Convert 3D models into layer-by-layer printpaths for 3D Concrete Printing.
Slicer 3D converts 3D models into layer-by-layer printpaths for 3D Concrete Printing. The user uploads an STL or Rhino file containing a 3D mesh, configures slicing parameters (layer height, contour mode, surface thickness), and the slicer computes horizontal cross-sections at each layer to produce a continuous printpath.
Before slicing, the tool provides a full model analysis (geometry stats, dimensions, unit scaling) and an overhang analysis to help the user evaluate printability. The user can also rotate the model to adjust its print orientation.
In short: 3D model in → analyzed, sliced, printpath out.
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| STL | .stl | Standard tessellation / mesh format. |
| Rhino | .3dm | Must contain mesh or surface geometry. |
Navigate to Slicer 3D using either:
Drag and drop or select an .stl or .3dm file. The system loads the model and performs an initial analysis, displaying:
Use the unit selector to match the units of your source model. Available options:
If the displayed dimensions appear incorrect (e.g., a model that should be 700 mm wide shows as 27 mm), the source file was likely created in different units. Changing the unit rescales the model accordingly.
The model can be rotated around any of the three axes (X, Y, Z) in full 360° increments before slicing. This allows the user to change the print orientation — for example, rotating a model 90° to print it on its side.
Rotation affects both the overhang analysis and the final slice output, since the slicer cuts layers along the Z axis.
Click the overhang analysis control to visualize areas of the model that may be difficult to print. The analysis highlights surfaces in red where the angle from the vertical (Z axis) exceeds a configurable threshold.
This is especially useful after rotating a model — it lets you verify that the chosen print orientation does not introduce excessive overhangs.
Tip: A flat horizontal surface (perpendicular to Z) has a 90° angle from vertical and will always be flagged. Vertical walls have 0° and will never be flagged. Adjust the threshold to match your printer's overhang capabilities.
Set the vertical distance between consecutive slicing planes, in mm. No minimum or maximum is enforced. Lower values produce more layers with finer detail; higher values produce fewer, thicker layers.
Select how the slicer connects the contour paths on each layer:
| Mode | Behavior | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Closed | Each layer produces a continuous closed loop. The path returns to its starting point before transitioning to the next layer. | Solid, watertight models where every cross-section forms a complete closed shape. |
| Open | Layers alternate the direction of the printpath. Layer 1 travels A → B, layer 2 travels B → A, and so on. | Models with intentionally open profiles, or when alternating direction is preferred. |
| Mixed | The slicer attempts to close contours where possible, and stitches gaps caused by mesh errors or holes that would otherwise break a closed path. | Non-watertight models with mesh errors or small holes that should be repaired during slicing. |
This setting fundamentally changes how the slicer interprets the model geometry.
Use this when your 3D model has double-walled surfaces — i.e., the mesh represents a shell with an inner and outer face separated by a measurable thickness (as is typical for models designed with wall thickness in CAD). When enabled, the slicer computes the midline between the inner and outer surfaces at each layer and generates the printpath along that centerline. The print nozzle path runs through the middle of the wall, which is the standard behavior for most 3DCP workflows.
Use this when your 3D model is a single surface with no wall thickness — i.e., the mesh is a zero-thickness shell (one face, no inner/outer distinction). When disabled, the slicer generates the printpath directly on the surface of the model. The contour at each layer follows the exact geometry of the mesh cross-section without any midline calculation.
When to use which: If your model was designed with wall thickness in mind (e.g., a hollowed solid with defined inner and outer walls), enable this setting. If your model is a single surface or an open shell (e.g., a draped fabric shape, a thin-walled vase modeled as one surface), disable it.
After clicking Slice, the system computes the printpath and displays the result on the 3D canvas. The path is color-coded:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Extrusion path — material is actively deposited. |
| Blue | Transition path — material is deposited while the path transitions between layers. |
| Green | Travel path — the printhead moves without extruding material. |
The user can inspect the path layer by layer, verify transitions, and check the start/end points of each layer. Once satisfied, the user can save the design. This creates a new Design in the library and opens it in the main workspace, where the user can view the simulation, edit metadata, adjust the transition point, and export G-code (a separate feature).
The 3D canvas displays dimension annotations (length, width, height in mm) for the loaded model. These can be toggled on or off using the measurements visibility control.
| Parameter | Input | Unit | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer Height | Numeric | mm | None |
| Contour Transition | Selector | — | Closed / Open / Mixed |
| Surfaces Have Thickness | Toggle | — | On / Off |
| Overhang Threshold | Numeric | degrees from vertical | — |
| Model Rotation | Per-axis | degrees | 0–360° on X, Y, Z |
| Supported Files | Extension |
|---|---|
| STL | .stl |
| Rhino | .3dm |