This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:17:40
The video compares Simplify3D with free slicers like Cura and PrusaSlicer in terms of cost, functionality, and compatibility with printers. Simplify3D offers a trial, costs $149, and is compatible with a wide range of printers. The video shows printer setup in different slicer software and test prints, highlighting Simplify3D's clean prints and user-friendly features. It then delves into support structures comparisons among Prusa Slicer, Cura, and Simplify3D, noting their strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, it discusses Simplify3D's development, mentioning a lack of recent updates and user dissatisfaction over the uncertainty of future upgrades.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses whether Simplify 3D is worth the money compared to free slicers. They aim to provide an objective breakdown of various categories including cost, functionality, and compatibility with printers. Simplify 3D was first launched in 2013 and has since evolved. The cost of Simplify 3D is $149, whereas popular free slicers like Cura and PrusaSlicer are free and open source. Simplify 3D offers a two-week trial to potential buyers. One key feature of Simplify 3D is its compatibility with a wide range of printers.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator explains how to set up printers in different slicer software. They show the process of selecting a printer, configuring settings, and adding new printers. The video covers setting up printers in Simplify3D, Cura, and PrusaSlicer, highlighting the ability to customize profiles for various printers. They demonstrate test prints done with each software and discuss the results, pointing out specific details like infill visibility and layer start defects.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, three different slicing software tools are compared using black PLA filament at a 0.2mm layer height. Pressure slicer struggled with cooling on the underside at 215°C, while the cuter version had similar issues at 200°C. Simplify3D produced the cleanest print with no cooling issues underneath. The comparison highlighted that all three slices had good base profiles for both printers. Simplify3D was praised for its user-friendly layout, with clear visibility of settings and easy access to common editing functions. Precise model manipulation features, keyboard shortcuts for rotation, and efficient copying and arrangement of models were also demonstrated. Pressure slicer offered three levels of detail for settings, organized into logical tabs and headings, allowing for the creation and saving of presets. Additionally, both software tools allowed for manual printer control and g-code communication.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator demonstrates how to slice the 3D model in Simplify3D. They show how to access presets and customize settings, discuss the control layout, model rotation, and copying objects. The process of adding and removing support material is explained, highlighting options such as support density, raft, and dense support layers. The ability to manually add support structures is also showcased as a useful feature of Simplify3D. By adjusting the support pillar resolution, users can control where support material is applied. The narrator tests support material on a complicated model to showcase the program’s capabilities compared to other slicers.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the comparison of support structures in different slicers, particularly focusing on Prusa Slicer, Cura, and Simplify3D. Prusa Slicer had most supports easily removable by hand with some exceptions, while Cura had supports shaped like a grid that were also mostly easy to remove. Simplify3D was noted to have the cleanest undersides but was harder to remove. All three slicers were praised for their support material improvements. Regarding innovative features, Simplify3D used to be a leader but has been catching up in areas like support structures and slicing speed compared to other slicers like Cura, which offers experimental settings like tree supports and ironing. Cura and Prusa Slicer also provide useful features, such as variable print settings and per-model settings, making them more well-rounded choices.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator discusses the development of Simplify3D software, highlighting that the last major update was in November 2018 and mentioning the lack of frequent updates compared to other software like Cura. The narrator mentions the anticipation for the paid upgrade to version five but expresses disappointment over delays and lack of communication regarding features, timeline, and pricing. Users are upset over the uncertainty surrounding the update and potential additional costs. The narrator concludes by mentioning personal satisfaction with Simplify3D’s current version but hesitancy in recommending it due to uncertain future updates.