22 Best Free 3D Printing Software
3D printing is becoming more and more popular, and with it, the need for 3D printing software. There are a lot of options out there, but the best free 3D printing software will give you the tools you need to create amazing 3D prints without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best free 3D printing software available. We’ve broken down our list into categories so you can easily find the software that best suits your needs.
CAD Software
CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is used to create 3D models that can be printed. Most of the software on this list is CAD software, so you can use it to design and print 3D models.
- SketchUp Make: SketchUp Make is a free 3D modeling program that is easy to use and powerful. It has a simple user interface and tons of features that make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced designers.
- TinkerCAD: TinkerCAD is an online 3D modeling program that is perfect for beginners. It’s intuitive and easy to use, and it has a lot of great features.
- Blender: Blender is a free 3D modeling and animation program that is extremely powerful. It has a steep learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you can create some amazing 3D models.
- FreeCAD: FreeCAD is a powerful open-source CAD program that is perfect for creating complex 3D models. It’s a bit difficult to use, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to create some amazing 3D models.
- Meshmixer: Meshmixer is a free 3D modeling program from Autodesk. It’s designed specifically for 3D printing, so it has all the features you need to create amazing 3D prints.
Slicing Software
Slicing software takes a 3D model and slices it into layers that can be printed. It’s an essential part of the 3D printing process, and it’s important to choose the right slicing software for your printer.
- Cura: Cura is a free slicing program from Ultimaker. It’s one of the most popular slicing programs and is compatible with a wide variety of printers.
- Slic3r: Slic3r is an open-source slicing program that is extremely powerful. It’s a bit complicated to use, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to create amazing 3D prints.
- Simplify3D: Simplify3D is a commercial slicing program that is designed for professional 3D printing. It’s powerful and easy to use, and it’s perfect for creating high-quality 3D prints.
- KISSlicer: KISSlicer is a free slicing program that is designed for simplicity. It has a simple user interface and is perfect for beginners.
- Ideamaker: Ideamaker is a free slicing program from Raise3D. It’s designed for Raise3D printers, but it can be used with other printers as well.
Printing Software
Printing software is used to control the 3D printer itself. It can be used to adjust settings, start and stop prints, and monitor the progress of the print.
- OctoPrint: OctoPrint is an open-source printing program that is perfect for controlling your 3D printer. It’s easy to use and has a lot of features for advanced users.
- Repetier-Host: Repetier-Host is a free printing program from Repetier. It’s designed for Repetier printers, but it can be used with other printers as well.
- Cura Connect: Cura Connect is a free printing program from Ultimaker. It’s designed for Ultimaker printers, but it can be used with other printers as well.
- Printrun: Printrun is an open-source printing program that is perfect for controlling your 3D printer. It’s easy to use and has a lot of features for advanced users.
- Pronterface: Pronterface is a free printing program from RepRap. It’s designed for RepRap printers, but it can be used with other printers as well.
Conclusion
These are just some of the best free 3D printing software available. With the right software, you can create amazing 3D prints without breaking the bank. Do your research and find the software that best suits your needs.