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Matt's avatar

Are CAM formats universal enough for slicers to be able to work with all of them?

I always saw stl as sort of the pdf of 3d printing....

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Ahmet Can Yakisir's avatar

I think the middle ground here is the STEP format. CAD software and slicing software are two different worlds, and it is nearly impossible to see a complete package that excels at both. Slicing is always a complex subject that still leaves room for improvement on the path to getting the best print results possible with the least effort for the printer operator and minimized material loss due to failed prints. On the other hand there are many CAD solutions that are great for designing (and maybe traditional manufacturing methods), but they offer only basic slicing features when it comes to additive manufacturing. So for any designer, be it industrial, art or home use; use one program for designing and/or simulation, and a dedicated slicing program to print the objects. So far STEP is the only solution that translates the object with its complete geometry between those environments, and gives the option to make proper modifications. If there is a better solution, I am ready to be educated.

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