ChiTuBox, the Slicer Designed for Resin 3D Printing

When it comes to 3D printing software, one of the most critical are slicers, which are used to prepare a 3D model for printing. These intermediaries convert the 3D model into a series of thin layers and generates a G-code file containing all the necessary instructions for the 3D printer. And like Cura, Slic3r, or SmartSlice, certain slicing software has been widely adopted by the 3D printing community. But what you may not know is that many of these popular slicers have been created only for FDM machines. For resin 3D printers, slicers are rarer. But among the existing software, one that has gained popularity is ChiTuBox. Launched in 2017 by the Chinese company CBD-Tech, the ChiTuBox slicer has an easy-to-use interface and offers control over the majority of printing parameters.

Compatible with the most popular SLA printers on the market, as well as other resin machines using DLP and LCD, the ChiTuBox software has since its launch drawn in many resin 3D printing enthusiasts. Capable of processing the most popular 3D printing formats, such as STL or MJF files, the slicer is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. Though for a long time ChiTuBox was entirely free, the software now also has a Pro version. Available from $170 per year for one device and $300 for up to five devices, the paid version boasts additional features, such as an automatic orientation tool designed to choose the optimum orientation for printing.

A look at the free version of ChiTuBox (photo credits: ChiTuBox)

How does ChiTuBox work?

The success of ChiTuBox is no accident. Although the software is very efficient, it is not complicated to use, even for novices in the field. It has several features, including the Hollow tool, which allows users to make drainage holes in the models, thus limiting the amount of material needed. The traditional tools, such as manual or automatic placement of the structure and editing functions, are of course also available.