Open Source Software for 3D Printing by 3dim Maker
3Dim Maker Team is part of 3Dim Laboratory, which deals with developing applications for contemporary computer graphics and 3D geometry processing in medical spheres. They have been known to the market since 2008. These days one of their tasks is to build a 3D printer of their own that would suit their requirements and that would be as large and durable as they need it to be.
They’ve recently started a new campaign, the aim of which is to create a decent 3D printing tool for FDM printing complex models that have errors in surface definition and thin parts. Currently there aren’t any slicers that would manage to cut the models horizontally in a proper way and generate a printer’s G-code , so they used a robust laser of their own. As soon as the company raises the necessary sum of money (at first it’s €24,000), they will make 3Dim Maker and the slicer available for commercial, non-commercial and academic use. Installation files will be compatible with both Widows 64 bit and Mac OS X.
Some part of the raised sum will be spent on web-site development, refactoring the code and preparing scripts for creating installation files. The ultimate goal is to raise €42,000 and more for developing new features and functions, making it compatible with various platforms and supporting DLP printers that work with photopolymers. Anyway, the more money the raise, the further development awaits 3Dim Maker. Surely, pushing it forward means creating more jobs.
With 3Dim Maker you will be able to develop your own G-code with guidelines for 3D printers following either customized or predefined printing profiles. The main advantages of 3Dim Maker that you may find helpful are:
- A slicer developed in C++ that provides proper solution for thinner parts. The slicer can be helpful where other slicers couldn’t manage properly;
- Tree-like supports of new type, which save printing time and materials;
- Relatively high speed of slicing. Surely there are quicker slicers, but they can’t provide the required accuracy when it comes to managing complicated models;
- Profiles that can be easily altered to work with various materials, 3D printers, etc;
- Allows relative object position verification and within the printing area
- Allows detailed visualization of the model
- Easy control and manipulation of the object.
The software has been made an open source because 3D printer producers needed accurate software compatible with large printers.
