OVERVIEW OF 3D PRINTING SLICERS

Abstract

The article presents an overview of software for preparing three-dimensional models
(3D models) of objects for various purposes for transfer to a 3D printer for printing. It is noted that
recently 3D printing is an integral part of the additive manufacturing process. Specifies that in order to
perform the 3D printing process, created or downloaded 3D models stored in STL files must be translated
into the printer control language. Such a language is called G-code, and the programs that make it
possible are called slicers. It is noted that the main function of the slicer is cutting the object model into
separate layers. The article discusses an overview of slicer programs from various manufacturers. For
each slicer, characteristics are given that reflect its functional content, focus on a certain category of
users, affordability, support for other software, and other characteristics. It is noted that two types of
slicers are known - universal and specialized. Specialized slicers are usually focused on one technology
or one model line of printers, while universal slicers are focused on a wide range of printers. It is indicated
that in recent years, manufacturers have begun to create software that combines the processes of
model development and its translation into G-code. It is noted that the 3D printing process requires the
preliminary setting of many parameter settings involved in the process of printing software and hardware.
The above review shows that almost all slicers, except for the core of the program that calculates
geometric shapes and converts the model to G-code, have six standard settings blocks: for slicer, model,
printer, material, additional services and cutting. The tuning parameters for each of the tuning blocks
are given. The slicer programs considered in the article are selected taking into account the orientation
towards different user groups, their modern functional content, popularity and availability on the Russian
market.