To bring your creation to life, you should be using 3D printing. To do that effectively, from designing your 3D CAD model, to preparing the model for 3D printing, you will need the best 3D printing software and to save you from endless research, we have created that list for you.

But let’s start from the basics.

How does 3D printing software really work?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a production process where the resulting part is created by adding layers of material on top of one another. The design of the part is generated digitally (on a computer) using 3D CAD modelling software.

So in other words, 3D Printing makes it possible for the user to print real-life 3D objects. It explains how the object should look and can be viewed in 3D on a computer screen. The same 3D model can be sliced in software that is used to turn the 3D model into  data that the 3D printer can easily read. When 3D printing software sends the instructions to the 3D printer, it knows where to solidify material to create the 3D object in real life.  

The 3D file is prepared for 3D printing using specialist software to slice the file into the layers that will be 3D printed. Each cross sectional slice, when stacked on top of each other resembles the form of the digital model.

It is natural that more and more industries start to adopt this method for manufacturing as it can be great for both smaller and larger production lines. Research shows that the United Kingdom 3D printing market is expected to register a CAGR of 10% over the forecast period 2021-2026” (CAGR = Corporate annual growth rate)

3D Printing Software that matches your needs

CAD to generate 3D files: If you are looking to design parts from scratch then you’ll need to use a CAD software to model the parts in 3D. There are many software packages available free of charge, we’ve listed a few that we think are best for 3D printing. 

To make this list, we’ve focussed on softwares that are easy to use and will produce 3D models suitable for 3D printing.:

1. Blender [Level: Advanced-professional, OS: Windows, MacOS, Linux, License type: Free to use]

2. Designspark [Level: Intermediate, OS: Windows, License type: Free to use with paid add-ons]

3. Freecad [Level: Intermediate-expert, OS: Windows, MacOS, Linux, License type: Free to use]

4. Fusion-360 [Level: Intermediate-professional, OS: Windows, MacOS, License type: Free for non-commercial uses]

5. Meshmixer [Level: Intermediate, OS: Windows, MacOS, License type: Free to use]

6. Onshape Free [Level: Intermediate-professional, OS: N/A (browser-based), License type: Free, but designs created are available for everyone to use]

7. Sketchup [Level: Beginner-intermediate, OS: N/A (browser-based), License type: Free to use]

8. Tinkercad [Level: Beginner, OS: N/A (browser-based), License type: Free to use]

9. Selfcad [level: Intermediate, OS: N/A (browser-based), License type: Free to use]

Software to view, fix or manipulate existing 3D files: The most common 3D files used for 3D printing are .stl or .obj files. These file formats can be exported from most CAD software packages and there are many resources online where existing models can be downloaded. 

However, these 3D files often require fixing or editing before they are suitable for 3D printing. You can find a list of free softwares capable of editing and fixing .stl files here:

1. Meshlab [Level: Advanced, OS: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, License Type: Free to Use]

2. 3dslash [Level:Beginner  , OS: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, License Type: Proprietary]

3. Sculptgl [Level: Beginners, OS:Browser (online), License Type: Free]

Slicing softwares to generate 3D print files for your printer: Slicing software is used to prepare your 3D file into instructions for the 3D printer. The software to use will largely depend on the type, make and model of your 3D printer.

You will use the slicing software to position your 3D file within the build envelope of your printer, select an orientation and the print settings. If your part requires support material, the scaffolding often required to 3D print a part, this is where you will add it. To reduce your market research time, you can click on our suggestions below to find what is the most suitable software for your needs:

1. Cura [Level: Beginner, OS: Windows 64-bit, Linux 64-bit, Mac64-bit , License Type: Free]

2. Prusa Slicer [Level: Beginner, OS: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, License Type: Free]

3. ideaMaker [Level: Beginner, OS:Windows, Linux, Mac, License Type: Free]

4. Chitubox [Level:Beginner , OS: Windows (32- and 64-bit), macOS 10.6 or later, and Linux (Ubuntu/Debian/Fedora), License Type: Free]

With this list you are ready to take a step forward and finally start using 3D printing. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out, have more or less experience, a smaller or bigger budget there is definitely a solution that matches your needs. If you want to discuss further how 3D People can help you in your 3D Printing journey, just get in touch.

Also check out freehand software for 3D printing.