So I am normally very put off by 3rd-party software when it comes to this sort of application, so I thought I'd share my experiences.
I have a Da Vinci 2.0 Duo that has been, shall we say... temperamental. It worked fine out of the box and I was thrilled with the simplistic software. I do all my own modeling and didn't need anything more sophisticated. Unfortunately, the printer only wanted to work in fits and starts, suffering a myriad of bizarre issues and prompting many unkind emails from myself to da vinci's support staff(I would rate their support as only so-so, but given what they have to work with its understandable).
Anyway, after RMAing the entire printer once and being told to RMA just the nozzles next, both for things that were clearly software problems, I decided it couldn't hurt to start looking at alternate solutions. While randomly surfing the forums I had heard someone mention Simplify3D and it looked like the most professional. It also had the ability to support my printer out of the box, without any settings. The downside is they have no demo, you either buy it or all you get are videos and articles to look at. This bugged me, but it pretty much came down to this: either the software was going to fix my printer, or I was going to buy a new printer. In which case, I'd still have the software.
Its $150 USD, digital download. The order process is quick and painless, and there is a 14-day refund period.
So keep in mind at this point I was literally unable to print using XYZ's proprietary software. I loaded Simplify, selected my printer from the list... and with no other changes was able to import and flawlessly print a simple model.
The software isn't perfectly intuitive, but it's also much more powerful than what come's with the printer. Setting up things like supports is a bit complicated, and the rotation and placement tools require a bit of know-how. Otherwise, it is MUCH better at detecting problems with your mesh and appears to have greatly improved control over the printer itself, allowing it to "force" a print that XKYware might not manage.
I haven't gotten around to playing with the calibration section yet, but the simple fact that it has a software calibration features means its probably going to be easier. I don't know if you've ever tried to calibrate a Da Vinci. It took me about 16 hours last time and still wasn't perfect.
I also have to say, the support for Simplify is really good. Very knowledgeable; and, frankly, the cost was worth it to get actual support rather than having to bump around on a user forum or something. So, yeah, I'm sold on this stuff.
I have a Da Vinci 2.0 Duo that has been, shall we say... temperamental. It worked fine out of the box and I was thrilled with the simplistic software. I do all my own modeling and didn't need anything more sophisticated. Unfortunately, the printer only wanted to work in fits and starts, suffering a myriad of bizarre issues and prompting many unkind emails from myself to da vinci's support staff(I would rate their support as only so-so, but given what they have to work with its understandable).
Anyway, after RMAing the entire printer once and being told to RMA just the nozzles next, both for things that were clearly software problems, I decided it couldn't hurt to start looking at alternate solutions. While randomly surfing the forums I had heard someone mention Simplify3D and it looked like the most professional. It also had the ability to support my printer out of the box, without any settings. The downside is they have no demo, you either buy it or all you get are videos and articles to look at. This bugged me, but it pretty much came down to this: either the software was going to fix my printer, or I was going to buy a new printer. In which case, I'd still have the software.
Its $150 USD, digital download. The order process is quick and painless, and there is a 14-day refund period.
So keep in mind at this point I was literally unable to print using XYZ's proprietary software. I loaded Simplify, selected my printer from the list... and with no other changes was able to import and flawlessly print a simple model.
The software isn't perfectly intuitive, but it's also much more powerful than what come's with the printer. Setting up things like supports is a bit complicated, and the rotation and placement tools require a bit of know-how. Otherwise, it is MUCH better at detecting problems with your mesh and appears to have greatly improved control over the printer itself, allowing it to "force" a print that XKYware might not manage.
I haven't gotten around to playing with the calibration section yet, but the simple fact that it has a software calibration features means its probably going to be easier. I don't know if you've ever tried to calibrate a Da Vinci. It took me about 16 hours last time and still wasn't perfect.
I also have to say, the support for Simplify is really good. Very knowledgeable; and, frankly, the cost was worth it to get actual support rather than having to bump around on a user forum or something. So, yeah, I'm sold on this stuff.
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