FlashForge Cloud

Where to get 3D models downloaded and which 3D printer slicer to use for model slicing?

2022-02-24
3D Printing

In my former articles I wrote about 3D printing a slug, 3D printing a Bing Dwen Dwen, 3D printing notebook stands, 3D printing collapsible baskets, 3D printing Halloween masks, and...I tried my best to make it clear on how to get free 3D models and how to use a slicer for 3D model slicing, however still some friends feel confused on it. Here in this article, I’ll give a detailed introduction to where to have 3D model download, which is the best slicer to use for model slicing, and how to get the free 3D models for printing!

Part1: Where to have 3D model free downloaded:

Use internet to free download them online! Here I listed some excellent 3D model websites, and you just need using Google chrome to search those websites:

https://www.yeggi.com/

https://www.thingiverse.com/

https://cults3d.com/

https://all3dp.com/

https://free3d.com/

Whatever 3D models you want, just input their names on the site page and click Search to search it and download free 3D models! Remember among all the formats of the model, .stl format is the most commonly downloaded 3D models for printing!

Part2: Which slicer to use for model slicing

After downloading the 3D model, you need to import it into 3D slicer to do model slicing. This is an indispensible step before printing on 3D printers. Which slicer to use for model slicing depends on which 3D printer you’ll use for model printing. If you purchase a 3D printer, you’ll see the matched slicer info and the way of installing the slicer on the product manual. If you have no 3D printers and feel confused on using 3D printer slicer, read the following!

(1) Which slicer to use

Usually, 3D printers of the same brand are matched with the same slicer that is developed by the brand side itself. For Flashforge brand, all Flashforge FDM 3D printers use the slicer named FlashPrint and all Flashforge resin 3D printers use the slicer named FlashDLPrint. For other mainstream 3D printer brands, the matched 3D printer slicers are shown below:

3D printer brand

Slicer for FDM 3D printer

Slicer for Resin 3D printer

where to download

Flashforge

FlashPrint

FlashDLPrint

https://www.flashforge.com/product-category/top-3d-printing-software

Voxelab

VoxelMaker

VoxelPrint

https://www.voxelab3dp.com/download?category=4#downloadList

Creality

Creality_Slicer

Halot_Box

https://www.creality.com/download

Prusa

PrusaSlicer (formerly known as Slic3r Prusa)

PrusaSlicer

https://www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/

Anycublic

Cura Slicer

Photon Workshop

https://www.anycubic.com/blogs/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-photon-mono-series

Elegoo

Elegoo Cura

Chitu Box

Guided on product manual

It’s noticeable that those slicers have different versions for Windows, Mac, or Lunix. Please download the version according to your computer Operation System.

(2) Settings for model slicing in slicers

After well adjusting the position and size of the 3D model, we add support by clicking Auto Support button and then come to the Slicing procedure. So many parameters appear on the Slicing pop-up and how to set them? Usually we set up Machine Type, Nozzle Size, Material, and Print Temperature. For all other parameters, just leave them by default.

Machine type: A slicer usually matches more than one 3D printer machines, and you need making selections on which 3D printer you’ll use.

Nozzle size: A 3D printer can have different nozzle options on it, and you need to set up the nozzle parameters in accordance with what nozzle size is on the 3D printer.

Material: A 3D printer supports various filaments. Which filament will you used for model printing, PLA, ABS, PETG, or TPU? 1.75mm or 2.85mm in diameter? Just select it accordingly.

Print temperature: Since different nozzles and materials require different print temperature, you need to set the temperature on the slicer. When finishing Material selection, the extruder temperature will change correspondently. You just need to do a check on it. Platform temperature means the temperature of the heating bed, which is decided by what material you are using. Usually the print temperature and bed temperature are noted on the tag of the material product package. Just check whether the temperature parameters conform to those noted on the package.

After finishing parameter setting, click Slicing and the model would be processed and converted to a new format that is available to be recognized by 3D printers. Take the new model file to you 3D printer!

Part 3: How to get it 3D printed

If you have a 3D printer of your own, you surely print the model on your own. Using U disk or SD card or Internet to transmit the model file to your 3D printer, put the filament on the 3D printer, and click Print on the 3D printer’s touch screen to start printing! If you have no 3D printers but still want a printed 3D model, you can find 3D printing service online. There are some big online websites offering 3D printing service:

https://www.hubs.com/3d-printing/

https://www.xometry.com/

https://craftcloud3d.com/

Or, go to E-commerce platform, like Ebay, Aliexpress, to search custom 3D printing service. Many servicers are there!

Write in the end

For 3D printing new beginners, doing is better than saying. Besides the above mentioned confusion, I believe more detailed 3D printing problems will knock on you when you engage yourself in real 3D printing work. That’s the very time you get real 3D printing skills and become a cool 3D print man!

 

People read this article also read:

Help in Deciding Which 3D Printer is Right for you

6 Factors You Need to Consider When Selecting a 3D Printer