Remember to use the code 'ctrlpew' for 10% off.

Categories Getting Started Guide Guides and Tutorials

Slicing Software Showdown 2K24

Whether you’re just getting started in 3d printing or a veteran trying to optimize your printing process, the slicer you choose and how you use it is a critical step to success. With the ever-growing list of slicers on the market it can be hard to keep track of them all. Our 2024 Slicer Software Showdown is here to guide you to the most appropriate choice.

Table of Contents
  1. Ultimaker Cura
  2. Simplify3D
  3. Orca Slicer
  4. PrusaSlicer

Ultimaker Cura

Ultimaker Cura, often referred to simply as Cura, has a rich history rooted in the open-source 3D printing community. It was originally created in 2012 as a software to support his Ultimaker 3D printers. Initially known as “CuraEngine,” the software quickly gained popularity within the 3D printing community due to its intuitive interface and powerful features. In 2015, Ultimaker decided to rebrand and overhaul the software, leading to the birth of Ultimaker Cura. Since then, Cura has evolved into one of the most widely used slicers in the industry, known for its extensive compatibility with various 3D printers, robust slicing algorithms, and active community support. Over the years, it has undergone numerous updates and improvements, cementing its reputation as a go-to choice for both hobbyists and professionals alike in the realm of 3D printing.

Strengths:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Cura boasts an intuitive interface suitable for beginners and experts alike.
  • Extensive Compatibility: It supports a wide range of 3D printers and file formats, making it a versatile choice.
  • Powerful Features: Cura offers advanced features like customizable support structures and dynamic slicing settings.
  • Refined Defaults: As one of the first

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Advanced Customization: Some users may find its customization options lacking compared to other slicers.
  • Speed and Path efficiency: Cura is not known for generating particularly efficient g-code paths. Other slicers have come along that do it much better. However, the paths that do come out are fairly bullet proof.

When to choose this slicer:

Cura is best suited for users who value ease of use, broad compatibility, and access to a supportive community. If this is your first experience with 3D printing or with any particular printer, (or a DIY printer) its fairly easy to get good, consistent results quickly by using Cura,

Simplify3D

Simplify3D has a relatively short but impactful history in the realm of 3D printing software. Founded in 2013 by a group of engineers and 3D printing enthusiasts, Simplify3D quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to slicer software. From its inception, the company aimed to provide a premium solution for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike. Simplify3D’s slicer software stood out for its extensive customization options, reliable slicing algorithms, and comprehensive support. Despite being a paid software, Simplify3D garnered a dedicated user base due to its ability to consistently produce high-quality prints with minimal hassle. Over the years, Simplify3D has continued to refine and expand its software, addressing the evolving needs of the 3D printing community and solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry.

Strengths:

  • Extensive Customization: Simplify3D offers extensive customization options, allowing users to optimize prints to their exact specifications.
  • Reliable Slicing: Known for its reliable slicing algorithms, Simplify3D produces high-quality prints with minimal fuss.
  • Comprehensive Support: The software comes with comprehensive customer support, including troubleshooting guides and video tutorials.

Weaknesses:

  • Price: Simplify3D is a paid slicer, which may deter some users, especially those on a tight budget. And for the price it doesn’t seem to provide much different
  • Less Frequent Updates: While reliable, Simplify3D’s update frequency may not be as rapid as some open-source alternatives.

When To Choose This Slicer

If you’re an enterprise with money to burn, or if all other slicers have failed to provide the level of customization that you require.

Orca Slicer

Orca Slicer is a relatively new addition to the landscape of 3D printing slicer software. Developed by experienced 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals, Orca Slicer emerged as an open-source project based around Bambu Labs proprietary slicing software. It’s aimed at providing users with a lightweight, efficient, and customizable slicing solution and its emergence reflects the collaborative and community-driven nature of the 3D printing ecosystem. As a newer entrant, Orca Slicer continues to evolve with ongoing development efforts, community contributions, and feedback from users, positioning itself as a promising alternative in the ever-expanding landscape of 3D printing software.

Strengths:

  • Open-Source: Orca Slicer is an open-source slicer, allowing for community contributions and customization.
  • Lightweight: It’s designed to be lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for older or lower-powered computers.
  • Growing Feature Set: Despite being relatively new, Orca Slicer is rapidly evolving with new features and improvements.
  • Dark Mode: Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode Dark Mode
  • Networking: Nearly seamless integration with locally networked printer controllers.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Documentation: As a newer slicer, Orca Slicer may lack comprehensive documentation and user guides.

When To Choose This Slicer

This would be a good choice if you are an intermediate printer, if any of your printers are networked, or if you bought a Bambu and don’t want to give the Chinese you data.

PrusaSlicer

PrusaSlicer, formerly known as Slic3r, has a storied history deeply intertwined with the rise of the RepRap and open-source 3D printing movements. Originally developed by Alessandro Ranellucci in 2011, Slic3r quickly gained traction for its robust slicing algorithms and open-source ethos. As the 3D printing community flourished, Josef Prusa, founder of Prusa Research, recognized the potential of Slic3r and began contributing to its development. Eventually, Prusa took the helm of the project, rebranding it as PrusaSlicer to reflect its alignment with the company’s mission and values. Since then, PrusaSlicer has become synonymous with high-quality slicing software, tailored to the needs of Prusa 3D printer users while maintaining compatibility with a wide range of machines. Through regular updates, community feedback, and collaboration with other industry leaders, PrusaSlicer continues to evolve, embodying the spirit of open-source innovation in the 3D printing community.

Strengths:

  • Advanced Customization: PrusaSlicer provides extensive customization options, allowing users to fine-tune their prints to perfection.
  • Excellent Support: Developed by Prusa Research, it offers excellent support and regular updates, ensuring compatibility with Prusa printers.
  • Multi-Material Printing: PrusaSlicer excels in handling multi-material prints and complex geometries.

Weaknesses:

  • Steep Learning Curve: Its plethora of settings may overwhelm beginners, leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Limited Printer Compatibility: While it supports various printers, its optimization is primarily geared towards Prusa machines.

When To Choose This Slicer

You should use this if you own a Prusa printer. Or if you started on a Prusa and are used to this UI.

Each slicer has its own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different user preferences, experience levels, and printing requirements. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and priorities, whether it’s ease of use, customization options, compatibility, or community support. Here at CTRLPew, we use a combination of Cura for Creality printers, Orca for everything Klipper based, and the Bambu Slicer for the two office X1 Carbons.

Leave a Reply