Orca Slicer

Orca Slicer is a free 3D printing slicer created by SoftFever, based on Bambu Studio. It translates the printing instruction into G-code to produce high quality prints. While it looks similar to Bambu Studio, it’s different because of its advanced features, like premade printer profiles for many popular 3D printers and automatic calibration tools.

In 3D printing, a program is needed to translate the instructions into G-code, a language that printers follow. Here, the Orca plays its role by perfectly translating your instructions to produce high-quality results from the printers. Orca slices the digital 3D model into layers and generates detailed instructions for the printers.

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What is Orca Slicer?

Orca Slicer is a free, open-source software that translates printing instructions into G-code, providing detailed instructions for 3D slicing and printing. This printing slicer combines features from other slicing software like Bambu Studio and SuperSlicer to improve the 3D printing process. It converts digital 3D models into G-code, slices the model into horizontal layers, and defines the tool paths, adjusting the printing settings to produce fine-tuned prints.

At first glance, Orca Slicer seems similar to Bambu Studio unless you use it for advanced projects. For example, you can use its AI error detection feature when handling larger projects with multiple print jobs. It has an auto-update mechanism to ensure users are always using the latest version. But despite the advanced features, it is still user-friendly, flexible, and compatible.

Key Features

Advanced Slicing Algorithm
AI Errors Detection Tools
Calibration Tools
Wide Compatibility

Multi Plate
Seam Feature
Precise wall

Download Orca Slicer [Latest Version]

Orca Slicer || v2.2.0|| 111 MB

For Windows

Operating System: Windows 7 or newer
Processor: Intel Core i3 or similar
Memory: At least 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 11
Storage: 500 MB of free space
Size: 111 MB

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For Mac

Operating System: MacOS 10.13
Processor: Intel Core i3 or similar
Graphics: GPU compatible with Metal
Memory: At least 4 GB RAM
Storage: 500 MB free space
Size: 163 MB

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For Linux

Processor: Intel Core i3 or comparable
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: Supports OpenGL 3.2
Storage: 500 MB of available space
Size: 136 MB

Download For Linux

What’s New

In the latest version of the Orca software tool, it can now integrate with Obico, a platform for managing 3D printers remotely. With Obico, you can now access and control your 3D printer right from within Orca Slicer. Here’s what you can do with the Obico integration:

Control your printer remotely: You can start or stop prints from anywhere.
Monitor your prints in real-time: See your print progress and get live webcam feeds.
AI failure detection: Two AI systems help detect printing problems, one checks the entire print, and another focuses on the first layer to give you a detailed report and insights.
Large library of 3D models: Browse a variety of models, slice them, and send them directly to your printer.
Alerts for failed prints: You’ll get notifications if a print fails, and the system can pause or stop prints automatically if issues like spaghetti failure are detected.

Orca Slicer also integrates with other interfaces like Klipper (Mainsail and Fluidd) and OctoPrint to send models and control your printer over Wi-Fi through the Device Tab feature. With these updates, you can manage your 3D printing projects much more conveniently and efficiently.

How to Download and Install Orca Slicer? [Complete Guide]

You can download this advanced 3D printing tool on your Windows, Linux, and Mac. Each version’s minimum requirements differ, but the installation process for Windows, Linux, and Mac is the same.

Download Steps

If you want to download the Windows version of Orca Slicer, click on the Windows version button.
Similarly, you can download the Linux or Mac version by selecting the respective buttons for your desired operating system.

Installation Step

The Windows file is downloaded in .exe format. Just run it and follow the installation steps.
For MacOS, open the .dmg file and move Orca into the Applications folder.
On Linux, you can either run the.AppImage file directly or execute it through the terminal before running it.

Launch Orca Slicer

After you finish installing Slicer, go ahead and open the program.
Running it for the first time will prompt you to set it up for your specific 3D printer and select your login region. [Don’t worry, the setup wizard will guide you through each step to choose and configure your printer correctly]

Features in Detail

Advanced Algorithm

Orca Slicer uses advanced algorithms to make the prints precise and accurate. These smart calculations can manage complicated designs and improve the slicing process, which helps save both printing time and materials. This means you can get high-quality prints faster and with less waste.

Precise Wall Feature

This feature helps make the outer walls of your 3D prints better spaced, which makes them more accurate and stronger. It reduces any bumps or flaws, so your finished prints look smooth and hold up well.

Seam Feature

This lets you choose where the seams (the places where the printer starts and stops) will show on your print. You can pick options like having the seam closest to the last layer, lining it up neatly, hiding it at the back, or placing it randomly. There is also a tool that lets you paint or adjust the seams manually to give you more control over how your finished model looks.

Wider Compatibility

One of the best things about Orca Slicer is that it works with many different 3D printers, including well-known models like Prusa’s MMU and several Bambu Lab printers. This means more people can also use it like those having different types of printers.

Regular Updates

This slicing software is an open-source project, which means anyone can contribute to it. Because of this, it gets regular updates and improvements from the community. This way, users always get the newest features and better performance to make their 3D printing experience better.

Calibration Tools

This includes options for calibrating temperature, flow rate, pressure advance, retraction, tolerance test, max flow rate test, and vertical fine artifacts to optimize print quality.
– Temperature Calibration: Adjust print temperatures for consistent extrusion.
– Flow Rate Calibration: Fine-tune filament extrusion for the correct amount of material per layer.
– Pressure Advance Calibration: Compensate for extruder pressure to reduce issues like oozing and stringing.
– Retraction Test: Find the optimal retraction length to minimize stringing.
– Tolerance Test: Evaluate dimensional accuracy with hexagonal holes of varying tolerance.
– Max Flow Rate Test: This test helps you find out how much material your 3D printer can push out without losing print quality. By changing the speed of the filament, you can discover the fastest rate at which your printer can work while still making good-looking prints.
– Vertical Fine Artifacts (VFA) Test: The VFA test is designed to help users determine the optimal print speeds that minimize defects in 3D prints. By experimenting with different speeds, you can achieve smoother surfaces and better overall print quality.

How to use Orca Slicer? [Getting Started]

Using Orca Slicing software is straightforward, and it offers many features to help you get the best results for your 3D printing projects. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

1. Setting Up Your Printer

Orca slicing software is compatible with many printers and includes many pre-set profiles. If you are using a popular printer, then you will surely find a ready profile to set up.

Select Your Printer: You will start using this printing tool by selecting the printer you want to use for 3D printing.
Configure Filament Settings: The next step is about selecting and configuring the filament. Whatever filament you choose, this slicer automatically sets other settings like print speed and the temperature of the nozzle according to the chosen filament. You can adjust the settings by yourself. You can also get help from preset profiles for different brands and types of filaments to get started easily.
Enable Wireless Connectivity: You can connect Orca directly to the Bambu Lab printer via Wi-Fi to send your G-code files to the printer without using an SD card or USB cable.

2. Slicing and Printing

Create a New Project: Once your printer is set up, you can start slicing your first model. Click on “New Project” and drag your 3D model file into the slicer window. This model will be automatically placed on the build plate, and you can resize or rotate it if needed.
Adjust Settings: You can adjust how you slice the model using the options on the left side of the screen. The default settings will be displayed, and you can either accept them or customize them by changing the layer height, infill density, and print speed.
Slice Your Model: If you are completely satisfied with your settings, click the “Slice Plate” button in the top right. Orca will process your model, and once it’s done, you can preview the G-code. This preview shows how the printer will move layer by layer to double-check everything before printing.
Send Your File to the Printer: After slicing, you can export the G-code file to an SD card and insert it into your printer, or if your printer is connected to OctoPrint, Klipper, or Bambu Lab, you can send the file directly via Wi-Fi. If you have Orca Slicer linked to Obico, you can even monitor your printer’s progress from anywhere, even if you’re not on the same network.

Why Choose Orca Slicer?

Orca stands out among other slicing software because of its user-friendly interface, extensive features, and support for a wide range of printers. Here’s a simple comparison of Orca Slicer with other popular slicers like Cura, Prusa Slicer, Bambu Studio, and Super Slicer.

Feature	Orca Slicer	Cura	Prusa Slicer	Bambu Studio	Super Slicer
User-friendly	Easy to use	Easy to use	Easy to use	Easy to use	Moderate
Pre-configured Profiles	Many Available	Many Available	Many Available	Limited	Many Available
Wireless printing	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Advanced Settings	Yes	Yes	Yes	Limited	Yes
AI Error detection	Yes	No	No	No	No
Open Source	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Customizability	High	High	High	Moderate	High

FAQs

Yes, it is free to download and use.

Yes, it 100% is safe to use. You can download the latest and safest version from our official website.

Yes, this slicing software is compatible with many printers and comes with preset profiles that make it easy to set up your printer with this tool.

Conclusion

Orca Slicer is a versatile and advanced tool for 3D printing lovers. It can convert 3D models into precise G-code, integrate with various 3D printers, and provide advanced options like AI error detection and customizable settings to stand out in the crowded market of slicing software.

The open-source nature of Orca is under continuous community-driven improvements to keep it up to date with the latest advancements. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, Orca software provides the tools needed to achieve high-quality prints efficiently.