3D Printing Software
"Printing" a solid object with a 3D printer starts with a digital 3D model created with CAD (Computer-Assisted Design) software and output as an STL file. Proprietary software packaged with 3D printers translates the STL file into code that controls the printer and printing process.
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CAD Software
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Hundreds of CAD programs are on the market, ranging from freeware to economical packages like Google Sketchup Pro to high-end, expensive programs like Autodesk's AutoCAD. Any of these will do, so long as the software can create detailed, 3D models.
Conversion Software
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If the CAD software does not output STL files directly, it takes a conversion program like Transmagic's STL Pro to translate the file. Printer manufacturers also offer branded software that prepares CAD files for printing.
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Printer Software
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The proprietary 3D printer software imports the modeled item as an STL file and turns it into a surface model composed of thousands of small triangles. It then slices digitally into stacked layers like a deck of cards and uploads the resulting code to the printer. The printer software orients the parts and creates any necessary support structures. It then determines where on the print bed to deposit the heated, semi-liquid plastic building material and waxen support material to create the desired object.
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References
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- Photo Credit 3d image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
