Simplify3D Releases Version 4.0, Featuring User-Friendly New Features for More Options in 3D Printing

July 25, 2017 by Clare Scott 3D Printing 3D Software

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It’s been over a year since Simplify3D released a new version of its popular 3D slicing software program. Version 3.1 offered a host of new features as well as compatibility with more than two dozen new 3D printer models, taking it a step further in becoming one of the most widely used 3D software programs. That update, however, was a small one compared to the latest update, which has now been officially released. Version 4.0, according to Simplify3D, is one of the company’s largest releases yet, and introduces a plethora of new features largely based on feedback received from the community.

One of the highlights of Simplify3D Version 4.0 is the new Variable Settings Wizard, which makes it easy for users to change any setting they want for any section of their 3D model. For example, you could add extra strength or weight to one section while making another section lightweight or optimizing it for a faster printing time. It’s easier than ever to 3D print with different settings in every section of a model for a fully optimized part.

Also included is a new dynamic feature sizing element. Because of the fixed size of the nozzle opening on your extruder, it can be difficult to 3D print extra small, delicate or tapering features, but Simplify3D 4.0 addresses that difficulty with a new feature that dynamically adjusts the amount of material being extruded to create smaller or larger bead sizes. Now, no matter what 3D printer you’re using, you can print smaller, more detailed features than you could before, opening up new possibilities for intricate models that couldn’t previously be attained with most standard 3D printers.

Another major update is all about foundational structures – supports, rafts, and brims. Simplify3D has always been a good software when it comes to supports, but Version 4.0 now includes new features that improve the ability of support structures to stay anchored to the build platform.

Other features allow users to vary the density or material that is used for the top layers of the supports, near the part surface. So, for instance, you can switch to dissolvable support material near the surface of the print to make the supports easier to remove – and save money on often-costly dissolvable support filament.

In addition, the interactive print preview has been updated with more information about which process was used to create each part of your model. Several of the controls have been updated, including:

Keyboard scrolling: the keyboard up and down arrows can now be used to move through lines or layers of your print
Jump to location: new controls let you jump to an exact line or layer number to examine a specific point in time
Position readout: the XYZ position of the toolhead is now displayed in the print preview
Range controls: users now have the option to preview only as many lines or layers as they choose

Process transitions have also been improved to be completely seamless. A simple drag-and-drop functionality has been added to allow you to more easily order the print sequence of your parts, and sequential printing mode has been improved to allow a complete part to finish printing before the next one starts. The prime pillar and ooze shield have been updated to offer better support for multi-process prints, and a dynamic gap fill feature has been added, enabling users to automatically fill gaps or thin walls for added interior strength.

The Dense Supports feature has been updated to allow you to choose the materials used for different sections of your support structures, and a new break-away raft design has been introduced for easier raft removal. Placement and sizing of rafts has also been optimized to ensure that they’re only used where they’re absolutely needed, saving time and materials.