G+_Scott W Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Looking for some recommendations on 3d printer software. Specifically what slicer you are using. I have never owned or used a 3d printer and am looking for some easy to use software for a beginner. I am in the building stage of the printer and its time to look into software. I don't need CAM software, I currently use Fusion360 and Cut2d with my CNC. Just need something easy to use to get going. The printer will be using Marlin firmware if that matters. I am still a ways away from a working printer, the frame is built now gathering all the electronics. Looking forward to diving in soon. I actually built the CNC to use to make the brackets for the 3d printer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_James Hughes Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 If you already use fusion 360 you are using one of the best. As for slicer software, repetier is good and if you have a few bucks ($150ish ) simplify 3d is supposed to be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_David Peach Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 I'm an old pro at this now. My experience goes as far back as 9 days. So take this with a grain of salt. I've been using Cura and it seems to work well with the default settings (based on printer features and firmware). Yet it also provides granular control if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tony Martin Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Simplify 3d is by far the best if you are willing to spend the money. However excluding simplify 3d, at this point there are so many slicers that there is really not one single one that is best, each has its ups and downs. One will be better at overhangs while another will be better at support material and yet another will be better at bridges for example. Craftware is quickly gaining popularity due to its good print quality and ability to generate custom user defined supports which no other free slicer offers and is worth a look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tony Martin Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 How much did the cnc wind up costing you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Scott W Posted March 16, 2017 Author Share Posted March 16, 2017 James Hughes Thanks James, Repetier and Simplify3d both look great. I like that repetier already has 3 slicers bundled. I am going to give it a try. Tony Martin Hey Tony, I would say all in I have around $800 into the CNC. You can get the frame as a kit here: openbuildspartstore.com - C-Beam Machine Mechanical Bundle I bought all the parts separate because I wanted black and also did a few mods to stiffen up the Y-Axis. I am really happy with the performance, its rock solid. I have milled 1/4 in aluminum no problem. If I built another, I would go with a larger cut area though. With the mods I did I have a usable 12 x 12 cut area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Tony Martin Posted March 16, 2017 Share Posted March 16, 2017 Thanks Scott, a cnc will most likely be my next build. Also, if you are going to be using repetier and slic3r, which is what i have used for years, i would highly recomend checking out the version that prusa modified for the i3 mk2 release as it produces much better prints than the stock version and has some added features that are helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Scott W Posted March 16, 2017 Author Share Posted March 16, 2017 Tony Martin Thanks, I will check that out for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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