Slicer software is crucial for FDM 3D printers. The software’s intelligent algorithm generates the strategy for each slice, instructing the nozzle of the printer how to move in order to create a stable and accurate print.
Slicers are primarily responsible for successful 3D prints, as they offer extensive configuration options for users. However, the many settings can appear complex and daunting to beginners.
The intelligence behind 3D printing relies on open source software that can be used for free. Proprietary slicers can also be tested in the field. Understanding slicer settings can help objects to be printed easily, quickly, or stably, regardless of their outward appearance.
The c’t 9/2023 magazine features an article on this topic for further reading. Even those who watch a 3D printer at work may wonder why it turns right instead of left or fills in one area before another. The answer to such questioning lies in the G-code instructions of the programming language, which the printer strictly follows.
The slicer software’s purpose is to take a 3D model and cut it into slices. The software then develops a strategy for each slice based on the printing layer’s height and the movement of the printer’s nozzle.
In conclusion, slicers are the intelligence behind every 3D print’s successful output. While beginners may find the settings overwhelming, understanding and adjusting them will help users achieve desired outcomes for their prints.
