3D Printing Software (Slicer) 🖥️🛠️
The 3D printing software, also known as a slicer, is the program that converts a 3D object (STL, OBJ, 3MF file) into G-code. G-code is a command language that tells the 3D printer step by step how to build the object, where to move the print head, and when to extrude material.
🎯 The slicer is the “brain” of your 3D printer
Without a slicer, the printer doesn't know what to do. It’s like having a paper printer but without the software that translates a Word document into print commands.
📌 Why is the right slicer important?
🔹 In the past... Everyone used only 1-2 slicers (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer) and had to manually adjust every parameter.
🔹 Today... Most 3D printer manufacturers develop their own slicers with pre-configured profiles, so you don’t have to guess the correct settings!
💡 👉 TIP: The best slicer is the one that supports your specific 3D printer. If your printer comes with its own slicer (Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, Creality Print, IdeaMaker, etc.), use it.
💡 👉 Want to experiment? There is a dedicated section in our lab covering advanced slicer settings, but for now, we’ll focus on the basic setup steps.
📌 Steps to Prepare a Print in a Slicer
1️⃣ Importing the Object
📂 Open the slicer and load your 3D file (.STL, .OBJ, .3MF).
🖼️ The object appears on the slicer’s virtual print bed.
2️⃣ Orienting the Object
🔹 Find the flattest surface of the object and place it face down.
🔹 This ensures maximum stability and minimizes the need for supports.
📌 Example:
✅ A box → Place the bottom flat on the print bed.
❌ A figurine → If placed upside down, it will require excessive supports.
3️⃣ Arranging Multiple Objects on the Print Bed
📌 If printing multiple objects:
✔ Position them carefully to avoid overlaps or collisions.
✔ Check that all objects fit within the printer’s build area.
📌 If using multi-color printing:
✔ Assign colors to different parts of the model according to your slicer’s capabilities.
4️⃣ Adding Supports – Are They Necessary?
🔹 If the object has overhanging parts, supports must be added.
🔹 The slicer can generate supports automatically, or you can place them manually.
📌 Example:
✅ A bridge-like structure requires supports for the middle section.
❌ A simple cube or cylinder doesn’t need supports.
🔧 Key Slicer Settings You Need to Adjust
1️⃣ Selecting the Printer Model
📌 Choose the correct printer model so the slicer knows:
✔ The build volume of the print bed.
✔ The maximum speeds and temperatures supported by the machine.
2️⃣ Selecting the Filament Type
📌 Choose the material (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, ASA, etc.).
✔ The slicer automatically adjusts the appropriate temperatures and speeds.
📌 WARNING: If you are using materials with specific requirements (e.g., ABS, Nylon, ASA), you must have an enclosed printer!
3️⃣ Print Resolution (Layer Height)
📌 Set the thickness of each layer (e.g., 0.12mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm).
✔ Low Layer Height (0.12mm - 0.16mm) → High detail, slow print speed.
✔ Medium Layer Height (0.2mm - 0.24mm) → Balance between speed & detail.
✔ High Layer Height (0.3mm - 0.4mm) → Fast printing, lower detail.
📌 Example:
✅ Miniatures and figurines → 0.12mm - 0.16mm.
✅ Functional objects and enclosures → 0.2mm - 0.24mm.
✅ Rapid prototyping or large prints → 0.3mm - 0.4mm.
4️⃣ Infill Percentage (How Solid is the Print?)
📌 Set how dense the inside of the object should be (e.g., 10%, 30%, 100%).
✔ Low Infill (5-15%) → Fast prints, material-efficient.
✔ Medium Infill (20-50%) → Strong prints with reasonable material use.
✔ High Infill (60-100%) → Heavy, extremely strong objects.
📌 Example:
✅ Decorative models & prototypes → 10% Infill.
✅ Tool enclosures or casings → 30-50% Infill.
✅ Mechanical parts that need strength → 70-100% Infill.
Additional Basic Settings:
5️⃣ Print Speed
📌 Determines how fast the printer moves while printing.
✔ Slow speeds (40-60mm/s) → Higher quality, better adhesion.
✔ Fast speeds (80-120mm/s) → Faster prints but lower precision.
📌 Example:
✅ High-detail models (miniatures, artistic prints) → Slow speed.
✅ Functional parts & fast prototypes → Higher speed.
6️⃣ Wall Thickness & Shell Settings
📌 Determines how thick the outer walls of the object will be.
✔ Thicker walls (1.2mm - 2mm) → More strength, but longer print time.
✔ Thinner walls (0.8mm - 1mm) → Lighter prints, faster but weaker.
📌 Example:
✅ Mechanical parts that need durability → Thicker walls.
✅ Lightweight decorative prints → Thinner walls.
🔚 Summary
🔹 A slicer converts a 3D file into G-code for the printer.
🔹 The best slicer is the one made for your specific printer for maximum compatibility.
🔹 Basic settings to adjust:
✅ Printer selection – Choose your model.
✅ Material selection – Define filament type.
✅ Layer height – Adjust print resolution.
✅ Infill percentage – Control internal density.
✅ Supports – Add where necessary.
📌 Want more details on slicer settings?
🔎 Check out the dedicated section in our lab for an in-depth slicer guide! 🚀
