Summer 2024: Slicing Update!

Over the summer, we've been taking some time to rebuild several areas of the platform - from the ground up! One we can announce now is the slicer.

If you've been using the Polar Cloud and never had to download a "slicer" before, a "slicing application" is a piece of 3D printing software that converts 3D models into machine-readable 3D printer "gcode". If you've ever tried to load an .STL or .OBJ directly to your 3D printer, you may notice that the file is incompatible and cannot be printed.

This is because you have to tell the file what printer it is being printed on and choose parameters that will result in your print ending up exactly how you imagined it in your mind. It's essentially "slicing" the file into several different layers, ready to be printed by the 3D printer.

With our new slicer, we chose a new open-source slicing engine and made optimizations to our slicing server. Next, we changed the way printer configurations and profiles are handled, so advanced users have more control over their presets. We'll continue to make improvements into the fall and are excited to keep you up to date as further changes are made.

With this release of the slicer, here's what you can expect:

• Faster slicing times
• Faster printing
• More powerful profile options (different nozzle sizes, filament types, etc.)
• More accurate estimates (in queue, for paid users)

Not to mention, new slicing parameters will be available shortly. Think - Vase Mode, 10+ different infill types.. all new levels of control and customization!

New Profile Management

Your printer now has a filament profile, a machine profile, and a general profile for the slicing details.

New, More Accurate Estimates