What is 3D Printing Software?

Introduction

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is a procedure by which you can create physical objects by depositing elements in layers based on an electronic model. The 3D printing process needs hardware, software, and materials to function together.

3D printing technology can be leveraged to produce everything from simple parts and prototypes to complex technical products like medical implants, eco-friendly buildings, airplane parts, and artificial organs utilizing human cell layers. For 3D printing, you need a slicing software and optionally you can also utilize a solution to produce 3D models for printing.

Features of 3D Printing Software

Schedule Remotely and Print from any Location

Remote access is vital if your printers are located in multiple places. You can leverage cloud software to directly access your print job from your mobile device or any browser. This will allow you to print to any supported company printer, even if it’s located in a different place.

Track Material Levels

Management reporting informs you the amount of material in your printer. This function facilitates efficient budgeting and planning. The software should also be able to generate dashboards and reports to analyze printer utilization and history which will make it simpler to report to the management.  

Prioritize Print Queues

Ensure you have control over scheduling so you can schedule the 3D prints based on printer availability and predicted job duration.

Preview Your Model

A good 3D printing software can give you detailed overviews of your model, slice preview, and tray so you can make the needed adjustments before sending it for printing.

Utilize Intuitive Features

The 3D printing software should give you access to intelligent default settings, notifications, and tool tips, which can guide you through a smooth printing process.

Print Straight from CAD

Find a solution that doesn’t waste time converting and correcting STL files. For instance, GrabCAD Print permits you to print straight from CAD. Further, you can also print in native 3D CAD, OBJ, and VRML file formats.

Benefits of 3D Printing Software

Cost-effective

Labor expenses can be prohibitive in building a prototype. Conventional prototyping methods such as injection mold and production runs are expensive as they need a lot of manual work. Traditional subtractive manufacturing also entails high labor costs as you require experienced technicians and machine operators to manage the production. You have to utilize expensive machinery and pay these workers. 3D printing is a much more cost-efficient option as all it needs is one person giving a print command.

Test the Design and Product

With 3D printing software, you can go beyond viewing your product virtually or on the screen, and actually get a feel of your prototype. The platform enables you to experience the feel and touch of your product prototype so you can physically test it for design flaws. If you find an issue, you can change the CAD document and print out an improved version quickly.

Enhances Quality

Conventional manufacturing techniques can lead to poor quality designs and prototypes. Injection or subtractive molds can be compared to making a cake by placing all the ingredients together and putting them in the oven to bake. If the ingredients did not mix properly, the cake will have problems like air bubbles or failure to bake thoroughly. This doesn’t give you the assurance of quality 100% of the time. In contrast, 3D printing enables you to assemble the object step-by-step which guarantees improved designs and higher quality objects.

Easily Accessible

3D printing has been utilized for decades but this method became popular only after 2010 with the advent of more competition among hardware and software vendors. This has made the technology simple to learn and you can include it in a few days in your production process.

Quicker Production

3D printing is much faster compared to traditional manufacturing methods like subtractive production and injection molds. You can get an idea of the vast difference by comparing a sports car with a horse cart. From prototype to final product, 3D printing rapidly tests designs and ideas.

Swifter design and prototype creation gives you more time to test the prototype and prepare a market-fit product before your competitors. It takes just hours for 3D printing production. In contrast, testing designs and ideas with traditional manufacturing techniques can take several weeks.