MakerGear Forum

I was just curious what tool chain most people were using? I was using slic3r + pronterface, but now I am having issues printing, and pronterface doesn't seem to be getting many updates anymore. I wasn't sure if most people had moved on to other software packages? I think MakerGear provides new kits with Simplify3D, but that's pretty expensive, so I figured I would ask here...

I have used and would recommend:

Paid:
Simplify3D: not without its faults, but for the most part generates very good tool paths. Main benefits are that it is very fast, and the support generation is great. It is a host+slicer.

Free:
Repetier Host (host program): I think it's better than Pronterface. I've read recently that it's going closed source, although I haven't looked into that nor what it will entail.
OctoPrint (host program): what I use now. Generally set up to run on a Raspberry Pi or Beaglebone Black, although there is no reason you can't run it on a regular computer. UI is presented through your web browser, so you can access it from anywhere. Best option if you want an integrated web cam, and just generally all around a very nice host. One downside is that it does not implement an Emergency Stop button.
Slic3r: very capable slicer, and the most popular free option. Every once in a while, a bug will be introduced so you have to follow the development more closely than I'd like. And the support generation is terrible.
Cura (slicer): best dual extrusion support, very fast. The UI is an acquired taste.

I'm using:

Simplify3D ( My first slicer but so far its worked great. )

Octoprint (which I think jsc had recommended). I am going to add the relay board so I can turn printer on-off remotely in the next few weeks, and also incorporate a manual on-off switch so I don't have to run to the browser if I'm at the printer. Might also use one of the relays for turning LED lights on-off.

Cubify Design for my drawings (still learning CAD)

For printing:

Simplify3D

For model creation:

Zbrush
3DS Max

I'm currently looking at Inventor/AutoCAD to do gear ratio distribution and design but I'm not sure which one is the better for that purpose as I haven't really used either. I'm a professional 3D artist and have worked doing 3D for well over 10 years now. I just haven't touched AutoCAD/Inventor all that much.

Simplify3D for printing.

Solidworks, Form Z and Rhino for modeling and texturing.

Slicing: Simplify3D or KISSlicer
Modeling: Autodesk Fusion 360 (it's awesome!)

Simplify3D - learning
Cubify Invent, Cubify Design, Rhino - learning

Invent is easy to use (about $50), Design is pretty much the same as Invent with the ability to do assemblies (about $200) and Rhino will do anything I can think of (about $140 educational license, $650-$1000 commercial license).

Invent met my needs for over a year before I moved up. Most of my designs are functional items - replacement parts, etc.

mattlyle wrote:what tool chain most people were using?

OpenSCAD (http://www.openscad.org/) for model generation, because everything I make looks like a bracket. Unless you do something dumb, the models emerge manifold and ready to slice.

Antimony (http://www.mattkeeter.com/projects/antimony/3/) may be a viable alternative for less complex models. Graphical "programming" gets very messy very quickly, but live adjustments in the 3D model work surprisingly well.

Slic3r (http://slic3r.org/) to produce G-Code. I build support structures directly into the model on the few occasions they're needed, so I don't know how well it does on that. The "expert" UI bristles with settings, some of which you really, really need.

Pronterface (https://github.com/kliment/Printrun) for machine control. The most recent commits were in May and it's still an active project, but I doubt it'll get many new features because it does one thing well enough: send G-Code to the printer with a useful set of manual controls.

All are Free Software projects, which is important to me.

ednisley wrote:Antimony (http://www.mattkeeter.com/projects/antimony/3/) may be a viable alternative for less complex models. Graphical "programming" gets very messy very quickly, but live adjustments in the 3D model work surprisingly well.

I just saw that the other day. Hackaday, right?

It looks very interesting.

Ugh, ed, get away from standalone slic3r & pronterface, and go to Repetier-Host. Same toolchain, much nicer integration.