Slic3r vs Skeinforge - Assignment Example

? 3D printing also known as Additive manufacturing involves the production of three-dimension solid objects from a digital model through digital technology (Brian 45). The process involves piling of different shaped materials. The technology is used in industrial designs, architecture, engineering, biotechnology, fashion and geographic information among others. Slic3r and skein forge software’s are used in 3D printing to produce virtual objects that resemble the real object. Skein forge software is composed of python scripts (Adrian and Haki 67). It is used in printers to convert 3D model into G-code instructions. Slic3r is a computer tool that is used in printing devices to convert digital 3D instructions into 3D printer (James, Floyd and Patrick 35). It was produced in 2011, and it is unique because is not based in previous. The software is available in packages like Linux, Windows and MacOS X. Our main objective of the study was to determine which software to when performing 3-D printing. Our data was collected using interviews from persons who had an experience with the software’s. Besides that, the software’s were tested in the lab using 3D printers. The data was recorded on table form. On analysis, we found out that the slic3r is the best with 75 % in favor of it. The software has most of i8ts options automated hence simple to use. Skein forge had a dialogue box with so many features that complicates it when using hence not user friendly. Table of Contents ‘Abstract’ 1 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 6 Literature review 7 Skein forge 7 Slic3r 8 Methodology 11 Results 12 Number of people 12 Number of people 13 13 Comparison between the Slic3r and Skein Forge 13 Conclusion 16 Recommendations 17 Works Cited 18 Brian, Evans. Practical 3D Printers: The Science and Art of 3D Printing. New York: Press. 2012. Print. 18 James, Floyd, K. and Patrick, H. Printing in Plastic: Build Your Own 3D Printer. New York: QUE Publishers. 2012. Print. 18 John Baichta Hack This: 24 Incredible Hacker space Projects from the DIY Movement. New York: QUE Publishers. 2011. Print. 18 Joshua, M. Open-Source Lab: How to Build Your Own Hardware and Reduce Research Costs. New York: Pearce Newness Publishers. 2013. Print. 18 Executive Summary In our project, we have compared skein forge and slic3r software’s that are used in printing of 3D objects. With the emergence of new software in the market, it is an ideal moment to get the best software’s for a specific task. It appears that every interest/skill level there is an ideal software package. In software realm, there are software packages for slicing and also software applications for printers. In printing the mostly used packages are skein forge and slic3r. Printer applications utilize the two applications when bidding as they convert files to code. Both skein forge, and slic3r creates code though slight difference in results. The paper highlights the difference between the silc3r and skein forge software and the recommendation of the most appropriate software. The data is analyzed which shows the users of the 2 software, in which Slic3r is mostly used than skein forge. This shows that slic3r has more advantages than skein forge. Our objective was aimed at determining the best software for recommendation especially in business activities. This project is aimed at creating awareness of the difference between skein forge and slic3r software. The project will ensure that the reader can identify the most applicable software. The project will also ensure that business organization can identify the most appropriate software between skein forge and slic3r. Companies, which manage software, will also gain more knowledge about their products. They will be able to explain to customers on how to use the software. The Information technology firms will sell the most appropriate software and attract more customers. Finally, this project helps the student in critical thinking since by discussion of results one gain more knowledge in the application of real life situations. The methods uses in this research is experimental and conductions of interviews with the users of the two software. In order to get results, 2 software were analyzed in the computer lab and comparison of the result made. Interview was also carried out to some individuals who used the software before and also business organization, which use either of the software. In order to compare the software those interviewed gave out information about the most applicable software. The two software’s analysis was carried out separately depending on the feature and function. The tabulated data was analyzed in the form of percentages and found out that of the 200 respondents 75% were in support of slic3r. They claim that the software is simple to use and efficient in that most of its steps are automated. The results show that more people use and like using slic3r than skein forge. Introduction 3D printing also known as Additive manufacturing involves the production of three-dimension solid objects from a digital model through digital technology (Joshua 56). The process involves piling of different shaped materials. The technology is used in industrial designs, architecture, engineering, biotechnology, fashion and geographic information among others. Slic3r and skein forge software’s are used in 3D printing to produce virtual objects that resemble the real object (Patrick and James 35). The software’s are base on a technology that will improve speed, quality and cost (Adrian and Haki 67). The two software’s have different coding in the way they was manufactured as it will be seen in our literature review. Literature review Skein forge The tool uses both Makerware and Replicator G in its slicing activities. Replicator G is an open source program for preparing 3D model files for building (Paulo and Silva 78). One set a tool path by setting the required option in the Makerware dialog to produce a 3D image in the Makerbot. The tool path produced as a G-code is first converted into machine language x3g or s3g before it is sent to the bot. Features like height and temperature are set in the Makerware or the Replicator G (Paulo and Silva 78). If no any edited profile an error alert will appear. It is advisable for one to edit the original profile rather than editing a new one. Choosing of the profile depends on the compatibility of the hardware the user is using (Joshua 56). Skein forge software is composed of python scripts. It is used in printers to convert 3D model into G-code instructions for RepRap. It is so powerful in that it gives quality results with high resolutions. The software works in conjunction with another software called pronterface that enables the user to set his or her printer to the desired forms. It’s Graphic User Interface abbreviated as (GUI) settings are integrated in the printing device software such that only one portion of the slicing GUI is used at ago (Adrian and Haki 67). The overall print quality depends on the speed of the print, the height of the layer and the size of the nozzle. Whenever the layer height is increased, the width decreases. For a quality print with a higher definition, then more time will be needed for printing. The program is not user friendly since it has many adjustment buttons. Besides that, it is too slow such that it may take even hours depending on the hardware being used and the quality required (Adrian and Haki 67). The layer height feature enables the user to choose a specific height for each of the layers. It is so unfortunate that the smaller the height, the more time it takes. Despite this, the print-out will be of high quality and smooth. It helps one to determine the number of material, which is generally plastic, to be used in designing the model (James et al 35). The multiply feature enables he user to chose the number of copies of the model to be printed. The user may be requiring more than one copies of the object; hence the feature enables him or her to produce more copies from the original work. One has the option to choose the number of rows and columns and the distance between them (James et al 35). Slic3r Slic3r is a computer tool that is used in printing devices to convert digital 3D instructions into 3D printer (James et al 35). It was produced in 2011, and it is unique in that it is not based in previous inventions. The tool is capable of using more than one Central Processing Unit (CPU). The software is capable of calculating the size of the material to be printed cuts it into horizontal layers and produces tool paths to fill them. The software is available in packages like Linux, Windows and MacOS X. The program is so advanced that it is capable of regulating temperatures during printing. Whenever the temperature fluctuates the program is capable of rectifying the error automatically. The program is capable of directing the user whenever he or she is performing some 3D printing by availing the required steps hence capable of a preparing a plate before the actual printing is embarked on. On volume calculation, the program is capable of calculating the how the materials will be extruded. Printing of the first layer can be accelerated to increase the speed. During printing of hard material, there is an option for configuring the firmware retraction (Adrian and Haki 67). The program being in 40% C++ coding, its hardcore geometric processing is so logic and faster. The feature allows the software to perform some duties without the manual control by the user. The C++ CODING allows the software to occupy less space therefore; it is compatible with most hardware’s. Most of its memory is shared between the threads hence a reasonable reduction in the number of footprint. Its windows have been built using Expat which allows faster AMF trans-coding. The program is compatible with the Makrware markerbot which adds its printing quality. Resizing of the objects leads to an automatic scaling of the height too hence the user needs only to control only one of the sizes (Adrian and Haki 67). The program is capable of automatically fixing bugs since it has an in-built STL repair. Some errors like infill, threading problems and other minor problems are automatically controlled hence no need of manual control. Too fast retraction, which may lead to poor print out can be controlled by the machine automatically lowering its speed. Crashed windows lacking ASCII characters are automatically fixed hence no delay in printing due to incompatibility. Sometimes during the printing process an error may occur whereby the printing regression is wrong directed in holes. The program has the ability to redirect into the right holes hence few blobs (Adrian and Haki 67). The software is capable of identifying and printing each layer independently hence there is no wastage of materials. Its code base is set in such away that the software is capable of understanding that the layers to be printed have different heights but not the same. This is due to its ability to deal with one layer at a time but not all of them at a go. The software has a feature known as micro layering, which was introduced by Adrian Bowyer. The feature enables the user to print and infill at the same time. One can resize the height of the layers while still infilling another layer of different height and still maintain the high quality of the print-out. The ability to print different heights in different layers requiring great accuracy makes the software so fast in that it saves time since it can operate two or more opera rations at the same time (Adrian and Haki 67). The extra perimeters coding is logic in this software that allows automatic increase in number of perimeters in layers which are sloppy. The sloppiness would lead to printing of an object with irregular infill. The software also has the ability to detect areas which are to be printed. For example, the inside of a circular object needs not to be printed in color. The software is so logic that it is able to identify this hence it is economical (John 45). The automatic acceleration control allows the software to fine tune the speed of printing in different layers hence no manual control. The automatic infilling of internal bridges allows production of surfaces with high quality definitions (John 45). Methodology Introduction Our data was collected on experimental bases and interviews from users. The two software, were analyzed in the lab and all their features compared. Some respondents who had earlier used the software’s were interviewed to give their experiences on usage of the software’s. The respondents gave their ideas on which software they found simple and efficient to use. Each of the software was analyzed separately based on how it functions and its features. Design The design used in this research was descriptive survey. The design helped in the collection of data from members of the population in respect of more than one variable. Interviews were conducted to different users of slic3r and skein software, in which they states the features of each and which they find more appropriate. Target Population The target population in this study was the business organization, managers, students, teachers and locals who use computers and computer accessories. They were targeted because they use the software on a daily basis and know more about silc3r and skein forge. Instruments The research instrument used in this study was interview. Individuals were interviewed, and provided information about the importance features and uses of skein forge and slic3r. Results The table below represents the number of respondents in favoring either slic3r or skeins forge. Software Skein forge Slic3r Number 50 150 Percentage 25% 75% Number of people The chart above represents the number of people supporting the software of their choice. Number of people The bar graph above represents the number of people supporting the software of their choice. Comparison between the Slic3r and Skein Forge Skein forge software is incapable of performing multiple bridges in the same profile in contrast to the Slic3r software. The incapability leads wastage of material hence the software seems not economical. The skeins forge needs to duplicate the perimeters several times, unlike the slic3r software. The users’ final object needs not to get infill resolution on the outside regions. Skein forge program is not user friendly since it has many adjustment buttons. Besides that, it is too slow such that it may take even hours depending on the hardware being used and the quality required. Slic3r has much of its features automated hence user friendly. Slic3r program is so advanced that it is capable of regulating temperatures during printing. Whenever the temperature fluctuates the program is capable of rectifying the error automatically unlike the skein forge hat requires manual control. When using Slic3r, resizing of the objects leads to an automatic scaling of the height too hence the user needs only to control only one of the sizes program. Slic3r is capable of directing the user whenever he or she is performing some 3D printing by availing the required steps hence capable of a preparing a plate before the actual printing is embarked on, unlike the skein forge which does not. Slic3r software is capable of calculating the size of the material to be printed cuts it into horizontal layers and produces tool paths to fill them unlike the skein forge that requires manual inputs with no calculations. Slic3r windows have been built using Expat which allows faster AMF trans-coding. The program is compatible with the Makrware markerbot which adds its printing quality. Its G-code commands can be controlled using other control lines like keyboard too which is an advantage in case one of the coding has an error unlike the skein forge that works on replicator G. The program being in 40% C++ coding, its hardcore geometric processing is so logic and faster. The feature allows the software to perform some duties without the manual control by the user. Some errors like infill, threading problems and other minor problems are automatically controlled hence no need of manual control. Too fast retraction, which may lead to poor print out can be controlled by the machine automatically lowering its speed. Crashed windows lacking ASCII characters are automatically fixed hence no delay in printing due to incompatibility. The skein forge has no such features to automatically detect and rectify errors. The C++ coding in Slic3r allows the software to occupy less space therefore; it is compatible with most hardware, unlike the skein forge that is too large hence occupying much space, hence incompatible with most hardware’s. Sometimes during the printing process an error may occur whereby the printing regression is wrong directed in holes. Slic3r program has the ability to redirect into the right holes to rectify the error hence few blobs unlike the skein forge which is not capable of automatically detecting the errors. This means that in case the user is not keen and the error is un-notified the overall production will be poor. Slic3r is known to be very fast even 100X faster than the Skein forge software. It is simple to operate with a GUI panel that is easily understandable. The software is also known to have regular updates with new versions being produced every year hence keeping its users ahead. The software is capable of identifying and printing each layer independently hence there is no wastage of materials. Its code base is set in such away that the software is capable of understanding that the layers to be printed have different heights but not the same. This is due to its ability to deal with one layer at a time but not all of them at a go. Slic3r is known to be very fast even 100X faster than the Skein forge software. It is simple to operate with a GUI panel that is easily understandable. However, the slic3r is incapable of printing an object through the G code since it requires firmware configurations, which it does not have. The slowness of the skein forge leads to production of objects with a higher definition when compared to the slic3r. This is because the slic3r software is so fast and the quality of a print-out object improves on reduction of sped and time. Conclusion In conclusion, silc3r and skein forge are both used for commercial purposes. The most effective and efficient is silc3r though both can serve the same purposes. In order to be effective in service delivery business organization should consider using slic3r. Information Technology department, which deals with software development should also consider improving skein forge by incorporate the features in slic3r. Recommendations On comparison of the two software’s based on their features, it is clear that the slic3r outweighs the skein forge with 75% acceptance among the users. From the analysis, it has been proved that the slic3r has been built on very advanced software with high coding techniques. Most of the options are automatically controlled hence the user has minimal operation. Skein forge dialogue box has many options that makes it not user friendly (John 45). The machine should have been built on a stepwise program that directs the user in phases. Slic3r speed is so high hence economical especially in businesses since many objects will be produced within a short time Slic3r (Adrian and Haki 67). Works Cited Adrian McEwen and Hakim, C. Designing the Internet of Things. New York: John Wiley and Sons. 2013. Print. Brian, Evans. Practical 3D Printers: The Science and Art of 3D Printing. New York: Press. 2012. Print. James, Floyd, K. and Patrick, H. Printing in Plastic: Build Your Own 3D Printer. New York: QUE Publishers. 2012. Print. John Baichta Hack This: 24 Incredible Hacker space Projects from the DIY Movement. New York: QUE Publishers. 2011. Print. Joshua, M. Open-Source Lab: How to Build Your Own Hardware and Reduce Research Costs. New York: Pearce Newness Publishers. 2013. Print. Patrick, Hood, D. and James, Floyd, K. Printing In Plastic: Build Your Own 3D Printer. New York: Press Publishers. 2012. Print. Paulo, J. and Silva, B. ed. Innovative Developments in Virtual and Physical Prototyping. New York: CRC Press. 2011. Print. Top of Form Bottom of Form Read More