When it comes to 3D printing software, one of the most critical are slicers, which are used to prepare a 3D model for printing. These intermediaries convert the 3D model into a series of thin layers and generates a G-code file containing all the necessary instructions for the 3D printer. And like Cura, Slic3r, or SmartSlice, certain slicing software has been widely adopted by the 3D printing community. But what you may not know is that many of these popular slicers have been created only for FDM machines. For resin 3D printers, slicers are rarer. But among the existing software, one that has gained popularity is ChiTuBox. Launched in 2017 by the Chinese company CBD-Tech, the ChiTuBox slicer has an easy-to-use interface and offers control over the majority of printing parameters.
Compatible with the most popular SLA printers on the market, as well as other resin machines using DLP and LCD, the ChiTuBox software has since its launch drawn in many resin 3D printing enthusiasts. Capable of processing the most popular 3D printing formats, such as STL or MJF files, the slicer is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. Though for a long time ChiTuBox was entirely free, the software now also has a Pro version. Available from $170 per year for one device and $300 for up to five devices, the paid version boasts additional features, such as an automatic orientation tool designed to choose the optimum orientation for printing.
A look at the free version of ChiTuBox (photo credits: ChiTuBox)
How does ChiTuBox work?
The success of ChiTuBox is no accident. Although the software is very efficient, it is not complicated to use, even for novices in the field. It has several features, including the Hollow tool, which allows users to make drainage holes in the models, thus limiting the amount of material needed. The traditional tools, such as manual or automatic placement of the structure and editing functions, are of course also available.
Once all the parameters are configured, simply press the “Slice” button and the software will prepare the models for printing. It then presents the individual slices of all layers. Finally, ChiTuBox provides a preview of the printing process and displays the estimated build time and amount of material used. By many, ChiTuBox is considered the best slicer for resin 3D printers, especially since the free version of the software has so many features. In 2024, the most recent version of this software is ChiTuBox Pro V1.4.1, in which the bugs and minor errors of previous versions have been corrected.
Benefits of the Pro Version
That being said, though the basic version offers a wide variety of functions and options for designing and slicing, the Pro version cannot be counted out. This more advanced edition offers a host of additional features, putting it ahead of the basic version. It enables experienced users to take full advantage of its capabilities.
The Pro version is distinguished from the basic version by several major features. Firstly, it offers the possibility of using a wider range of formats such as .3DS, .3MF, .3DM or .STP. In addition, it boasts six more editing tools than the basic version, including features such as automatic orientation, the ability to add labels and the well-known multiple selection tool. A major area of divergence between the two also lies in the area of repair, where the Pro version offers twelve tools compared to the two in the free version. Similarly, the editing tools in the paid version far outstrip those in the basic version. Finally, it’s worth noting a feature exclusive to the Pro version, absent from the basic version: analysis and measurement tools.
Regardless, whichever version you use, it is clear that ChiTuBox is an excellent, up-to-date slicer for use with resin 3D printers. You can find out more about the software in the video above or on the website HERE.
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Cover Photo Credits: ChiTuBox