The Top Slicers for Resin 3D Printers in 2024

Slicers, or slicing software, are an essential tool in 3D printing. This software is able to slice a 3D model and then transmit to the printer which layer it will need to create and deposit. There are currently multiple solutions on the market that offer a certain number of functionalities and meet different requirements. These include slicers dedicated to 3D resin printing, i.e. photopolymerization (SLA/DLP/LCD), but also the material jetting process. The software allows, for example, to define the required printing supports and the optimal parameters. This makes them more suitable for the constraints of 3D resin printing. But what solutions are currently available on the market? To give you an overview, we have listed the most important slicers on the market for resin 3D printers, both proprietary and open software, in alphabetical order. 

BuildBee, an Accessible and Easy-to-Use Slicer for Resin 3D Printing

BuildBee has developed a slicer for cloud-based SLA and DLP processes. It was designed to be as accessible and easy to use as possible and provides a structured workflow to avoid printing errors. It is compatible with a wide range of machines including solutions from Flashforge, Elegoo, Anycubic or Creality. The slicer is based on an artificial intelligence model and also offers a feature to repair 3D models. You can also use it with FDM machines. Be aware that while a free trial is offered, the subscription costs $6 per month. 

ChiTuBox, One of the Most Popular Slicers for Resin 3D Printers

Launched in 2017 by the Chinese company CBD-Tech, ChiTuBox quickly became a popular choice for many resin 3D printing enthusiasts, due to its easy-to-use interface. efficiency and compatibility with a large range of SLA printers on the market. Considered by many users to be one of the best slicers for resin 3D printers, Chitubox is a software that includes everything you need to make your next resin 3D printing task a success. Although the software was entirely free in the past and its free version includes its most important tools, CBD-Tech also released a pro version, that includes additional extras that allow more detailed adjustments. The premium version is available for $169 per year. 

Formware, a Powerful Slicer Software for Professionals 

Formware is a powerful slicer software that offers an abundance of helpful features for any kind of resin printing task. The premium software includes, besides all the standard SLA slicing tools, a variety of unique extras for more demanding tasks, such as the creation of jewelry or dental implants. While many resin slicer programs are available as a free version, Formware merely offers a 30-day trial, after which users can decide between buying a version for a single user for $154.95 (€ 129.95), or, if necessary, a commercial license of the software for $359.95 (€299.95). Altogether, Formware is a very good choice, especially for professionals who are in need of a premium slicer that provides them with a full package of tools. 

Lychee Slicer, Using Pixels for More Accurate Resin Layers

Not a tropical fruit, but a slicer for resin 3D printing, Lychee Slicer – developed by the manufacturer Mango 3D – is already in its 3rd generation. Although this slicer software is only compatible with a list of 3D printers, the list is constantly being expanded by the manufacturer. Lychee Slicer is a slicer software that allows the creation of support structures for even the most demanding 3D models. This is possible thanks to its powerful and intelligent support algorithm. In addition to that, Lychee Slicer also has a special focus on the pixel pipeline, where work is pixel- rather than vector-based, which means that every resin layer is guaranteed to be cured during the printing process. 

NanoDLP, a Web Platform and Slicer for Resin 3D Printers 

Another slicing software we would like to introduce to you is NanoDLP. However, this is not just a slicer, but a program that also includes a full web platform enabling users to conveniently monitor and, if needed, control 3D printing remotely. NanoDLP is a slicing software that is compatible with the majority of resin 3D printers available on the market, but if you want to make use of its custom support, you will have to resort to NanoSupport, which is also available for free. The functions of the slicer include, among others, masking, infill patterns and even anti-aliasing support. 

Photo Credits: NanoDLP

Photon Workshop, Anycubic’s Free Slicer for Resin 3D Printers

The name of this next slicer on our list should not take you by surprise if you are acquainted already with Anycubic’s popular resin 3D printers. Named after their Photon range, Photon Workshop is their very own slicer which has been designed with the specifications of their resin 3D printers in mind, particularly the Photon Series. The slicer is free to download, though is only compatible with Anycubic 3D printers as of now. Though it has less functionality than many other SLA slicers on the market, it is user-friendly and can be used with both Windows and macOS. Additionally, beyond being the ideal slicer for users of Photon printers, Photon Workshop also has a number of features including automatic and manual support generation and hollowing.  

PreForm, the Slicer for Formlabs’ Printers

Yet another addition to our list that was made specifically for use with one brand’s printers, PreForm is a software that is compatible with all of Formlabs’ resin 3D printers. This software is not just a slicer, it is actually a full print preparation and slicer software with a number of features including monitoring capabilities. And it is one of the best slicers to use if you have a Formlabs printer, currently, it is not compatible with machines from other companies. The software is free and can be used with both Windows and macOS. It has been designed to be easy to use, allowing even those who are untrained in 3D printing to set up all necessary parameters quickly with Formlabs’ One-Click Print. 

Photo Credits: Formlabs

PrusaSlicer, a Free Open-Source Slicer

PrusaSlicer is a free open-source slicer software for FDM and SLA 3D printers. The software was developed by the eponymous manufacturer Prusa and is based on the open-source slicer Slic3r, which the manufacturer has provided with some improvements to meet the needs of users of its FDM and SLA 3D printers. PrusaSlicer is available in 14 languages and there is a choice of three different versions, all of which are free. Each of them is based on the user’s skills and is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced. The open-source software is also constantly being developed to meet the latest requirements and support users in their challenges. 

Vlare 

Vlare Slicer is a free slicer software with its latest version released on May 24, 2022. It features built-in exposure control and reliable automatic support generation with built-in profiles and expert options for successful printing. The easy-to-use interface is particularly suitable for new users, while the expert mode is suitable for professionals who need detailed control. It is also now possible to add text to the 3D models to name just a few of the slicer’s many features. 

Z-Suite, an Ambitious Slicer from Zortrax

Z-Suite is a slicer software that is compatible with all third-party LCD 3D printers optimized by Zortrax Inkspire. Some of the features offered by this slicer are, for example, the possibility of filling gaps, automatic generation of supports, smoothing of edges, additional exposure of the supports, and more.  One of the best things about the software is that thanks to the WIFI module, it allows you to connect multiple devices together to deal with more ambitious projects. You will be able to manage all the printers from your computer, and apart from that, it also includes intelligent options such as detection of the final material, an updated extruder, and construction platform as well as the use of a camera to avoid any other risks. 

Photo Credits: Zortrax

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