The use and adoption of resin 3D printing is growing since the last several years. Besides the fact that resin 3D printers deliver the smoothest 3D printed parts, the materials and the software has also got better. One such essential software is a slicer and therefore it become imperative to know about the popular resin 3D printer slicer software and how they perform. This article presents a curated list of nine leading slicer software options for resin 3D printing.
Slicing Software: If you are a complete beginner to 3D printing then you must understand that Slicer or Slicing software is an important aspect of 3D printing, and failing to choose the best one for your needs will result in a loss of quality, accuracy, and efficiency. Slicing is the process of dividing a CAD model into subsequent slices or layers of two-dimensional geometry and converting the CAD model into 3D printer readable format. The sliced model is saved in a G-Code (Geometric Code) format. The 3D printer reads the geometric codes and prints as per the geometry.
Each of the software tools mentioned in our list brings something unique to the table, from slicing efficiency to support generation. So, examine all of your options and make an informed decision on which one best meets your requirements.
Popular Resin 3D Printer Slicer Software
| Slicer Software | Price | Platform |
| CHITUBOX | Free and Paid | Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Halot Box | Free | Windows and Mac |
| PrusaSlicer | Free | Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Lychee Slicer | Free and Paid | Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Z-Suite | Free | Windows and Mac |
| Formware3D | Paid | Windows |
| Anycubic Photon Workshop | Free | Windows and Mac |
| NanoDLP | Free and Paid | Raspberry Pi, Windows, Mac and Linux |
| PreForm | Free | Windows and Mac |
CHITUBOX
CHITUBOX is a powerful resin 3D printer slicer that is designed to help enthusiasts and professionals with all types of resin 3D printing such as LCD/SLA/DLP. Its developed by CBD-Tech, a technology company specialising in hardware and software in the 3D printing industry for ten years.
CHITUBOX is a powerful slicer that is also easy to use for all levels of users due to its clean user interface. You can use this free software programme to edit 3D models, create supports, set printing parameters, and slice the print to your specifications.
CHITUBOX stands out from its competitors due to its widely recognised performance, stability, and versatility. This slicer includes many useful tools, such as part hollowing and drain holes. The auto-support feature is impressive, as are the processing times. Overall, CHITUBOX is an excellent alternative to proprietary slicing software that falls short.
According to the company, CHITUBOX is now used by over 1.5 million users and is suitable for printing a variety of objects such as prototypes, figurines, dental models, consumer electronics, jewellery, footwear, and so on.
While CHITUBOX Basic is free, there is also a powerful Pro version that adds a variety of features such as model analysis and repair for around $169 for an annual subscription on one device and $299 for five devices.
What’s Great
- Features: CHITUBOX features include automatic triangle mesh repair, editable supports, thin wall detection, and model splitting.
What’s Not Great
- Competition: While CHITUBOX is popular, it faces competition from proprietary slicers such as Anycubic Photon’s software and PrusaSlicer, which may have limited functionality.
HalotBox
Halot Box is Creality’s in-house and dedicated slicing program for their range of resin 3D printers. This is designed only for Creality resin 3D printers and does not work with any other models and is distributed as free software alongside its printers.
Halot Box is designed in such a way that even a beginner can use it with ease. The UI reflects that ease of use, as the home screen lacks a plethora of options that could overwhelm a new user.
It provides all of the fundamental functions of a slicer one would expect from a slicer, including the ability to move, scale, and rotate models, as well as perform actions such as cloning, drilling, hollowing, adding letters, and even splitting an object. Halot Box is also linked to a large collection of 3D models. Pop culture characters, household items, model cars, and actual car parts are all available.
HalotBox is a free download for both Windows and Mac OS systems that works as a remote control tool for your printer over WiFi.
What’s Great
- Cost: Halot Box is a free slicer software solution.
What’s Not Great
- Competition: HalotBox faces competition from third-party slicer software like Chitubox and Lychee, which may offer more advanced customization options for resin 3D printing.
- Limited Compatibility: HalotBox is primarily designed for Creality printers, which may limit its usability for users with different resin 3D printers.
PrusaSlicer
PrusaSlicer is a free and open-source 3D slicing software developed by Prusa. PrusaSlicer is based on Slic3r and was previously known as Slicer PE, but has since been upgraded by the Prusa team and is now a separate entity with new features being added on a regular basis.
It was originally intended only for in-house printers, but it has since been expanded to include many other printers. Prusa printer users can get more than 180 tested profiles for popular resins and filaments. And thus it is more advantageous when used with Prusa printers than with other models.
Aside from the standard slicer features, some of its popular features include smooth variable layer height (which can reduce print times without sacrificing print quality), multi-material support, the ability to use modifier meshes (which allows you to assign custom settings to a part of the model), the ability to repair models via Netfabb (only on Windows), and more.
In addition to slicing tools, the software includes other features such as a G-code viewer for previewing G-code files from other slicers. The interface and key features of this slicer are broken down below.
PrusaSlicer can be downloaded for Windows, Mac and Linux systems.
What’s Great
- Free: PrusaSlicer is a free slicer software solution.
- Features: Features include customisable supports, infill patterns, and more for resin 3D printing.
What’s Not Great
- Compatibility: One drawback is that PrusaSlicer is only compatible with the Prusa SL1S printer, making it difficult to use with other printers.
Lychee Slicer
Mango3D’s Lychee Slicer is a typical slicing software for a wide range of resin 3D printers, but it also works with FDM printers. It is a comparatively lesser known than some other software in the list, but it is quite powerful and meets all of the basic requirements of a slicer. In addition to the standard features, it has some exciting features such as an island detector, real-time cavity formation, and more that are added with each upgrade.
If you’re a beginner who isn’t sure how to prepare your file, Lychee slicer has an option to automate the print preparation process. If you are skilled in this, you can manually control everything from the part movement, scaling, and orientation to the supports, layer height, print speed, and so on.
It adds new printers on a regular basis and has almost all of the popular printers, so it is unlikely that your printer is not listed. Printers that are popular or only available locally, on the other hand, are unlikely to be included.
It currently provides a stable Resin version 5.2.2, which is free to download on Windows, Mac OS, Lunix Deb, and Linux App Img. If you prefer a previous version, they are also available for download on the same web page. There are a few Premium paid versions available for experts, starting around $65 per year (for resin slicer).
The software can be used for a wide range of applications, including general-purpose, jewellery, and dentistry.
What’s Great
- Automated Workflow: Lychee Slicer includes powerful automated workflow and mesh repair features.
- Compatibility: It works with resin-based 3D printing systems such as SLA, DLP, and LCD printers.
What’s Not Great
- Cost: Lychee Slicer is more expensive compared to Chitubox.
Z-Suite
Z-Suite is a slicing software developed by Zortrax, a 3D printer manufacturer, for individual as well as 3D printing farms. This slicer is also compatible with both Resin and FDM printers and works flawlessly with both the technologies. It was designed primarily for Zortrax printers, but other resin 3D printers can also be added.
The slicer is quite good and will meet your basic slicing requirements, with features such as automatic triangle mesh repair, editable supports, thin wall detection, splitting models, and so on. Its farm management features are also quite impressive, and you can connect your Zortrax 3D printers via Wi-Fi and manage them all as a 3D printer farm.
However, if you are an intermediate or expert who wants more control over your prints, Z-Suite may leave you wanting more. It has a limited set of editing options, which many other slicers provide for free.
It is ideal for beginners but not recommended for users progressing to higher levels. It is available for download for Windows and Mac OS systems.
What’s Great
- Compatibility: Z-Suite is compatible with a variety of resin printers and provides a simple interface for slicing models.
- Farm Management: Z-SUITE enables efficient management of a network of Zortrax 3D printers, offering features like remote file transfer and print control
What’s Not Great
- Optimised for Zortrax Printers: Although it supports third-party LCD printers, Z-SUITE is heavily optimised for Zortrax’s own models. Users of non-Zortrax printers might not be able to leverage the full potential of the software compared to Zortrax printer owners
Formware3D
Formware3D is a one-of-a-kind slicer software designed for resin and inkjet 3D printers. It includes automatic support generation, draggable supports, mesh hollowing, lattice infills, auto orientation, drainage holes, and other features found in standard slicing software.
It has a simple interface with the model on the left and information about the model on the right. It works with a wide range of 3D printers, including Creality, Anycubic, Phrozen, Elegoo, Qidi, and all generic LCD/DLP/SLA printers.
It has an intriguing White Labelling option, in which 3D printer manufacturers can purchase the software and resell it under their own brand. With this white label programme, printer manufacturers can easily get their hands on an industrial grade slicing and print job preparation software which otherwise would have taken up a lot of resources. Manufacturers can even personalise the software with their brand colours, name, and logo and sell it alongside the printer to their customers.
This is a paid-only slicer and the perpetual Personal licence starts at $144.95 for 1 PC, while the Commercial licence is $334.95 for 2 PC’s.
What’s Great
- Advanced Features: Formware3D offers advanced settings and functionality for more experienced users and applications.
What’s Not Great
- Cost: One drawback of Formware3D is its high cost, which may be prohibitive for some users compared to free slicer software.
Anycubic Photon Workshop
The Anycubic Photon Workshop, as the name implies, is a slicer software provided by Anycubic. It is a free software that comes standard or recommended with its resin 3D printers. It performs all of the typical slicer tasks, such as rotating and moving the object, orientation, setting print parameters, automatic and manual support generation, and so on. It cannot, however, hollow objects, which is somewhat disappointing.
It works with both Windows and Mac OS.
What’s Great
- Control over Settings: Anycubic Photon Workshop provides excellent control over printing settings while maintaining a simple and user-friendly interface.
- Support: It enables the automated generation of supports and efficient support structures for resin printing.
What’s Not Great
- Competition: Faces competition from proprietary slicers such as ChiTuBox and PrusaSlicer, which may provide more basic resin 3D printing capabilities.
NanoDLP
NanoDLP is a resin 3D printer slicer software that includes a web interface for monitoring and controlling your 3D printers. This software is free for end users, but manufacturers must purchase a licence to customise it for their own printer line.
NanoDLP has a plethora of features for controlling various aspects of the printing process. It can be accessed through the cloud and thus operated from virtually anywhere in the world and on any device. You are not required to download and manually update the software. It includes a number of tools to assist you in printing the same part with the least amount of material. It also includes web-based remote monitoring and control software. However, if you are only considering slicing, you have better options than this.
One minor but annoying limitation of the software is that the object cannot be rotated in increments. The rotation is done freehand making it extremely difficult to orient it precisely on the bed.
The software is also not particularly user-friendly, and beginners may find it more difficult to use than some of the other options listed in this article.
It is compatible with Raspberry Pi, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
What’s Great
- Control: NanoDLP gives users control over a variety of printing parameters, allowing them to customise their printing experience.
What’s Not Great
- Complexity: NanoDLP’s extensive array of mesh editing tools and features may result in a steeper learning curve for beginners.
PreForm
Preform is a well-known and early SLA 3D printer slicing software created by Formlabs for its SLA 3D printers. Formlabs is a leading manufacturer of Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers based in Massachusetts, USA. Much of the company’s success can be attributed to its proprietary slicing software, which provides a seamless experience.
Because this software is only for Formlabs printers, we won’t go into detail about the features and benefits, but we will say that it is powerful and has all of the features required for a successful print. One-click printing, automatic and manual support, adaptive layer thickness, print management, status alerts, multi-printer fleet management, and other features are among its highlights.
It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS and requires a powerful machine with at least 4GB RAM (preferably 8GB RAM).
What’s Great
- Efficiency: PreForm Slicer is well-known for its ability to generate support structures and prepare models for resin printing.
- Compatibility: It is specifically designed for configuring parts to print on SLA, DLP, and LCD resin printers.
What’s Not Great
- Limited Customization: PreForm Slicer may have fewer customisation options than more advanced slicer software options such as Formware3D or Chitubox Pro.
Conclusion
Software options like CHITUBOX, PrusaSlicer, Lychee Slicer, NanoDLP, and many others offer diverse solutions for your printing needs in the ever-changing landscape of resin 3D printer slicer software. With both free and paid options, you can perfectly tailor your experience to your needs. Remember that the right slicer software can be the bridge between imagination and creation as you begin your resin printing journey.
You can also read our article on the best free slicing software for 3D printing that mostly covers the FDM slicers, and please don’t forget to share this article with other 3D printing enthusiasts to help them improve their printing skills!
About Manufactur3D Magazine: Manufactur3D is an online magazine on 3D printing. which publishes the latest 3D printing news, insights and analysis from all around the world. Visit our 3D Printing Education page to read more such informative articles. To stay up-to-date about the latest happenings in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
