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3D model designing involves the creation of 3D models using designing software such as AutoCAD (Autodesk), SolidWorks (Dassault Systèmes), SketchUp (Trimble), Rhinoceros 3D (Robert McNeel & Associates), etc. All this software allows the users to design their desired 3D model. After designing, the stored file can be converted to STL format to fed to a 3D printer. Model building requires professional knowledge and skilled personnel to create the desired 3D model. However, with the advancements of technology designing models have become easier. Software like 3DSlash and Tinkercad are specially designed for students and beginners (Guo et al. 2019). It also allows the users to design their model on an online platform rather than downloading the software itself. Sometimes designing a 3D model may consume time for which software like Autodesk 123D catch helps in building a 3D model from the 2D image that saves time and aids in achieving the same precision as designing from 3D model software (Parras et al. 2018).

After model designing, the stored information of the 3D model in STL format is read/sliced in a layer‐by‐layer manner by using appropriate slicing software. The slicing process involves the extraction of actual information of the 3D model and transforms it into G and M codes which are readable by 3D printers. G codes are the numerical language generated by CAD software that is computer readable which guides the motors and assists in the motion of printing arms to the printing region. On the other hand, M codes are the auxiliary commands that aids and assists in machine functioning (Horvath and Cameron 2015). Most commonly used slicing software includes Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier, Slic3r, Craftware, SelfCAD, SliceCrafter, and Astroprint (Table 1.1). Various process parameters that determine the final printing quality includes printing speed, retraction speed, layer height, printing temperature, nozzle size, number of outer shells, and infill percentage. Thus, slicing software allows the user to define the above printing parameters and aids in achieving good precise printing with higher resolution. All this setting information about the 3D model is fed to the printer in form of computer codes. G codes would have been written in numerical form and it slightly varies from printer to printer. The general commands commonly used are G0 (fast linear motion) and G1 (linear motion) which are referred to as the movement of the arms. For illustration, ‘G0 X _nnn Y _nnn Z _nnn E _nnn F _nnn S _nnn ’ represents a command in which X _nnn , Y _nnn , and Z _nnn denote the position of X, Y, and Z‐axis; E _nnn denotes the position of E axis, i.e. motion of print head stepper motor, F _nnn denotes the speed of arms (mm min⁻¹) and S _nnn denotes the function to verify limit switch or not (S0 – do not check and S1 – check) (Guo et al. 2019). However, the entire 3D object can be printed using a complex command of G codes that requires more knowledge and skill in computer coding.

Table 1.1 Common slicing software used in 3D printing.

Software	Developer	Users	Description	Compatibility	Price
Cross platform tools
Cura	Ultimaker	Beginners and advanced users	Open source, fast, and easy to useIts application is not just limited with Ultimaker 3D printer and can be used for other 3D printers as well	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free
CraftWare	CraftWare	Beginners and advanced users	Fast and easy to usePossess impressive G code visualizer and friendly support than other software	Windows, Mac	Free
KISSlicer	KISSlicer	Beginners and advanced users	Easy and flexible software that results in excellent slicing	Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi	Both free and paid
Repetier Host	Hot‐World GmbH & Co. KG	Intermediate and advanced users	It is an open‐source softwareUses software Slic3r as default slicing engine	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free
Simplify3D	Simplify3D	Beginners and advanced users	3D printer host with premium slicerAllows users to modify, repair, preview and slice 3D models	Windows, Mac	Paid
ReplicatorG	ReplicatorG	Beginners and advanced users	Uses Skeinforge as slicerAdaptable with 3D printers such as MakerBot, CupCake CNC, RepRap printers, Thing‐O‐Matic	Windows, Mac	Free
Slic3r	Slic3r	Advanced users and professional users	It is an open source softwareFast and efficient that needs some tweaking initially generating good results	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free
OctoPrint	Gina Haußge	Intermediate and advanced users	This software is based on webcam feeding of 3D models and provides constant feedback as the printing progressUtilize powerful plug‐ins that allows Ocotprint to send notifications, integrate messages, or collects print statistics	Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi	Free
Cloud‐based solutions
3Dprinter OS	3D Control Systems Ltd.,	Advanced and professional users	Allows users to search and upload 3D models, facilitates repair of STL errors, allows to customize settings, capable of cloud‐based slicing of 3D models	Windows, Mac	Both free and paid
MatterControl	MatterHackers, Inc.	Beginners and advanced users	Free, open‐source software that allows users to queue multiple parts to be printed without pre‐slicing, preview and manipulate designs and also integrates a library that enables users in organizing and searching the files	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free
Formide	Printr	Beginners	Helps in organizing files and print jobs through its built‐in cloud‐based slicer KatanaIt allows users to queue the print jobs, enables remote accessing, and receives instant feedback	Raspberry Pi	Free
AstroPrint	3DaGoGo, Inc.	Advanced and professional users	Browser‐based software that allows to slice, manage, and print the file only from web‐enabled device	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free
SelfCAD	SelfCAD	Beginners and advanced users	User‐friendly, fully integrated online 3D modelling applicationFeatured with a comprehensive 3D Sketching and 3D Modelling Tools	Browser	Both free and paid
MakerBot Print	MakerBot	Beginners	Optimizes and streamlines printing process that allows users to explore, manage, and share 3D files	Windows, Mac	Free
Tinkerine Suite	Tinkerine	Beginners	User‐friendly 3D slicing softwareMinimal interface and possess an array of powerful features	Windows, Mac	Free