires powerful software to do this and without this software, 3D printing would not be possible. There are a lot of different pieces of software that can be used to do this but three of those pieces of software stand out: Cura, Slic3r, and Simplify3D.
Cura
Cura from Ultimaker is the world’s most popular 3D printing software. It is easy to use, powerful and it can be downloaded for free. It makes it easy to prepare prints, integrate CAD software or create custom settings. Cura is open-source and was built through years of in-house development and user contributions.
It is easy to use with most features available at the click of a button with recommended profiles available that have been tested for thousands of hours. A custom mode allows for control over more than 400 settings with regular updates constantly improving features. It features seamless integration with all Ultimaker products as well as CAD integration through a plugin, which is one of many plugins available. It works with 8 different file types including .stl, .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png and more.
Slic3r
Slic3r was born to provide 3D printing technology with open source software as a result of a non-profit community project. It works with FFF/FDM printers with .stl, .obj, .amf and .pov files. The code is unique to Slic3r and has introduced new features like using multiple extruders, brim, micro layering, bridge detection, command line slicing and more before other paid software tools can develop them. Slices can be exported in .svg format. Best of all it is free to use and since it is open-source it is easy to discuss new features or issues on GitHub.
It supports all know G-code dialects and many different configuration options allow for fine-tuning, yet it is simple enough for a novice user to use. The code is robust with more than 1,000 units and regression tests over six years of development. It uses a powerful command-line interface or it can be integrated into a server-side application.
Simplify3D
Simplify3D controls every aspect of 3D printing to make your 3D printing experience better. It includes everything that you need to work with your printer, from model setup, plating, slicing, print file creation, simulations, analysis, support and more. It has been calibrated to work with hundreds of different 3D printers for exceptional results right out of the box and it allows for control from one central application.
Simplify3D allows you to create realistic pre-print simulations to see the printer’s exact actions before starting and watch an animation as it lays down each line allowing you to stop failed prints before you even turn on the printer. It gives you the best support structures to complete the most complex prints and they will break away without any special tools. These supports can also be customized so they can be added or subtracted as necessary.