Unlike CAD software, there are few choices for CAM software designed specifically for 3D printing. Recall that the
primary function is slicing an object and producing the G-code file that 3D printers require. However, the choices
available vary in how much you can control the generation of G-code. There are many aspects to CAM, but the one process we need is the ability to take a 3D object definition (an .stl file) and convert it into a file that contains instructions for the printer to build the object layer by layer (a .gcode file). More specifically, the slicer uses numerical control code in the standard tessellation language to create canonical machining function calls in the form of G-codes.
G-code is a shorthand notation for a set of machine functions that govern the movement of the various parts of the machine. While 3D printers read G-code files, the codes themselves are not limited to 3D printers. In fact, the codes cover a wider range of machines, including CNC machines. Moreover, the G-code definition has been modified to include new codes specifically for 3D printing. Following is the List of Best CAM Software which you can use with your 3D Printer :
MakerWare
Slic3r
Skeinforge
KISSLicer
MakerWare
MakerBot has developed an application called MakerWare (makerbot.com/makerware/) that uses a 3D view that depicts the build platform and its maximum build volume. It allows you to position objects anywhere on the build platform (other CAM applications automatically center the object), generate sliced files (X3D or S3D) for use on their printers, and even gives you an option to see a layer-by-layer preview of the object before printing. The MakerWare application is optimized for use with MakerBot printers. Indeed, MakerBot has done all of the really hard work for you. Simply stated, it just works—no fuss, no fiddling. Unlike other solutions, there are very few settings you can change—they aren’t needed. However, if you need to fine-tune your prints (the G-codes) beyond the available settings or if you want to print on a non-MakerBot printer, you may want to explore other solutions that offer more customizability and control over the G-code generation. MakerWare allows you to add objects (.stl files) to your build plate, move and rotate them, and even scale them to fit in the build area. You can also rotate the view in any direction, and zoom in or out.
Slic3r
If you do not own a MakerBot printer, or if you want to control the creation of the G-codes, you will want to check out the Slic3r10 (http://slic3r.org). Like the MakerWare application, Slic3r has an area where you can place objects on a virtual build plate, but unlike MakerWare, the view is top-down, two-dimensional, and automatically centered on the build plate. Figure 1-10 shows the main window in expert mode (simple mode hides many of the advanced controls).Slic3r allows you to have complete control over the generation of the G-codes. There are dialogs for controlling the print, such as specifying infill (quality), perimeters, skirt, brim, and also rafting. There are so many settings, in fact, that you could spend a lot of time fine-tuning your slicing. Don’t worry about those for now. We will explore all of these terms in a later chapter that discusses how to fine-tune your print. There is also excellent documentation online for you to explore every nuance of the software (http://manual.slic3r.org). Like MakerWare, you can also store profiles, but in this case, you store a separate profile for each of the three major categories: print settings, filament settings, and printer settings. The print settings section permits you to set parameters for how the object will print (e.g., infill). The filament settings section permits you to set the temperature of the hot end (and build platform), as well as the size of the filament. The printer settings dialog allows you to control the printer, including adding custom G-codes—like moving the print bed, turning off fans, and so forth—at the beginning or end of the print job. You can save your settings for each of these three areas individually. Thus, you can set up special filament settings for each roll of filament you own, as well as set up different printer profiles if you have different printers. More likely, you will set up different print settings to correspond with different levels of print quality, speed, and so forth.
Skeinforge
Skeinforge is a tool chain composed of Python scripts that converts your 3D model into G-Code instructions for RepRap.
KISSLicer
KISSlicer is an easy-to-use, cross-platform program that takes 3D files (STL) and generates path information (G-code) for a 3D Printer.
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