3D modeling and rendering are interconnected with 3D printing technology, as without this, the process does not count as complete. When you create designs using 3D modeling software, 3D printers help you extract the output of the CAD file using the 3D printing software.
This technique facilitates the whole creation as it breaks down the 3D model into multiple sections, and thus, the 3D printing software prints the output in a slice-by-slice manner.
By providing ease to print what is created in the 3D modeling software, this tool has gained popularity in various industry verticals, including the creative studios and other related market spaces, in a concise span and helps skyrocket businesses. Undoubtedly, the 3D printing industry is booming and there’s no end to it.
There are several techniques available in the market today, but we have compiled the list of the best 3D printing software to choose from as per your requirement. But before we jump on to the list, let us first understand the topic's basics to understand the scope of work better.
Talking about the process of 3D printing, this is a slicer technique that slices the 3D model into very thin digital layers or multiple sections in a slice-by-slice manner to prepare the 3D image for printing. The slicer holds the power of decision-making during the 3D printing process as it defines the printing speed, the resolution of the output, and even the height of various layers it has created.
Now that we have a proper idea of the topic and creation of a 3D printed object, let’s move on to the significant part, which is sharing the list of best 3D printing software, its benefits and drawbacks, and more.
Here is a list of the best 3D printing software that is best to be used by both beginners and professionals
We have also compiled this list's price range and free versions. And most importantly, we have also jotted down the features of this software to help you choose the best as per your requirement.
This is considered the most powerful 3D printing software; it has various specifications and professional tools, making it the most preferred and popular among design professionals, mechanical engineers, machinists, etc.
Key Features:
Pricing Model: Comes with Monthly, Annual & 3 Year Subscription Plans (Free for Personal Use Only)
Pros of Autodesk Fusion 360: Design Flexibility, Great for Collaboration, Cloud Based, Most Useful Tools Available, Affordable
Cons of Autodesk Fusion 360:Limited Access to Free Version, Lag Sometimes, Consumes A lot of Device Memory, Steep Learning Curve
This top-tier software facilitates multilevel 3D modeling tasks, including prototyping, 3D printing, and creating accurate simulations. With various options available, this software is the most popular choice for creating interactive 3D applications in multiple industries.
Key Features:
Pricing Range: Comes with Monthly, Annual & 3 Year Subscription Plans (Free for Personal & Educational Use for 1 Year)
Pros of Autodesk Maya:A Complete 3D Package, Easy & Convenient to Use, Comes with Strong Customization Ability, Intuitive User-Interface, Accessible for Beginners
Cons of Autodesk Maya: Rendering takes a lot of time, Complicated Interface, Pricing is High
Another Autodesk cousin that is considered to be the most versatile printing software is Autodesk AutoCAD. Due to its versatility has been on the top list of modelers and designers who prefer this software for real-time analytics and better presentation.
Key Features:
Pricing Range: Comes in Yearly Subscription (Free for Educators & Students)
This is the best open-source software for 3D printing that offers seamless integration of 3D models/designs. This is the best software for beginners as it comes with a recommended mode that helps them understand the process and master it.
Key Features:
Pricing Range: A Free Tool (Open Source)
Pros of Ultimaker Cura: Easy to Use Interface, Regular Updations, Compatible with Almost All Types of Printers
Cons of Ultimaker Cura: Not Optimizable for Low-End PCs, Some Support Settings Become Tricky to Use
TinkerCAD is a web-based 3D printing tool online comes in the list of the top five best tools for 3D printing. It has an easy-to-use interface, making it an ultimate choice among 3D modelers and design creators.
Key Features:
Pricing Range: A free software (Accessible on Web Browser & Application)
Pros of TinkerCAD: Provides High-Quality Output in Various Formats, Intuitive Design, Easy Learning Curve, Provides Great Entry-level Slicing
Cons of TinkerCAD: Less Professional, Limited Rendering Options, Mostly Preferable for Beginners & New Users
As the name suggests, it is a FREE 3D modeling tool that is open source. This tool can design real-to-life objects and models and is considered best for budding talents in the field of 3D modeling.
Key Features:
Pricing Range: It is an Open Source of Software
Pros of FreeCAD: An Intuitive Parametric CAD Program, Apt for Small Budget Businesses
Cons of FreeCAD: Crashes Occasionally, Limits in Handling Complex CAD Files
Meshlab is also open source and is free for all to learn and use. Probably the best tool to learn 3D printing for beginners. Using this tool, the 3D modelers can easily slice and prepare the 3D models and designs for 3D printing.
Key Features:
Pricing Range:It is an Open Source of Software
Pros of MeshLab:Best for 3D Workflows, allows to Repair and Create Polygonal Files, Apt for Beginners
Cons of MeshLab: Lacks Essential Options, Navigation is Rough Sometimes, Same Buttons have Multiple Options, which makes it tricky to use
Crero software is considered an ace technique as it tops the chart in product design. This software is so popular among design experts because of its variety of tools and facilities, including thermal, motion, structural, and other such techniques
Key Features:
Pricing Range: One-time License Fee (1 Month Free Trial)
Vectary is the most easily accessible tool for the users as it is an online-based 3D modeling software that is also best for budding 3D designers. It has a vast library of royalty-free content and supports over 60 3D file formats.
Key Features:
Pricing Range:Free of Cost
Pros of Vectary: Easy Learning Curve, Simple Drag & Drop Interface, Cloud Storage, Web Access
Cons of Vectary: Lacks the Advanced Features, Documentation is a Bit Weak, Lacks the Integration of Most Important 3D Libraries
This is the best among 3D printing tools when it comes to usage for industrial purposes. This power pack offers a variety of options for professional designers to create the most stunning designs.
Key Features:
Pricing Range: Annual Subscription (Some Short Term Free Trial Versions Available)
Pros of Solidworks: Ease of Modeling and Assembling of Parts, Generates 2D Designs, Easy Learning Curve, Simple User Interface
Cons of Solidworks: Large Assembles & Works are Slow in Loading, Limits Collaboration, and Require an Updated & Powerful PC
Meshmixer is a leading 3D printing software allows you to work on the triangle meshes easily. Learning on this software is easy as it comes with no cost, or in short, it is FREE.
Key Features:
Pricing Range: Free Software
Pros of MeshMixer: Contains Comprehensive Tools, Good for Sculpting & Manipulation, and Easy Navigation
Cons of MeshMixer: Screen Freezing Issue, Steep Learning Curve
These are the best 3D printing software available for various uses. All software has different features and specifications, most of which are free or easy to use for learners or educators. We have compiled the best software, keeping in mind the needs of all kinds, and we hope this list will help you choose the best software for your learning or professional work.
There are several 3D modeling software's available in the market. Still, few of them are of a professional level that is meant to be used by subject matter experts or professional 3D print design services to deliver the best output of the projects.
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