Slic3r: A Free and Open-Source Slicer to Prepare 3D Models

Among the many different 3D printing software available, slicers serve as an intermediary between a 3D model and the 3D printer. More precisely, the slicer cuts a 3D model into a succession of layers that will be 3D printed by the machine. The instructions to print these layers are converted into a special language called G-code, which a 3D printer can follow. Due to their importance, numerous slicers are available on the market, and cater to various levels of experience in additive manufacturing. However, today we will take a closer look at a well-known slicing solution: Slic3r.

Slic3r is open-source software independent of commercial companies or printer manufacturers. It was launched in 2011 as part of the RepRap community, led by Alessandro Ranellucci. It’s a non-profit project, so Slic3r can be downloaded free of charge from the official website or Github. Version 1.3.0 is currently available, after 48 different official versions! It is compatible with the main file formats on the market – STL, AMF and OBJ – and easily generates G-code or SVG files. It’s a particularly popular slicer, used on many machines: UltiMaker, Prusa Mendel, MendelMax, TAZ, Rostock, etc.

Photo Credit: Slic3r

First Steps

The first step is to download the software – it is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Windows users can choose between 32- and 64-bit versions adapted to their system. After downloading, simply install Slic3r. Before the first print, it’s essential that the 3D machine is properly calibrated, as the software and, ultimately, the print quality depend on it. If, for example, the extrusion speed is not set correctly, the machine will not produce the quantity of filament that has been determined, resulting in 3D printing problems.