Noobie to 3D printing
Hi everyone,
So I have almost completed my build for my new Prusa 3D MK2 printer. First thing I want to say is how impressed I am with the thought and engineering that has gone into the development of this printer. I am limited into my experience with slicing software I see different options out in the market and I am not against paying for decent reliable user friendly software. I am trying to decide what to use. I am a mechanical engineer and my parts will be functional more so than decorative so tolerances matter, and the ease of changing materials matters to me. Would you be willing to help guide me into a software that will work with my needs. As a side note maybe you can tell me about the different diameter nozzles you have as well I see hardened A2 available in the market.
Thanks in advance for all your help. 😀
Re: Noobie to 3D printing
Each slicer has it's own caveats. I personally use Simplify3D and Slic3r. Both give excellent prints and with the new version of Slic3r from Prusa Research the speeds are comparable. If I have a need for supports in the print I will always use Simplify3D as it allows adding and removing supports wherever you like. Slic3r is free whereas Simplify3D is $150.
There is also Cura, Kisslicer and CraftWare.
Kisslicer is very detailed in its settings and can be harder to configure. Peter (PJR) uses this and is quite happy with it. I never got around to configuring it properly so I never really used it.
Cura I have used off and on but it never gave me the print quality I could get from Slic3r and Simplify3D.
CraftWare is newer and I haven't given it a full try yet.
I use a Micro Swiss plated nozzle on the MK1 and have had excellent results with it particularly with Carbon Fiber. I will be putting one on my MK2 soon.
Re: Noobie to 3D printing
Hi Jeff
As Richard mentions, I use KISS, Cura and Craftware (all nominally "free" products.
KISS is the most difficult to use, but for me, it produces the best prints. I purchased the "PRO" version, not because I needed to, but simply to support the developer.
Cura is a quick and easy to use slicer which I use when I am not too worried about quality (or dimensional accuracies).
Craftware is one I use the least. It does have a nice pretty UI, but I don't find it particularly easy to use, although it is possible to edit supports (as with S3D).
There are a few tricks you need to do to get decent dimensional accuracy; in my experience KISS is the best for this but the most complex to use. However, when it is set up properly, it is not difficult to get great prints every time.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…