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Best Software Choices

Discussion in 'Software' started by BenMac, Sep 22, 2015.

  1. BenMac

    BenMac Member

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    Hello everyone,
    I have been thoroughly enjoying my Robo, even with Matter Control. I have been looking at other programs to use/buy for the printer, but have not come to a conclusion.

    Cura works, but does not seem so user friendly. Or I should say, the controls that are easily accessible in MC seem hidden in Cura.

    I have kept hearing about how wonderful Simplify 3D is, but am a bit wary of the $150 price tag. The little that I have seen of it makes it seem like a good program, but I would love to hear some pros and cons about the software. And whether you think it is worth the price.

    I have also heard about Netfabb in several places, but am not sure exactly how useful it is. How does S3D's repair methods compare to NF? Is there a free version that allows me to repair items, and is it worth the price? Near as I can tell, a non-commercial version is $300, which seems a bit expensive.

    Ultimately, what software do you think is useful or needed for an beginner, all the way to expert? Is there any software that is useful for both?

    I apologize for such a long post, and for the fairly general nature of my post. I hope that you can provide assistance despite these shortfalls. Thank you for your time, I hope that you have a great day. :)
    ~Ben
     
    #1 BenMac, Sep 22, 2015
  2. Mike Kelly

    Mike Kelly Volunteer

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    Use mattercontrol until you grow tired of it, then buy simplify3d. It's the best.
     
    #2 Mike Kelly, Sep 22, 2015
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  3. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
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    I have models that neither Simplify3d nor Slic3r will repair correctly. But I didn't install Netfabb nor do I need to . Microsoft and Netfabb have set up the NetFabb repair functionality as an Azure PaaS (Platform as a Service) and I just upload any problematic models to https://netfabb.azurewebsites.net/ and then download a fixed file. It works from anywhere in the world and from any operating system. Because of this availability NetFabb for most users is an unnecessary expense in time, money and computer resources.

    If you think Cura has a lot to configure, you should take a look at Slic3r.

    Many oldtimers like Kisslicer and there are still one or two using Skeinforge.

    Don't be fooled by a pretty interface either, a lot of printer front ends use Curaengine as their slicer of choice, I believe even MatterControl allows you to do this.
     
    #3 WheresWaldo, Sep 22, 2015
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  4. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    When it comes to repairs via stand-alone software you can't beat NetFabb.
    So far everything I threw at the Azure has worked well too.
    Don't switch slicers or software just for the repair features. Too many free options for that.

    Switch slicers for other (more fundamental reasons). As I say if the free software is working, stick with it.
    When it falls down go shopping.
     
    #4 mark tomlinson, Sep 23, 2015
  5. BenMac

    BenMac Member

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    Mike: Would you mind elaborating on why you think it is the best? What specific things make it better than Matter Control? Please understand that I am not trying to be annoying, I simply prefer to make an informed decision.

    Waldo: Thank you for a very helpful post. I have added the Netfabb Azure site to my favorites, and will certainly make use of it in the future. :)
    I will check out Slic3r today, thank you for pointing it out to me. :) How does it do with supports? What do you like the most about the program? What do you find lacking?
    I actually did run across the ability to change the slicer on MC, that is pretty interesting, and seems like a handy feature. I take it that Curaengine is the best, or is there another that you consider superior?

    Mark: Thank you for confirming Waldo's suggestion of Netfabb/Azure, that makes me even more confident about using it. :)
    I don't intend to switch slicers/programs for just one reason. Actually, I am open to trying or using any number of programs if it means getting a collective best result. Though, I also wouldn't mind finding a program that generally has lots of useful features, and a relatively user friendly UI.
    Repairs are one useful feature, but I am not solely basing my decisions on the repair functions of a program. I would say that quality supports are high on my list. Along with a UI that doesn't drive me batty trying to use it.
    But I also would like to hear about other useful features that I am not aware of. I am just getting started, so I figure that you guys may be able to point me in the right direction.
     
    #5 BenMac, Sep 23, 2015
  6. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Pretty much everything (but I will let Mike answer in details since the question was for him)

    :)

    *how is MatterControl support BTW? Simplify does have excellent support folks.
    (I'll shutup now)
     
    #6 mark tomlinson, Sep 23, 2015
  7. Mike Kelly

    Mike Kelly Volunteer

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    Biggest draw for me is customizable support placement. It's also incredibly customizable. example: want .3mm layer height for the first 10mm then .1mm layer height for the rest? it can do that.

    It's super powerful and can do pretty much anything you throw at it. It's just a bit complex and can be overwhelming for beginners.
     
    #7 Mike Kelly, Sep 23, 2015
  8. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
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    A lot of the things S3D can do, Slic3r can do also. It just isn't as obvious. S3D has a better slicer, it is faster than nearly all the rest and creates relatively clean toolpaths. Slic3r probably is on par with Cura as far as speed goes. Slic3r's interface needs work, everything is there, it's just sometimes it is not where you would expect it to be. Some people are overwhelmed by the number of variables you can set. Both S3D and Slic3r mis-name a few features, making it less than intuitive in those areas, but overall, until we see all of the new Cura, they are probably at the top of the heap of Pay/Free software.
     
    #8 WheresWaldo, Sep 23, 2015
  9. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Temperature control is also very flexible. Every layer can be different or certain regions/ranges.
    While this can be done in Slic3r as well, it is more of a PITA.
     
    #9 mark tomlinson, Sep 23, 2015
  10. BenMac

    BenMac Member

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    Very cool, thank you for those clear comparisons and explanations of what is available in both programs. I really appreciate your help. :)
     
    #10 BenMac, Sep 24, 2015

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