Posted By Nicolas Sadeghi on Jul 5, 2016 |
Yes, sure, almost all 3D printer software is also available for linux. I run a Prusa i3 variant which can print from a microSD card my printer is the Wanhao duplicator i3, but I usually run it from the computer via USB so I can monitor progress etc. Over the network. Particularly useful pieces of software I. Printrun: 3D printing host suite. Printrun is a 3D printing host software suite which talks to your printer and handles the printing process. Compilation and installation instructions for Linux are available in README.md. Latest release: printrun-20140406 New features. The slicer software also includes 3D printer settings like temperature, layer height, print speed, etc. The 3D printer can read this G-code and make the model layer by layer following the instructions set in the G-code. Despite its name, Cura can be used with almost any 3D printer because it is an open-source slicer. MatterControl is a free, open-source, all-in-one software package that lets you design, slice, organize, and manage your 3D prints. With MatterControl, you can design your parts from scratch using the Design Tools, or visit the Design Apps to browse existing projects. You can also slice your designs using a variety of advanced settings for customized support generation, software bed leveling.
Whether it is for professional projects or for hobbyists, a good 3D Modeling Software is a must-have to create efficiently. However, most of them were created and designed for use on Windows or Mac platforms. Besides the world-famous AutoCAD or SolidWorks, there are some alternatives for Linux users. Here is our Top 7 Best 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing on Linux.
Blender
We will start right off the bat by one of the most famous and versatile 3D design software. Blender has the advantage, compared to the other big names such as SolidWorks, to be free and Open-Source, enabling a lot of people to work on various projects with it.
The huge community behind it also ensures a constant flow of new models and addons to use, which is a great way to improve your skills. From 3D Printing to 3D Animation, you can make almost any design if you take the time to do so.
Do not hesitate to take a look at our Blender tutorial for more information and precious advice on this software.
![Printing Printing](https://www.cnx-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Pronterface.jpg)
FreeCAD
FreeCAD enables you to create a parametric 3D design, which makes it particularly efficient for mechanical or engineering designs. It is fairly easy to learn, so you could even use it if you never used CAD software before. Being Open-Source also makes it particularly customizable. For example, you can add new functionalities or automate processes directly by writing scripts.
HeeksCAD
HeeksCAD is a good way for people who are new to 3D design to learn how to handle this kind of CAD software. It offers all the common functions you would need to make basic (yet good) 3D models.
Just like FreeCAD, you can use parametric designs to create and modify your objects. You may encounter difficulties if you try to realize complex models (a lot of the usual tools are not available yet), but again this is not the main goal of HeeksCAD.
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is CAD software that enables you to work on solids in two different modes. Indeed, you can either use constructive solid geometry, where you define your design as a result of primary operations (such as sums or subtractions), or use a classic extrusion technique, where you make 2D designs that you then turn into 3D. Either way, the software is fitted to export an STL file and has a good community behind it to support you whenever you have issues.
Solvespace
If you are not looking for aesthetics but pure efficacy, then Solvespace is made for you. Solvespace might interest you more if you know C++, as the software was written in this language. The advantages of Solvespace are that it’s free and open-source software.
The learning curve is quite rough, but if you are confident in your skills, there is no doubt that you’ll be able to make almost anything with this software.
This 3D software provides you all the tools you would find in a big name of 3D Modeling Software, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Even if the interface is minimalistic, the huge amount of possibilities it offers is more than enough to compensate. On top of this, it is a quite small software and needs only 6Mo to be installed.
Solvespace is a parametric CAD program that will allow you to work in both 2 and 3D. Among its tools, you can find volume measurements, exporting 3D wireframes as DXF and STEP tools, toolpath as G code, value entries thanks to arithmetic expressions, and analysis with STL check. On top of all of that, you will be able to work with dimensions and constraints
Wings 3D
Wings 3D is a good alternative to classic 3D Modeling Software. It is very user-friendly, all its commands are made to be clear and intuitive. The actions you can take depend on the context and the object you are working on.
As it is not a parametric modeling software, it is difficult to use Wings 3D for engineering or mechanical designs. However, you may find everything you need for every other project, so do not hesitate to give it a try.
VariCAD
VariCAD is a license-based CAD program. However, it is very affordable compared to other 3D software and offers precise tools to design mechanical parts. For example, besides the classical tools, you would find anywhere, predefined ISO parts are available for screws or bolts to make sure they fit with their real use.
Being one of the only software you can purchase for Linux platforms, VariCAD surely fills a niche in the world of 3D modeling software.
3D Slash
3D Slash is a great software for beginners. It is easy to use, free, and works with blocks, like a popular game Minecraft. This 3D modeling software is based on editing the blocks with dedicated sculpting tools. It is very simple and straightforward. It is playful and great to get familiar with 3D design.
3D Slash also allows for STL file export which means you can 3D print your models, either with an online 3D printing service or on your desktop 3D printer.
MakeHuman
This 3D modeling software was designed especially for character creation. It is especially interesting for video games and animations.
MakeHuman is a free 3D software, but despite that provides you with really rich options. You will start with a basic humanoid, which you can adjust by parts: face, torso, arms, and legs. You can edit gender, hair, and characteristics depending on age. There are also plenty of options in terms of clothing, from formal to casual.
Macbook air mojave download. This software is quite powerful and also allows you to work with the character’s rigging options. The tools are extensive enough to even work with facial muscles.
Meshmixer
Meshmixer is a very popular 3D modeling software. It is designed to work with already prepared 3D design. It has plenty of tools to optimize models, hollow them, generate joints between models, repair your models, or scale them. Thanks to all those options, Meshmixer is especially interesting for if you’re planning to 3D print your 3D design, it is truly powerful and definitely on top of the list of the most popular 3D software.
Onshape
This is a great CAD software for professional users. It will be very beneficial especially for teams working on one project. Onshape works with any device you can imagine, including smartphones.
It has a wide range of mechanical design tools. It allows multiple people to work within one file thanks to built-in cloud software where all the CAD data is stored. It manages a master model, so there is also no need to save multiple versions and avoids confusion and mistakes in sharing the file between different users.
Modo
We can confirm with our first-hand experience that Modo is has a fairly easy learning curve. It was developed with visual effects and industrial design in mind more than engineers. In terms of creating 3D models, this 3D software works with polygons and subdivision surface modeling.
When it comes to animation, Modo uses particle engine and procedural animations. To make the 3D modeling process faster, it also allows you to record macros and apply repeated actions when needed.
BRL-CAD
This 3D software is placed among one of the oldest. It is free and open-source software and with +30 years of experience, it will provide you with stable performance. Its User Interface is pretty straightforward and typical for a CAD program.
It offers interactive geometry options, ray-tracing rendering tools, scripting support, and network distributed framebuffer support.
LeoCAD
LeoCAD is a very user-friendly beginner 3D modeling software. Everyone knows LEGO, right? This 3D program works exactly with those bricks. It is open-source CAD software which is so easy to use, it’s literally child’s play.
It is capable of handling larger projects, however, it is not software aimed for professional applications unless your job requires a LEGO castle to be 3D modeled.
Siemens NX
This CAD software was developed for mechanical design. It provides the user with tools for engineering design, simulations, and tests that were designed to speed up the 3D modeling process.
The user interface of Siemens NX is quite typical for CAD software. It also provides you with tutorials to get a better, in-depth understanding of all the options.
And that is all for our Top 15 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing on Linux. Overall, the solutions you will find cover every aspect of 3D modeling, as long as you put in the time to learn to handle them. You may also have to use several of them at once, in order to fully reach your goals.
However, all of them are good alternatives to the software you would find on other platforms. Furthermore, as most of them are Open Source software, you can count on the help of the whole community to support you in your project.
Once you get rolling with your favorite 3D modeling software for Linux, you should try 3D printing your models! With an online 3D printing service like Sculpteo, you can easily produce your models at the best quality. Simply upload your STL file and we will 3D print it for you!
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Now that you have your handy 3D printer, you must be excited to get started! However, to begin your printing projects, you will need to invest in 3D printing software. This will enable you to print various objects. There is a wide selection of 3D printing software available; however, to get the most out of your 3D printer and to print the most flawless 3D designs, you need the best 3D printing software, which this review will help you with.
The following 3D printing software options have been approved by both professionals and beginners alike as the best 3D printing software in the market.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. This means that an object is created by laying down many layers of material until the final object is created. Each layer can be seen as a very thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the final object.
3D printing is the opposite format of subtractive manufacturing, which involves cutting out or hollowing a piece of plastic or metal using machinery such as a milling machine.
3D printing allows people to produce very complex shapes using much less material than the traditional manufacturing methods.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
You start off with a 3D model. This is something that you create yourself on your computer. When you create your own 3D model, you will need to use a 3D scanner, an app, a code, a haptic device, or some 3D modeling software. Our list below shows you some of the best 3D modeling softwares that are available on the market today.
1. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is considered one of the best 3D printing software programs for beginners due to its easy learning curve, and it only contains three easy tools that enable you to print a wide range of 3D designs, including prototypes, home decor, toys, Minecraft models, and more. It even enables you to make 2D geometrical shapes and change them into 3D models, and it utilizes STL file format, which is the most common file used in 3D printing, so it can be used by a wide range of users.
Tinkercad is an online 3D design and 3D printing app that is available for free, so all you need is a web browser.
Download: Tinkercad.com.
2. SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software is used by over 2 million engineers and product designers across the globe. It has 3 different packages available for the beginner, the intermediate, and the pro and is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs due to its strong design operations with intuitive user interface, which allows for a speedy design process. It also includes CAD animation, PhotoView 360, revision control, and more.
SOLIDWORKS packages vary in price; however, free trials are available. For more details concerning the cost of SOLIDWORKS, you will need to contact a sales representative.
Download: SOLIDWORKS.
3. SketchUp
SketchUp is rated one of the best 3D printing software programs for pros and intermediates due to its wide range of tools for geometric objects. In fact, users report that it is the perfect combination of simplicity and operation. Can you play minecraft on macbook air. This makes it easy to use and why it is rated as one of the best 3D printing software programs available. And since it utilizes STL files, it can be used by used by a number of users.
SketchUp is available for free and is compatible with Linux, PC, and Mac systems.
Download: SketchUp.com.
4. Blender
Blender is one of the most powerful computer aided design (CAD) software programs you can use, which is why it is often recommended for professionals or those with advanced skills. However, it also has one of the largest communities of followers who are big on sharing resources, via various popular online sites, to help make it easier to navigate.
Blender is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Blender.org.
5. Cura
Cura 3D printing software makes it easy to mange much needed 3D settings in a simple interface. This slicer software was originally designed for use with Ultimaker 3D printers; however, it can also be used with other 3D printers, including Witbox, RepRap, Printrbot, and more.
Users love this software for its ease of use, which includes a “Basic” mode that enables swift configuration of print qualities, while the “Expert” mode allows for more control over the print quality settings. It can also be used as 3D printer host software for direct control over your equipment.
Free 3d Printer Software Download
Cura is available for free and is compatible with Mac, PC, and Linux systems.
![Linux 3d Printing Software Linux 3d Printing Software](https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cad-software-linux.jpeg)
Download: Ultimaker.com. Cloudmounter: encrypt cloud files save disk space 2 0 1.
Linux 3d Printing Software Tutorial
6. Repetier
Repetier takes your 3D printing to the next level with multi-slicer support via plug ins, multi-extruder support, and support for just about any FDM 3D printer available, which is just perfect for the intermediate to advanced user. And with the Repeteir Host, you can use your tablet, PC, smartphone to control your 3D printer from anywhere.
Repeteir is a free download and is for use with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Repetier.com.
7. Slic3r
Slic3r is open source slicer software that includes an awesome honeycomb infill that is generated in three dimensions, which can significantly increase the strength of the interior infill of your final design. It is also well known for its bleeding edge features that are unmatched. Another benefit of this software is that it can be directly integrated with OctoPrint.
Slic3r software is available for free and can be used with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Slic3r.org.
8. MeshLab
MeshLab allows you to change or make repairs to your 3D print model. With MeshLab’s advanced STL editing tool, you can fix holes, delete portions of your 3D model, or even merge two models into one for the perfect design. It also helps with raw data processing produced by 3D digitization tools or devices.
MeshLab is available for free and is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: MeshLab.
9. MatterControl
MatterControl is considered the granddaddy of all 3D printing software programs because it features three of the major slicing engines, including Slic3r, Cura, and Matterslice. This allows users to experiment with each feature and compare the results.
This 3D printing host for your desktop computer is very well structured for ease of use. It also enables you to preview the complete process layer by layer, so you can fix any issues in your print. It also includes an advanced mode, which includes features like mesh repair, and a basic mode where you can adjust the fill thickness, layer height, and more. You can also save the settings for future prints.
MatterControl is a free download for use with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
Download: Matterconrol.com.
Summing Up
In the end, the 3D printing program you choose will ultimately help shape your 3D printing experience. Don’t be afraid to try various software until you find the best 3D printing software for you. A good 3D printing program will also provide different levels of use, which will allow you to get a lot of use out of it before moving onto more advanced software.