There’s a new software option to enable 3D printing of very large objects.
A common question I always hear from 3D print newbies is, “how big can it print?” The answer is, of course, it doesn’t matter because you can break any model into smaller parts that fit into the machine you’re currently using.
Cutting parts is not that hard. Several software tools offer “cut planes” that can chop 3D models up. But there’s a problem: how do you ensure the parts fit together perfectly aligned? Also, how do you identify the many separate parts?
That makes manual segmentation challenging, especially when you have many parts on larger models.
PrusaSlicer has a feature to insert holes and pegs when chopping a model, which is helpful, but you can’t really do that manually for 100 parts.
The go-to software up to now has been Luban, which provides automated model chopping with identifiers and alignment features — and many other features. There’s only one problem with Luban: cost.
As of this writing, Luban is priced either by subscription or a one-time fee. It costs US$25 per month, US$125 per year, or US$625 for a lifetime one-time license fee. That can be quite expensive, more than the cost of some 3D printers.
There’s now an alternative: Split3r.
This new software, developed by France-based Qualup SAS, provides automated part segmentation, including alignment features and part identifiers. That’s all you need to break up large 3D models into smaller, printer-sized chunks.
Here are the features, according to Qualup SAS:
- Smart Splitting by Build Volume – Based on your printer’s size
- Automatic Joints – Several mortise/tenon types, or custom designs
- Real-time 3D Preview – Instantly visualize and adjust your cut plan
- Support-Optimized Cuts – Reduce support material, print smarter
- Exploded View Mode – Visual aid for verifying and assembling parts
- Custom Part Labels – STL files and parts labeled with 3D markings
- Native Format (.s3r) – Save all parameters and geometry in one file.
- Compatible with All Slicers – PrusaSlicer, Orca, Bambu Studio, Cura, etc.
- Perpetual License – No subscription, 2 activations per license.
Their video shows how it works:
That seems to be very straightforward, easy enough for every 3D printer operator to use.
The plan is to release a public beta in October, followed by an initial production release in December.
Here’s the best part: the price of Split3r is only €30 (US$35). That’s their launch price, which will double later.
That’s almost 10X less than Luban, making Split3r a great deal. I have a suspicion they will easily blow through their Kickstarter goal.
Via Kickstarter and Split3r
