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What software should I use with the 3D Printer?

To use a 3D printer for custom designs, you'll need two pieces of software: One to design and create 3D models, the other to "slice" them and interface with the printer.

Design Software

While it's possible to use a 3D printer without design software by downloading 3D models online, even small modifications to those models can be difficult or impossible without use of a compatible software

There are a wide variety of programs available that you can use to design 3D prints, but a few stand out as good choices for the classroom:

TinkerCad

For beginners, InkSmith recommends using TinkerCad as it's free, web based, and doesn’t require students to have their own login info (Using teacher classrooms). To learn more about how to use TinkerCad, you can visit their Learning Center at https://www.tinkercad.com/learn for tutorials

Fusion360

For advanced users, it's often worth branching out into Fusion360, which is a parametric modeling software designed for manufacturing and other real-world applications, but has a much steeper learning curve. For more information about using Fusion360, you can refer to the Autodesk tutorial section here.

FreeCad

For a fully open-source and available-offline alternative (or one which works on Linux), FreeCad is the leading contender - being open source, its learning curve is extremely steep, and it may be missing features which are considered standard in other more polished design software. For more info on how to use FreeCad, you can visit their wiki here: https://wiki.freecad.org/Getting_started

Slicing Software

Launchpad

The Launchpad 3D slicing software is a web-based platform which can easily be accessed through the browser on any Chromebook or internet connected device. This simple, easy-to use software has all the essential controls you need for creating 3D printing files without complicated advanced settings. Click here to learn how use Launchpad 3D .

Cubicreator

Cubicreator is the intuitive and simple host program of Cubicon 3D that allows users to easily print 3D models. This download allows users to easily control the design to create 3D Printing files. Click here to learn how to use Cubicreator.  

Cura

Cubicon produced a version of Cura that works well with its printers, as well as the InkSmith Makerforge. Click here to find more information about Cura for Cubicon. 

Flashprint

The Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro can be used with either Flashprint or Orca-Flashforge - see each program's webpage for more information and setup instructions.