Simplify3D Demo and Review by 3D Universe

In this review, you’ll explore the features and functionalities of Simplify3D v2.0.1, a slicing software for 3D printing that comes with a price tag of $140. Jeremy Simon from 3D Universe takes you through a detailed video demonstration, highlighting the strengths and potential drawbacks of the software to help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Simplify3D provides numerous advanced options for customization, making it an attractive choice for seasoned users despite the lack of a trial version. From detailed print settings to real-time printer control, you’ll gain insights into how this software can elevate your 3D printing projects, ensuring efficient and high-quality prints.

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Overview of Simplify3D

Introduction to Simplify3D

Simplify3D is a professional 3D printing software designed to make the process of 3D printing smoother and more efficient. Unlike many free alternatives, Simplify3D comes with a price tag of $140 and doesn’t offer a trial version. However, with its powerful features, advanced customization, and user-friendly interface, it aims to justify its cost by providing a superior experience for both beginners and advanced users alike.

Video Review by 3D Universe

Jeremy Simon from 3D Universe has provided a detailed video review of Simplify3D v2.0.1. The review serves as an excellent resource for prospective buyers who are unsure about purchasing the software without a trial. His video showcases the software’s numerous features and demonstrates how to effectively use its various tools and settings.

Cost and Licensing

Simplify3D is priced at $140, which may seem steep compared to many free 3D printing software options available. The company does not offer free trials or evaluation copies, so potential users need to rely on reviews and demos to make an informed decision. The absence of a trial version could be a drawback for some, but many users find that its advanced capabilities and efficiency justify the investment.

Purpose of the Review

The purpose of this review is to provide comprehensive insights into Simplify3D to help you decide if it is worth the cost. By walking through its user interface, features, print customization options, and more, this guide will give you a clear understanding of what Simplify3D offers and how it can benefit your 3D printing projects.

User Interface

Interface Organization

Simplify3D’s interface is organized into several sections for easy navigation. The primary sections include areas for managing your models, adjusting print settings, and a quick access toolbar. Everything is laid out logically, making it easy to find the tools and settings you need, even if you’re new to the software.

Managing Models

In Simplify3D, the model management area is prominently located on the left side of the screen. This section allows you to import and arrange your 3D models. You can easily drag and drop models into this area, and use the automatic arrangement feature to organize them efficiently on the build platform.

Print Settings Section

The print settings section, located at the bottom of the interface, lets you control various parameters to customize your print. This includes material selection, print quality, infill percentages, and more. Both basic and advanced settings are accessible, catering to users of all experience levels.

Quick Access Toolbar

The quick access toolbar on the right side of the screen provides shortcuts to frequently used functions. This toolbar helps you quickly perform actions like starting a print, pausing or canceling a job, and toggling supports. It significantly speeds up the workflow by reducing the time spent navigating through menus.

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Features and Functionalities

Manual Control Over Object Arrangement

Simplify3D gives you the freedom to manually control the arrangement of your objects on the build platform. You can drag objects to new positions and use various mouse and keyboard shortcuts to fine-tune their placement. This feature is particularly useful for optimizing print space and improving print order.

Mouse and Keyboard Shortcuts

The software supports a range of mouse and keyboard shortcuts for repositioning, scaling, and rotating models. Left-click and drag to move objects, right-click and drag to pan, and use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out. More advanced maneuvers, like control-left-click for overhead views or alt-left-click for rotating objects, are also available.

Repositioning, Scaling, and Rotating Models

You can easily adjust the position, scale, and rotation of your models in Simplify3D. These adjustments can be done manually through dragging or by entering specific values for precise control. Double-clicking an object opens a detailed settings page where you can fine-tune these parameters, ensuring that your model is perfectly positioned for printing.

Print Settings Customization

Control Over Materials

Simplify3D offers extensive control over the materials you use for your prints. You can select from pre-configured profiles for common materials like PLA, ABS, PVA, and nylon, or create custom profiles. This flexibility allows you to optimize settings for different materials, ensuring reliable performance and high-quality prints.

Infill Percentages

The software lets you adjust the infill percentage of your prints, which determines the density and strength of the final object. The infill setting can be easily adjusted using a slider, and there are various infill patterns to choose from. Lower infill percentages save material and reduce print time, while higher infill percentages provide added strength.

Rafts and Supports

Simplify3D simplifies the process of adding rafts and supports to your prints. You can toggle these options on and off with checkboxes and further customize their properties through the advanced settings. This ensures that even complex models with overhangs print successfully.

Adjusting Print Quality

Print quality settings are highly customizable in Simplify3D. You can choose from pre-configured profiles for low, medium, or high quality, or dive into the advanced settings to manually adjust layer height, print speed, and other parameters. This level of control helps you achieve the desired balance between print quality and speed.

Advanced Print Options

Extruder Settings

The extruder settings in Simplify3D give you full control over your printer’s extruder. You can specify nozzle size, temperature, retraction settings, and more. These settings help you fine-tune extrusion for different materials and print requirements, ensuring consistent and high-quality results.

Layer Parameters

Layer parameters, such as layer height and number of perimeters, can be adjusted to control the resolution and strength of your prints. Simplify3D allows you to set different layer heights for different sections of your model, optimizing for both speed and quality.

Infill Controls

Infill controls in Simplify3D let you specify the type and density of infill used in your prints. You can choose from various infill patterns and set the infill density to balance material usage and model strength. Additionally, the ability to use sparse infill for faster prints without compromising outer surface quality is a significant advantage.

Support Configuration

Support configuration is one of Simplify3D’s standout features. You can automatically generate supports based on model geometry and specify detailed properties like support density and separation distance. This helps ensure that supports are strong enough to hold overhangs but easy to remove once the print is complete.

Temperature Settings

You have detailed control over temperature settings for your extruder and build platform. This includes setting different temperatures for different layers, which can help with adhesion and print quality. The ability to fine-tune temperature settings ensures optimal performance for various materials and printing conditions.

Cooling Options

Cooling options allow you to control fan speeds and cooling behavior during the print. You can set the cooling fan to turn on or off at specific layers or adjust the speed based on print conditions. Proper cooling is critical for achieving detailed and high-quality prints, making these options essential.

G-Code Customization

For advanced users, Simplify3D offers extensive G-Code customization options. You can add custom scripts for startup, layer change, and end-of-print actions. This flexibility allows you to make specific adjustments to the print process, tailoring it to your unique needs and printer setup.

Manual Support Structures

Defining Support Structures

One of the standout features of Simplify3D is its ability to manually define support structures. You can add or remove supports exactly where they are needed, giving you unprecedented control over support placement. This feature is particularly useful for complex models with intricate overhangs.

Control Over Support Placement

Manual control over support placement allows you to optimize the support structures for each specific model. You can place supports in difficult-to-reach areas or remove unnecessary supports to minimize material usage and simplify the post-processing steps.

Benefits for Complex Prints

For complex prints, the ability to manually define and control support structures is invaluable. It ensures that even the most intricate designs are adequately supported, reducing the risk of print failures and improving overall print quality.

Saving Configurations

Factory File Format

Simplify3D uses a unique Factory File format to save your models, print settings, and configurations. This format encapsulates everything needed for a particular print, making it easy to revisit and revise previous projects.

Saving Configurations

You can save your customized settings and configurations within Simplify3D for future use. This includes material profiles, print quality settings, and specific adjustments for individual models. Saving configurations saves time and ensures consistency across multiple prints.

Future Use of Saved Settings

The ability to save and easily retrieve settings means you can quickly set up new prints with previously successful configurations. This feature is particularly useful for repetitive tasks or when switching between different types of prints and materials.

Visualization Tool

Layer-by-Layer Preview

Simplify3D includes a powerful visualization tool that allows you to preview your print layer-by-layer. This feature enables you to inspect each layer’s structure, ensuring that everything is set up correctly before starting the print. It’s an invaluable tool for catching potential issues early.

Tool Features

The visualization tool offers various features, such as zooming, rotating, and slicing through layers. You can visualize the entire print process, including infill patterns, support structures, and extruder movements. This comprehensive preview helps you fine-tune settings and avoid print failures.

Benefits for Print Planning

Using the visualization tool, you can plan your prints more effectively. By examining each layer, you can identify potential problems and make necessary adjustments before printing begins. This proactive approach helps ensure successful prints and maximizes material efficiency.

Printer Control Panel

Direct Printer Control

Simplify3D’s printer control panel allows you to directly control your 3D printer. You can start, pause, and cancel prints from within the software, as well as adjust settings on the fly. This direct control streamlines the printing process and provides a seamless user experience.

Real-Time Monitoring

The control panel also offers real-time monitoring of your print job. You can track progress, monitor temperatures, and view live status updates. This real-time feedback helps you stay informed and quickly address any issues that arise during the print.

Emergency Stop Functions

In case of an emergency, Simplify3D includes emergency stop functions that allow you to immediately halt the print. This feature is crucial for safety and helps prevent damage to your printer or model if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Summary of Key Points

Simplify3D is a robust and versatile 3D printing software that offers numerous advanced features and customization options. It provides detailed control over print settings, manual support structures, and real-time printer monitoring. While it comes with a price tag of $140 and no trial version, its powerful capabilities and user-friendly interface make it a worthy investment for many users.

Final Recommendations

If you are looking for a comprehensive and powerful 3D printing software, Simplify3D is an excellent choice. Its advanced features, manual controls, and extensive customization options provide a superior printing experience. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, Simplify3D can enhance your 3D printing process and help you achieve high-quality results.

Additional Resource Information

For more detailed information and guidance, Jeremy Simon from 3D Universe has provided an in-depth video review of Simplify3D v2.0.1. This video is an excellent resource for understanding the software’s capabilities and seeing it in action. Additionally, Simplify3D’s help menu includes a Quick Start Guide, which is highly recommended for new users to get up to speed with the software quickly.

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