Slicer Setup

Slicer Selection
Congratulations, you've made it this far. You've successfully setup your printer and you've gone as far as calibrating it. Now you are ready to start printing. But first you must make a choice on which slicer to use.

Because 3D printers "print" in layers each model that is printed has to be "sliced" by a program and fed to the machine as layers. Similar to how youwwr desk printer receives instructions about how much ink to use the printer needs to know how much 3D ink to use known as filament.

There are many slic3rs available to use, some free, some not. Some simple, others less so. This guide aims to help you choose the right one for you. There are many advantages and drawbacks to each one. This guide will cover the three most popular; Cura, Slic3r and Simplify 3D

Slic3r
Cost: Free

Difficulty: Medium-Hard

Userbase: New-Advanced

Slic3r and Simplify3D consistently compete for the top spot in slicer technology. While Slic3r remains free and open source. Simplify3D is not. Getting the TronXY series printers connected and going with Repetier/Slic3r is fairly straightforward and is covered in this guide. Repetier is the gcode sender that also supports slic3r usage. From a difficulty to new users standpoint, the overall repetier software can be intimidating at first however each feature is carefully explained if the user hovers over the setting. As long as you are patient and are willing to read what each setting does, the results from Slic3r can be rewarding.

Cura
Cost: FREE

Difficulty: Easy-Easy

Ultimaker Cura creates a seamless integration between your 3D printer, software and materials to achieve perfect prints every time.

Simplify 3D
Cost: $150

Difficulty: Easy-Hard

Userbase: Anyone

While it is expensive, the Simplify 3D experience is nearly unmatched. The ease of use combined with the customizability of Simplify 3D makes it truly one of the best slicer programs out there..