It goes without saying, but any 3D modeling programs you choose must be compatible with 3D printing. If, however, you can afford it, spending thousands on the best 3D modeling software will let you create high-quality 3D-printable models with many features simply not available elsewhere. A free 3D software like VECTARY or some of the cheaper options dedicated solely to 3D printing will also do.

If you cannot drop a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on the best 3D design software, then you may want to stick with your 3D printer’s native software. Dedicated 3D printing software definitely does the job but can be limited in terms of creating models themselves. There are extremely advanced modeling programs that have 3D printing functionality as a side feature and cost a lot of money. How to Choose the Best 3D Printing SoftwareĬhoosing the best 3D modeling software for 3D printing will depend on your own needs. There is software for all printing methods and for beginners right the way up to mass industry. Others use a hardening of liquid resin method, such as continuous liquid interface production or solid ground curing. To get text on to your objects this is often done using robocasting, which isn’t much different from the initial printing method.ģD printing technologies have come a long way since laminated object manufacturing.

Most people use stereolithography or fused filament fabrication, which involves layering of heated plastic filament. Software may be slightly different depending on your 3D printer’s method. You might need to look elsewhere for more advanced tasks surrounding the 3D modeling itself. Many models come with a 3D printer program that does the basics like slicing your 3D models into instructions called G-Code for the printer to know what to print. It also involves 3D scanning of simple objects you’d like to replicate, aspects of CAD design and associated tools like slicing, in order to make your model printer-ready, and save it as an appropriate file, i.e. It allows you to import existing three-dimensional models you’ve found on the net and manipulate them.

3D printing software can be a combination of software types and tools.

Using freecad for 3d printing