Simplify3D is a super popular slicing program in the 3D Printing world. It boasts customizable support structures, pre-configured print profiles, a “lightning fast” slicer, advanced previewing of models, multi-part printing, advanced print settings, and so much more! However, it’s quite expensive (with a price tag of $150). I decided to purchase this software a few days ago, to see if the software lived up to its price tag. I wasn’t disappointed.
Supports:
One of the main features I was excited about was the customizable support structures. Simplify3D boasts “smart” supports that allow the user to customize how and where the supports are placed. These supports are remarkably easy to break off, without leaving any visible residue behind.
Slicing and Previewing:
Simplify3D also boasts one of the fastest slicers on the market. The quick slicing allows for multiple iterations of your model, allowing you to quickly change and optimize your print settings.
Simplify3D also has one of the most detailed g-code previews I’ve ever seen. In fact, it allows you to preview each and every layer of your model! Combined with the lightning-fast slicer, the g-code previewer allows you to optimize your print settings until the model is perfect.
Print Profiles and Connectivity:
Another great feature of Simplify3D is the pre-configured (and highly configurable) print profiles. There are pre-configured profiles for TONS of different printers and materials, so you can choose to adjust as many (or as few) settings as you wish. However, if you love to tinker with settings, Simplify3D has you covered there too. You can adjust all the options you would ever want to (and more)! A look at these settings is shown in the picture below.
Multi-Part Printing and Processes:
One of the other nice features of Simplify3D is the multi-part printing. You can easily manipulate where parts are located to optimize the space on your build platform, and you can change the individual settings (such as layer height and temperature) for each individual part as necessary. This is made possible by a unique system in Simplify3D called processes. Processes allow you to make edits to your settings, so you can easily apply these settings to different sections of your part. This processes system is a large part of what makes Simplify3D so powerful.
Summary:
In conclusion, Simplify3D is a versatile and robust slicer. While I’ve only had it for a few days, it has already impressed me with its many qualities. It offers many innovative features (such as smart supports and g-code previewing), which ultimately grant the user more control over their machine. I’ll be sure to update this blog as I use this slicer more, as I’m sure it won’t disappoint!
Epic 3D Stuff 