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Workflow & governance

What is slicer?

A slicer is software that converts a 3D model into the layer-by-layer toolpath instructions a specific printer executes, applying settings for material, layer height, infill, and supports.

Also known as: slicing software, CAM for 3D printing

Where the slicer sits in the stack

Three distinct layers are often conflated:

  1. Slicer: turns a model into instructions for one machine.
  2. Printer host / firmware: drives one machine through those instructions.
  3. Operations platform: decides which jobs are allowed, in what order, on which machine, and keeps the record.

A slicer is not a queue system and a queue system is not a slicer. Operations software that tries to replace the slicing step usually produces worse results than the tuned profiles a team has already built, which is why the layers are better kept separate and interoperable.

Related terms

← Back to the 3D printing operations glossary

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