CHITUBOX vs ideaMaker

CHITUBOX Basic slices 3D mesh files and converts them into printable files for 3D printing. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and imports STL, OBJ, and 3MF models. Before printing, its checks can identify cavities, collisions, overhangs, and islands. Basic is listed at free. CHITUBOX Pro adds model splitting, labels, Boolean operations, custom holes, and multiple support forms. It also offers ChituAction for scripted workflows, Magic Supports for automated custom support creation, and a Resin Material Alliance cloud library for downloading resin data and uploading custom material data. Network Sending requires ChituManager and a compatible printer. A CHITUBOX account page offers a 7-day Pro trial after login. Personal license keys work on up to two computers and team keys on up to five. CHITUBOX Dental is designed for dentistry and provides one-click preparation for dental models; its license supports one computer. Dental plan listings include a 3-year plan for $499 as a one-time purchase and a yearly plan for $1,951,229 a year. A monthly Dental plan is listed without a price.

ideaMaker is a free 3D printing slicer that prepares models for printing by generating printer code. Its workflows cover FFF and DLP printing, and its current feature set also includes SLS functions. Raise3D says it is compatible with most FFF printers and Raise3D DLP printers. Inputs include STEP, IGES, 3MF, OBJ, STL and OLTP files; outputs include GCODE and DLPCODE. The software includes material-specific profiles for Raise3D filaments and resins, and users can browse and import third-party material templates from ideaMaker Library. Its preview simulates toolpaths and displays details such as speed, layer height, extruder and structure type. Parameters can be adjusted by group, layer or volume, while texture generation uses imported grayscale images to produce surface finishes. A workflow with RaiseCloud supports one-click print-file upload and printer connection. The listed minimum systems are 64-bit Windows 10, macOS 10.15 or later, and 64-bit Ubuntu 18.04 or later. The download page lists version 5.5.0 for Windows, Mac and Linux 64-bit.