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Is Slic3r a Dead 3D Printing Tool? 6 Important Facts

Slic3r has been around for a long time, and it was one of the first slicers available for 3D printing enthusiasts. It started in 2011, a time when 3D printers weren't as common as they are now. 

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/11/2023

If you’re an avid 3D printer user, then I’m sure you’ve come across Slic3r – an open-source 3D printing software. Slic3r has been around for a long time, and it was one of the first slicers available for 3D printing enthusiasts. It started in 2011, a time when 3D printers weren’t as common as they are now. 

Slic3r is not a dead 3D printing tool. Rather, it is an open-source tool with a thriving community of creators who contribute plugins and other features for public use. Although the original manufacturers are unlikely to publish updates, it is not obsolete.

The rest of this article will explain some essential details regarding Slic3r and go over important facts you may not know about this freeware. Read on to learn more about how to make the most of this open-source software.

What Is Slic3r?

Slic3r is open source 3D printing software that can create G-code that’s compatible with your 3d printer. It was developed by Alessandro Ranellucci in 2011 and is still being actively maintained by a community of developers. 

This program has many features built into it, making it one of the most powerful options available for slicing up models. It even includes some nice extras, such as an integrated plugin system to help users extend functionality.

Six Facts About Slic3r 3D Printing Tool

Slic3r is still useful for many reasons, but it does have its drawbacks as well. Consider the following six facts as you decide whether or not to use Slic3r software for your next project.

It Is Completely Free 

Slic3r is an entirely free open source software (GPLv2+ license) that you can download and use for any purpose. It is cross-platform, running on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

It works by converting an STL file generated by a 3D modeling application into a set of G-code instructions that drives a 3D printer. The application then allows you to slice a 3D model into layers suitable for printing.

It Is Ideal for Beginners and Advanced Users

The 3D printing industry is booming with opportunities for artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. A slicer program is one of the most essential tools you need as a 3D printer owner. There are so many slicer programs to choose from that it can be overwhelming when deciding which one is right for your specific needs. 

Slic3r is an excellent program for both beginners and advanced users. For those without much experience with 3D modeling, Slic3r provides an intuitive interface that allows you to generate intricate print settings with ease. At the same time, experts can rely on its powerful features to maximize their 3D prints.

It Has Impressive Features

Slic3r is an extremely advanced slicer that makes it easier to print models with overhangs, large, or contain many small details. Slic3r was designed with the idea of making 3D printing more accessible to everyone and anyone who wants to use it. 

The software can be used by simply dragging and dropping models into the program and then adjusting settings depending on what you want the printer to do.

Slic3r includes features such as support for a wide variety of printers, universal file import and export, built-in meshes to speed up the modeling process, flexible settings on many aspects of the generated GCode, and much more.

It Is Compatible With Several 3D Printers

Although most 3D printers require printer-specific software, Slic3r is a unique 3D printing tool that works on almost all 3D printers. It works with different operating systems and can be used by both home users and professionals. 

You can use the Slic3r 3D printing tool with several printers, and the software has a drag-and-drop interface. You can also design your own projects or edit pre-existing ones using the software.

It Doesn’t Receive Regular Updates

Although Slic3r has been gaining popularity over the years, one of the biggest problems with this program is that it doesn’t receive regular updates and patches from the original manufacturer. In fact, many people complain that there have not been any significant updates to Slic3r for a couple of years now.

It Has Poor Dimensional Accuracy 

Although Slic3r is a free and open-source program, it is significantly worse in terms of dimensional accuracy than both Simplify3D and Cura. Results from multiple testing sessions show a significant increase in the dimensional accuracy when printing with other popular 3D printing software such as Simplify 3D, Cura, or Prusa.

The BestAlternatives to Slic3r

If you’re looking for 3D printing software with good dimensional accuracy or that has guaranteed, frequent patches from the manufacturer, you might look for an alternative to Slic3r. Thankfully, there are several you can choose from.

Cura Slicer

Cura is the best alternative to Slic3r because it can do everything that Slic3r can do and more. It has fully customizable settings that can take on complex projects, and you have much more control over your print settings when you use Cura. It’s also a lot easier to use than Slic3r. However, it does come with a price tag.

Simplify3D

Simplify3D is an advanced yet easy-to-use software for 3D printing that allows you to slice 3D models into printable layers. It’s user-friendly and comes in a custom version for Ultimaker, one of the best printers out there.

The interface of Simplify3D is very similar to other well-known applications for 3D modeling. So if you’re familiar with any of these apps, you’ll feel right at home with Simplify3D.

Prusa Slicer

Prusa Slicer is a great free alternative to Slic3r. It can be downloaded from the Prusa website. It is a very simple slicer with an easy-to-use interface. Though it’s a bit difficult to use when you have never used it before, once you get used to it, you will find it’s way better than Slic3r. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Slic3r is still an excellent tool for slicing and printing. Furthermore, its open-source nature ensures that anyone can continue to tweak and update it if they choose to do so. And while Cura has taken over as king of the hill with regards to slicers, there are plenty of people who would argue that Slic3r is still an excellent tool for 3D printing. 

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/11/2023

About Ben

I started 3D printing since 2013 and have learned a lot since then. Because of this I want to share my knowledge of what I have learned in the past years with the community. Currently I own 2 Bambulab X1 Carbon, Prusa SL1S and a Prusa MK3S+. Hope you learn something from my blog after my years of experience in 3D printing.