MatterControl
MatterControl is a comprehensive open-source 3D printing software that combines design, preparation, and printer management into a single interface to streamline your entire additive manufacturing workflow.
Simplify3D
Simplify3D is a professional 3D printing software that provides a complete suite of tools to import, slice, and control your 3D printer for high-quality results and faster print speeds.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MatterControl | Simplify3D |
|---|---|---|
| Website | matterhackers.com | simplify3d.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | One_time |
| Starting Price | Free | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2012 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Foothill Ranch, USA | Cincinnati, USA |
Overview
MatterControl
MatterControl is an all-in-one desktop application designed to take you from initial concept to finished 3D print without switching between multiple programs. You can design parts from scratch using geometric primitives, import existing digital models, and slice them for production all within the same workspace. It eliminates the friction of managing separate CAD and slicing tools by providing a unified environment where your design changes update your print settings instantly.
You can manage your entire library of 3D designs and organize them into projects for easy access. The software supports a vast range of desktop 3D printers and offers advanced features like hardware-level leveling and cloud-syncing for your settings. Whether you are a hobbyist calibrating a single machine or a professional managing a small fleet, it provides the tools you need to ensure consistent print quality and reliable results.
Simplify3D
Simplify3D is a comprehensive 3D printing suite designed to bridge the gap between your digital models and physical objects. You can import your designs, simulate the printing process, and generate optimized instructions for your 3D printer within a single, integrated interface. It supports hundreds of different 3D printer models, ensuring you have a consistent experience regardless of the hardware you use.
The software focuses on giving you granular control over every aspect of your print. You can customize support structures, adjust cooling settings for specific layers, and use the lightning-fast slicing engine to prepare complex models in seconds. Whether you are an individual maker or part of a professional engineering team, it helps you reduce print failures and improve the surface quality of your finished parts.
Overview
MatterControl Features
- Integrated Design Tools Create 3D models directly in the app using simple geometric shapes and text tools to save time on basic design tasks.
- Advanced Slicing Engine Convert your 3D models into G-Code with highly customizable settings for layer height, infill density, and support structures.
- Software Print Leveling Achieve perfect first layers even on uneven print beds by using the automated software-based bed leveling calibration wizard.
- Cloud Sync Capabilities Access your print settings, custom profiles, and design library from any computer by syncing your data to the cloud.
- Print Recovery Protect your long-running projects from power outages or accidental disconnections with built-in tools to resume interrupted prints.
- Hardware Control Monitor your printer in real-time and adjust temperatures or movement speeds on the fly during the printing process.
Simplify3D Features
- Lightning-Fast Slicer. Slice complex 3D models in seconds rather than minutes so you can spend more time printing and less time waiting.
- Custom Support Structures. Place and remove support structures manually to protect delicate features and ensure easy removal without damaging your finished model.
- Dynamic Layer Settings. Apply different settings to different regions of your model to optimize strength, speed, or detail exactly where you need it.
- Realistic Print Simulations. Watch a detailed pre-print animation of your build process to identify potential issues before you waste any filament or time.
- Multi-Part Customization. Assign different settings to different parts on the same build plate to maximize efficiency during high-volume production runs.
- Extensive Printer Support. Connect with over 600 different 3D printers using pre-configured profiles that guarantee compatibility right out of the box.
Pricing Comparison
MatterControl Pricing
- Full CAD design suite
- Integrated slicing engine
- Unlimited printer profiles
- Cloud library storage
- Automatic print leveling
- G-Code terminal access
- Everything in Open Source, plus:
- Regular software updates
- Community forum access
- Online documentation
- Open-source code access
- Plugin support
Simplify3D Pricing
- One-time purchase price
- Install on 2 computers
- Supports 600+ printers
- One year of free updates
- Professional support access
- Everything in Personal, plus:
- Shared network licensing
- Easily move between users
- Centralized seat management
- Ideal for labs and offices
Pros & Cons
MatterControl
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscription fees
- Unified workflow combines design and slicing in one app
- Excellent software-based bed leveling for older printers
- Frequent updates and active development from MatterHackers
- Clean and modern user interface compared to competitors
Cons
- Higher system resource usage than basic slicers
- Learning curve for the integrated design tools
- Occasional bugs in newer experimental software releases
Simplify3D
Pros
- Slicing engine is significantly faster than most competitors
- Manual support placement offers unmatched control over prints
- Extensive library of pre-configured professional printer profiles
- One-time purchase avoids the hassle of monthly subscriptions
Cons
- No free version available for casual hobbyists
- Major version upgrades often require an additional fee
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to modern apps