both of these (Horvath 2014a). The user interface/controller allows the user to send machine‐readable computer codes to the 3D printer and assists in changing some of the parameters during run time and move the print head along the X/Y/Z‐axis. Most of the 3D printers are lab‐scale and can be operated at a power supply of 110 V/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
1.7 Software Requirements and Hardware Integration
3D model designing involves the creation of 3D models using designing software such as AutoCAD (Autodesk), SolidWorks (Dassault Systèmes), SketchUp (Trimble), Rhinoceros 3D (Robert McNeel & Associates), etc. All this software allows the users to design their desired 3D model. After designing, the stored file can be converted to STL format to fed to a 3D printer. Model building requires professional knowledge and skilled personnel to create the desired 3D model. However, with the advancements of technology designing models have become easier. Software like 3DSlash and Tinkercad are specially designed for students and beginners (Guo et al. 2019). It also allows the users to design their model on an online platform rather than downloading the software itself. Sometimes designing a 3D model may consume time for which software like Autodesk 123D catch helps in building a 3D model from the 2D image that saves time and aids in achieving the same precision as designing from 3D model software (Parras et al. 2018).
After model designing, the stored information of the 3D model in STL format is read/sliced in a layer‐by‐layer manner by using appropriate slicing software. The slicing process involves the extraction of actual information of the 3D model and transforms it into G and M codes which are readable by 3D printers. G codes are the numerical language generated by CAD software that is computer readable which guides the motors and assists in the motion of printing arms to the printing region. On the other hand, M codes are the auxiliary commands that aids and assists in machine functioning (Horvath and Cameron 2015). Most commonly used slicing software includes Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier, Slic3r, Craftware, SelfCAD, SliceCrafter, and Astroprint (Table 1.1). Various process parameters that determine the final printing quality includes printing speed, retraction speed, layer height, printing temperature, nozzle size, number of outer shells, and infill percentage. Thus, slicing software allows the user to define the above printing parameters and aids in achieving good precise printing with higher resolution. All this setting information about the 3D model is fed to the printer in form of computer codes. G codes would have been written in numerical form and it slightly varies from printer to printer. The general commands commonly used are G0 (fast linear motion) and G1 (linear motion) which are referred to as the movement of the arms. For illustration, ‘G0 X nnn Y nnn Z nnn E nnn F nnn S nnn ’ represents a command in which X nnn , Y nnn , and Z nnn denote the position of X, Y, and Z‐axis; E nnn denotes the position of E axis, i.e. motion of print head stepper motor, F nnn denotes the speed of arms (mm min−1) and S nnn denotes the function to verify limit switch or not (S0 – do not check and S1 – check) (Guo et al. 2019). However, the entire 3D object can be printed using a complex command of G codes that requires more knowledge and skill in computer coding.
Table 1.1 Common slicing software used in 3D printing.
| Software | Developer | Users | Description | Compatibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross platform tools | |||||
| Cura | Ultimaker | Beginners and advanced users | Open source, fast, and easy to useIts application is not just limited with Ultimaker 3D printer and can be used for other 3D printers as well | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
| CraftWare | CraftWare | Beginners and advanced users | Fast and easy to usePossess impressive G code visualizer and friendly support than other software | Windows, Mac | Free |
| KISSlicer | KISSlicer | Beginners and advanced users | Easy and flexible software that results in excellent slicing | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi | Both free and paid |
| Repetier Host | Hot‐World GmbH & Co. KG | Intermediate and advanced users | It is an open‐source softwareUses software Slic3r as default slicing engine | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
| Simplify3D | Simplify3D | Beginners and advanced users | 3D printer host with premium slicerAllows users to modify, repair, preview and slice 3D models | Windows, Mac | Paid |
| ReplicatorG | ReplicatorG | Beginners and advanced users | Uses Skeinforge as slicerAdaptable with 3D printers such as MakerBot, CupCake CNC, RepRap printers, Thing‐O‐Matic | Windows, Mac | Free |
| Slic3r | Slic3r | Advanced users and professional users | It is an open source softwareFast and efficient that needs some tweaking initially generating good results | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
| OctoPrint | Gina Haußge | Intermediate and advanced users | This software is based on webcam feeding of 3D models and provides constant feedback as the printing progressUtilize powerful plug‐ins that allows Ocotprint to send notifications, integrate messages, or collects print statistics | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi | Free |
| Cloud‐based solutions | |||||
| 3Dprinter OS | 3D Control Systems Ltd., | Advanced and professional users | Allows users to search and upload 3D models, facilitates repair of STL errors, allows to customize settings, capable of cloud‐based slicing of 3D models | Windows, Mac | Both free and paid |
| MatterControl | MatterHackers, Inc. | Beginners and advanced users | Free, open‐source software that allows users to queue multiple parts to be printed without pre‐slicing, preview and manipulate designs and also integrates a library that enables users in organizing and searching the files | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
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