Makerware vs. Other software (on MakerBot)

MidWestMade · 2015-03-25T20:40:08.000Z

Hey, I’ve had a Replicator I(the wood one) for about 8 months now and have been using Makerware for all of my prints. I recently tried to use Repetier but realized I would have to change firmware on the printer. So before I do something like that I wanted to know what everyone’s thoughts were in regards to slicing and running a MakerBot on something other than Makerware. Repetier looks pretty fancy with a lot of options, and overall looks like you have a lot more control of your prints versus just having a basic unfriendly interface like Makerware. Let me know, thanks!

Pedro_1 · 2015-03-26T10:14:36.000Z

Don’t bother changing makers are to repetier it won’t work correctly with MakerBots, you should invest in Simplify3D if you really want an awesome slicer program. Prints come out beautiful and the support material comes off so easy with out distorting the print, Simplify3D gives you many more options to take control of your printer.

magdesign · 2015-03-26T10:14:57.000Z

Hi Nate

I have a Makerbot Replicator 2X and a Thing-O-Matic.

First of all, install the Sailfish Firmware. It’s a great improvement, especially on old machines, and its pretty easy to do.

I recently bought the Simplify 3D software and since I use this slicer, printing quality is way much better.

Never used Makerware again… hope that helps.

hyppyayonico · 2015-03-26T10:18:00.000Z

Simplify3d it’s amazing!

Arvance · 2015-03-26T10:19:51.000Z

Have a look at Simplify3D. Works very well with the Replicators.

CreativeTools · 2015-03-26T10:21:17.000Z

We totally agree with Pedro_1 regarding Simplify3D. The price is quite reasonable for most users and in the long run you will spend less wasted material and money from failed prints, since Simplify3D gives you som much more preview options and better GCode. In most cases the preview immediately reveals if you happened to have bad settings. You find out and can rectify the problem before you even start the 3D-printer!

c_bednar · 2015-03-26T11:35:27.000Z

Nearly all the things that you can do with repetier (not all though), you can do with Makerware by editing your profile in a text editor. They just don’t make it very convenient. I’ve gotten great results doing so, however. As stated below, Simplify 3D might be a better option.

AtomJaay · 2015-03-26T11:50:51.000Z

Yet another Simplify3D bump here! I use it to prepare files on SD card for my Replicator 1, which has old MB firmware on it.

Wepla · 2015-03-26T11:52:01.000Z

Looks really good, but what about us folk who can’t afford to shell out $150.00 ? Is there nothing cheaper, or even free?

AtomJaay · 2015-03-26T12:00:59.000Z

It is an investment that only gets better with updates and comes with 2 seats. You could enlist a 3D printing friend and go dutch.

I have been using Cura on my PrintrBot and have had really good results compared to old MW and new S3D respectively.

3D2Go_PH · 2015-03-26T12:00:59.000Z

You can try simplify 3d, its not free but improves the quality of prints a lot.

paul_15 · 2015-03-26T12:03:03.000Z

sailfish is ok, and adds some more control.

i rarely have to do much with profiles, mostly to do with non-standard materials.

magdesign · 2015-03-26T12:03:56.000Z

If you can’t afford $150 for a great piece of software from nice guys how did a hell lot of work to write it, how could you afford a 3D printer and filaments?

c_bednar · 2015-03-26T12:03:57.000Z

Not without changing the firmware. That’s what you get for the $150. Convenience and support.

Pedro_1 · 2015-03-26T12:06:02.000Z

If you already invested on the 3D printer you should also invest on a slicer that’s worth it and I can back up Simplify 3D 100 percent

i own 3 simplify3D lincences for all my printers, and I don’t waste anymore time with faulty prints which releases me to keep designing without worries.

put that printer of yours to work correctly so you don’t have to waste time and you can concentrate on making money with it, the software will pay itself in no time

GloomySparker · 2015-03-26T13:37:32.000Z

I agree with a lot of people here. I own a Replicator 2 and did some prints using Makerware for about 2-3 months last year. After a few misprints that I wasn’t able to understand, I had the same question as you: “Is there a better slicer?”

I’m an Open Source and free software pro… but, in fact, after buying Simplify 3D (no demo available… a pain in the ass!), I was very happy of the results. The slice process is very fast and the result is much better than with Makerware, even using the default parameters.

In S3D, you can also choose your printer in a very long list and manage EVERY parameter of your print. You want to change the infill, the temperature or the fan speed per layer? It is possible with Simplify 3D… (do not have any share ;))

michael_arief_9 · 2015-03-26T13:42:45.000Z

Simplify 3d is my favorite but to be honest you can probably get 90 -99% of the functionality with free software depending on your technical ability and realistic usage patterns. Used to use rep g and it will give you more control but you should take into account how much makerbot has invested in their software. Fun with Slicing Software Testing - 3D Universe you might try cura … it must’ve been updated since then.

Joseph_1 · 2015-03-26T14:18:07.000Z

Hers my experience Joe's 3D Workbench: Finally committing to Simplify3D

scottjanousek · 2015-03-26T14:22:25.000Z

Simplify 3-D Creator = http://www.simplify3d.com/. I believe it’s made by former 3-D Systems employees.

scottjanousek · 2015-03-26T14:24:10.000Z

I also like Mattercontrol for some of my smaller, open source based FDM bots, but I’m not sure if it supports the latest MakerBots.