OctoPrint, the application to control your 3D printer Published on August 26, 2020 by Aysha M. OctoPrint is a controller application for 3D printers: open-source and free, it allows you to manage all your prints remotely and to control your machines with peace of mind. Tinkercad is considered one of the best 3D printing software programs for beginners due.
Now that you have your handy 3D printer, you must be excited to get started! However, to begin your printing projects, you will need to invest in 3D printing software. This will enable you to print various objects. There is a wide selection of 3D printing software available; however, to get the most out of your 3D printer and to print the most flawless 3D designs, you need the best 3D printing software, which this review will help you with.
The following 3D printing software options have been approved by both professionals and beginners alike as the best 3D printing software in the market.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. This means that an object is created by laying down many layers of material until the final object is created. Each layer can be seen as a very thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the final object.
3D printing is the opposite format of subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting out or hollowing a piece of plastic or metal using machinery such as a milling machine.
3D printing allows people to produce very complex shapes using much less material than the traditional manufacturing methods.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
You start off with a 3D model. This is something that you create yourself on your computer. When you create your own 3D model, you will need to use a 3D scanner, an app, a code, a haptic device, or some 3D modeling software. Our list below shows you some of the best 3D modeling softwares that are available on the market today.
1. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is considered one of the best 3D printing software programs for beginners due to its easy learning curve, and it only contains three easy tools that enable you to print a wide range of 3D designs, including prototypes, home decor, toys, Minecraft models, and more. It even enables you to make 2D geometrical shapes and change them into 3D models, and it utilizes STL file format, which is the most common file used in 3D printing, so it can be used by a wide range of users.
Tinkercad is an online 3D design and 3D printing app that is available for free, so all you need is a web browser.
Download: Tinkercad.com.
2. SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software is used by over 2 million engineers and product designers across the globe. It has 3 different packages available for the beginner, the intermediate, and the pro and is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs due to its strong design operations with intuitive user interface, which allows for a speedy design process. It also includes CAD animation, PhotoView 360, revision control, and more.
SOLIDWORKS packages vary in price; however, free trials are available. For more details concerning the cost of SOLIDWORKS, you will need to contact a sales representative.
Download: SOLIDWORKS.
3. SketchUp
SketchUp is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs for pros and intermediates due to its wide range of tools for geometric objects. In fact, users report that it is the perfect combination of simplicity and operation. This makes it easy to use and why it is rated as one of the best 3D printing software programs available. And since it utilizes STL files, it can be used by used by a number of users.
SketchUp is available for free and is compatible with Linux, PC, and Mac systems.
Download: SketchUp.com.
4. Blender
Blender is one of the most powerful computer aided design (CAD) software programs you can use, which is why it is often recommended for professionals or those with advanced skills. However, it also has one of the largest communities of followers who are big on sharing resources, via various popular online sites, to help make it easier to navigate.
Blender is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Blender.org.
5. Cura
Cura 3D printing software makes it easy to mange much needed 3D settings in a simple interface. This slicer software was originally designed for use with Ultimaker 3D printers; however, it can also be used with other 3D printers, including Witbox, RepRap, Printrbot, and more.
Users love this software for its ease of use, which includes a 'Basic' mode that enables swift configuration of print qualities, while the 'Expert' mode allows for more control over the print quality settings. It can also be used as 3D printer host software for direct control over your equipment.
Cura is available for free and is compatible with Mac, PC, and Linux systems.
Download: Ultimaker.com.
6. Repetier
Repetier takes your 3D printing to the next level with multi-slicer support via plug ins, multi-extruder support, and support for just about any FDM 3D printer available, which is just perfect for the intermediate to advanced user. And with the Repeteir Host, you can use your tablet, PC, smartphone to control your 3D printer from anywhere.
Repeteir is a free download and is for use with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Repetier.com.
7. Slic3r
Slic3r is open source slicer software that includes an awesome honeycomb infill that is generated in three dimensions, which can significantly increase the strength of the interior infill of your final design. It is also well known for its bleeding edge features that are unmatched. Another benefit of this software is that it can be directly integrated with OctoPrint.
Slic3r software is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Slic3r.org.
8. MeshLab
MeshLab allows you to change or make repairs to your 3D print model. With MeshLab's advanced STL editing tool, you can fix holes, delete portions of your 3D model, or even merge two models into one for the perfect design. It also helps with raw data processing produced by 3D digitization tools or devices.
MeshLab is available for free and is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: MeshLab.
9. MatterControl
MatterControl is considered the granddaddy of all 3D printing software programs because it features three of the major slicing engines, including Slic3r, Cura, and Matterslice. This allows users to experiment with each feature and compare the results.
This 3D printing host for your desktop computer is very well structured for ease of use. It also enables you to preview the complete process layer by layer, so you can fix any issues in your print. It also includes an advanced mode, which includes features like mesh repair, and a basic mode where you can adjust the fill thickness, layer height, and more. You can also save the settings for future prints.
MatterControl is a free download for use with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Matterconrol.com.
Summing Up
In the end, the 3D printing program you choose will ultimately help shape your 3D printing experience. Don't be afraid to try various software until you find the best 3D printing software for you. A good 3D printing program will also provide different levels of use, which will allow you to get a lot of use out of it before moving onto more advanced software.
Object Placement
Import one or more 3D models and place, scale, rotate or duplicate them on your virtual bed.
2Slice
Slice your plate with different slicers and optimal settings for perfect results.
3Preview
Check the result completely, in regions or layer for layer.
4Print directly from the host via USB or TCP/IP connection, via SD card or via Repetier-Server.
Windows
The Windows installer comes already with everything you need. It includes Repetier-Server, Slic3r, CuraEngine, Skeinforge, Python and Pypy. Requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.
Linux
The Linux installer comes already with everything you need. It includes Repetier-Server, Slic3r, CuraEngine, Skeinforge, Python and Pypy. A recent installation of the Mono framework (3.2 was tested to work with the latest release on Ubuntu 14.04) is required. After unpacking the tar file you need to run configureFirst.
Mac
The latest stable release of the Repetier-Host for Macintosh comes already with everything you need. Download and run the package to install. If you are using the new Mountain Lion, you need to allow installation of unsigned code!
The software is very easy and intuitive to use. To help you get started, please see our documentation. For specific questions and problems our community will help you in our forum.
Here we show how to program your own plugins for Repetier-Host: http://rhplugins.repetier.com
Repetier-Host works with almost all popular 3D FDM printers!Repetier-Host is your ALL-IN-ONE software solution, which gives you countless benefits:
Proved with more than 500.000 installations on different computers.
Multi Extruder Support
Repetier-Host can handle up to 16 extruders with different filament types and colors simultaneously and visualize the result with individual filament colors, so you can see your result before printing.
Multi Slicer Support
Repetier-Host includes directly 4 different slicers: Slic3r, Slic3r Prusa Edition, CuraEngine and Skeinforge
If that is not enough, you can use any other slicer you want with Repetier-Host.
After slicing you can see all extruder movements and support structures. You control the whole model, a particular area or individual layers and recognize potential problems before printing – this saves a lot of time and money.
Easy Multi-Part Printing
You can load or duplicate as many models that fit on your build plate and print them simultaneously. The efficient use of the build plate saves a lot of time!
You can arrange them manually or just click the autoposition button and Repetier-Host does the rest.
Gain Full Control over your Printers
Repetier-Host is easy to use, even for beginners, but gives you full control of your printer, slicer and printing process if needed.
This is the reason why you can print any filament in perfect quality like PLA, ABS, PETG, chocolate or metal, if your printer hardware supports it. Biotech companies even print organs with Repetier-Host.
Access and Control your 3D Printers from Anywhere via Repetier-Server
Repetier-Server is the perfect complement to Repetier-Host and already included!
- You can access and control your printers from anywhere via a browser from any PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet.
- Watch your printer working via webcam and create astonishing timelapse videos to share or control your prints.
- Drive multiple printers simultaneously.
- Repetier-Server runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, even on small and cheap systems like Rhaspberry Pi.
- Print without running Repetier-Host.
- Small Memory Requirement – Print files of any size with new file management.
- Price Calculation – You get the production costs before printing. We even split usage by extruder.
- Preview Images – Fully configurable high quality rendered images for all models for easy recognition.
- Heatup and Cooldown Wizard – This feature measures heating and cooling speed needed for accurate printing time prediction.
- Upload new printer firmware via Repetier-Server web interface – updating was never easier.
Receive Status Messages on your Smart Phone and/or Tablet
3D printing is cool, but it always takes some time and nobody wants to spend all the time sitting next to the printer. This is where the Repetier-Informer app enters the scene. This will give you the desired status reports via fast and free push messages to your smartphone and/or tablet.
Linux 3d Printer Software
In Repetier-Host (for Windows and Linux) and in Repetier-Server you can specify for which events like print paused, stopped, finished, fatal errors, … messages are sent.
With the Repetier-Informer app you are always up to date with your printer status.
Linux 3d Printer Controller
Custom Repetier-Host for Manufacturers
3d Printer Control Board
Many manufacturers ship their 3d printers already with a custom version of Repetier-Host and use a number of advantages:
3d Printer Control App
- Get a digitally signed Repetier-Host with your own branding.
- Get listet as distributor of your Host in 'About Us'.
- Your drivers and all printer, slicer and filament settings are already included, your customers get a PLUG & PRINT EXPERIENCE.
- Less support questions and satisfied customers with your predefined presets.
- No personnel and hardware costs for expensive software development.
- With constant updates the software remains always up to date.
- You get banner ads on our homepage to show you are an official supporter and get high quality visitors for your website.
