Orca Slicer vs Bambu Studio: A Comprehensive Compare

Introduction

Selecting the best 3D printing slicer can be difficult since there are so many options to choose from. Therefore, this article aims to break down the main differences between two of the most popular free and open-source slicers, OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio. These two slicers share a common origin: OrcaSlicer is actually based on Bambu Studio, which in turn is derived from PrusaSlicer. As a result of such ancestry, both software have similar interfaces and workflows, thus making them rather user-friendly.

However, despite having many things in common with each other, these two programs are built for different kinds of users and come with various features too. For example, OrcaSlicer (made by SoftFever) has advanced tools as well as increased customization options that may attract experienced hands who enjoy tweaking print settings until they get it right, whereas Bambu Lab’s creation, called Bambu Studio, offers a seamless experience coupled with robust support and integration, especially for those using any of their 3D printers.

This all-encompassing guide will delve into what similarities exist between OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio before looking at where they differ, such as user interface design or slicing settings, among others, plus what standout features each one has over another, along with an overall user experience comparison too.

OrcaSlicer

OrcaSlicer is an upgraded version of Bambu Studio, adding more features like detailed print settings, a wider range of printer presets, and built-in calibration tools. It's an open-source slicer that works for both beginners and experienced users, making it a versatile and powerful tool for anyone interested in 3D printing.

How to Download and install OrcaSlicer

Downloading and Installing

OrcaSlicer is well documented, so even first-time users should be able to run it without any issues. Here’s a quick guide on how to download and install OrcaSlicer on your machine:

1. Go to the OrcaSlicer Releases page on GitHub.
2. Scroll down until you get to the part called "Assets."

3. Click on the zip file that will work for your machine. If you are using Windows, download the Windows installer.
4. Once you have downloaded the file, open it and follow the screen prompts to install the software. It should be direct and easy.
5. Run the OrcaSlicer software by opening it through the shortcut on your desktop.

After opening, there is still more setup that needs to be done:

1. Set the Login Region:

Choose where you will use your 3D printer.

2. Choose a 3D printer:

OrcaSlicer has many pre-configured 3D printer settings; select your printer from the menu or set up a Klipper or Marlin 3D printer.

3. Select the Filaments:

Choose the type of material that works with your 3D printer. All settings for temperature, diameter, and other parameters will be pre-set. (We have explained this later in this article.)

4. Install the Bambu Network Plug-in:

This allows a wireless connection to your 3D printer. It works well with both Bambu and Klipper 3D printers.

5. Sign in to your Bambu Lab account (optional):

If you have a Bambu 3D printer, you can access it through the Bambu Handy app.

Now that we’ve given a quick overview of OrcaSlicer and how to install it, let’s see what its unique features are.

Let’s start by looking at the user interface of OrcaSlicer:

User Interface of OrcaSlicer

The interface of OrcaSlicer was created to be easy and convenient for everyone. The entire settings are located on the left panel, where you can toggle between basic and advanced options and select printer profiles along with filament types.

At the top, there is a toolbar that contains different tools used for manipulating models, like moving, rotating, lying on the face (which flattens the object bottom according to the Z axis), and scaling, among others. Also, there is a support painting tool.

Using the prepare page, you are able to add helpful models for a quick test by right-clicking. For instance, the well-known 3DBenchy model can be added, as can the Voron cube or even primitive models such as cubes and cylinders.

The preview window appears after you slice a model and provides a clear overview of vital print statistics and allows for G-code verification. You can navigate it layer by layer using the horizontal and vertical sliders.

OrcaSlicer sets itself apart from other slicers like Cura in terms of setting organization. Rather than listing options by feature names, OrcaSlicer groups settings by their primary effect. For example, under the “Strength” tab, you can find infill settings, and under the “Quality” tab, you can find layer height settings. This allows beginners to understand how each setting affects the final print better and helps them quickly find what they need by thinking about what they want to achieve.

Standout Features of OrcaSlicer

OrcaSlicer introduces several innovative features that distinguish it from other popular slicers, like PrusaSlicer and Cura. These unique functionalities enhance the user experience and print quality, making OrcaSlicer a preferred choice for many 3D printing enthusiasts.

Some of these standout features are:

1. Many 3D printer profiles are available.

Unlike Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer is not made for specific types of printers. It comes with about 136 pre-configured 3D printer profiles from various brands, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of printers. You have the ability to add a custom printer too, making it a flexible choice for diverse 3D printing setups.

2. Multiple Slicing Plates

OrcaSlicer lets you prepare multiple slicing plates at once, which is very handy when dealing with batch prints. On separate plates, users can set up different models along with their own print settings, thereby streamlining workflow and saving time.

For example, you can slice a calibration cube on one plate and a temperature tower on another plate, each with its own settings. This feature is great for complex projects that require multiple prints with different configurations and settings.

3. Seam Gap

Visible seams on prints are a common issue in 3D printing, but OrcaSlicer addresses them with Seam Gap. By pausing material extrusion at the end of closed loops, this feature reduces the amount of deposited material, thus making seams less noticeable. It is especially useful for maintaining the aesthetic quality of printed objects as it decreases blobs and zits on the surface.

 

4. Wipe on Loop

Surface finish can be further improved by OrcaSlicer through Wipe on Loop. At the end of loops, this function moves the nozzle slightly inward, thereby “wiping” excess filament on the inside of the print, which helps reduce visible Z-seams, leading to a smoother and more professional-looking print.

 

5. Precise Wall

When printing with materials like ABS that are sensitive to temperature changes, dimensional accuracy becomes critical. In OrcaSlicer, Precise Wall enables users to control the distance between inner and outer walls very precisely. By adjusting the flow rate during wall printing, this feature ensures consistent wall thickness and overall print quality, making it easier to achieve precise, reliable prints.

 

6.Detect Overhang Walls

Compared with Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer possesses more advanced acceleration settings. That is, you can adjust the speed of infill separately from that of movement, inner walls, and bridges, thereby giving you a higher level of control over how your printer moves during various stages in the printing process. Also, you can change jerk levels for these factors right in Slicer.

Additional Features on OrcaSlicer

1. Advanced Acceleration and Jerk Settings

Compared with Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer possesses more advanced acceleration settings. That is, you can adjust the speed of infill separately from that of movement, inner walls as well as bridges hence giving you a higher level of control over how your printer moves during various stages in the printing process. Also, you can change jerk levels for these factors right in slicer.

2. Verbose G-code

Once enabled, verbose G-code within OrcaSlicer adds comments to every line of your G-code, making it easier to understand and troubleshoot any printing issues later on. This feature proves most useful for those advanced users who wish to analyze and optimize their print jobs.

3. Label Objects

This particular feature finds its usefulness among Klipper and OctoPrint users, where each model on the build plate gets labeled or named accordingly. If a print fails, using the Klipper exclude objects feature enables stopping only failed models from being printed, thus saving time as well as material.

4. Built-in calibration tools

Starting from version 1.4.1, OrcaSlicer includes a comprehensive calibration menu, expanding its capabilities significantly.

This menu includes tests for temperature towers, pressure advance, flow rate, Vertical Fine Artifacts (VFA), tolerance test, retraction test and maximum flow rate calibration, providing tools for fine-tuning print settings to achieve optimal print quality.

Each calibration test is easy to configure, and the slicer creates a suitable test model for you to print and evaluate by following the provided test guide.

Bambu Studio

Bambu Studio, developed by Bambu Lab, is a slicer based on PrusaSlicer with some ideas from UltiMaker’s Cura. It stands out with its project-based workflow, offering tools for comprehensive project management. It provides pre-installed profiles for various printers besides the Bambu lab printers, simplifying the setup process for new users. Advanced features include tree supports, support painting, and ironing, with options for classic and Arachne wall generation.

Accessibility and Setup

Bambu Studio is available for Windows and MacOS, with community-supported versions for Linux.

Downloading and installing

Downloading and installing Bambu Studio is straightforward. Here’s how you can get it set up on your machine:

1. Visit the Bambu Lab website:

Go to the official Bambu Lab download page.

2. Download the installer:

Select the appropriate installer for your operating system (Windows, MacOS, or Linux).

3. Run the installer:

Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Bambu Studio.

After installation, you can set up your printer profiles and start slicing your models.

User Interface and Layout

Bambu Studio's user interface is modern and user-friendly. The main sections include Home, Prepare, Preview, Device, Project, and Calibration.

From the left panel, where all settings exist (similar to OrcaSclicer), users can select their printer and filament easily, with a clear layout for tweaking and tuning print settings that are categorized as the same as OrcaSclicer in terms of Quality, Strength, Speed, Support and Others.

There is also a similar tool bar like OrcaSlicer that allows quick access to some options, most of which are related to model manipulation. It includes unique tools like the "Cut" tool, which allows users to divide parts for easier printing.

To be more precise, Bambu Studio is the one that looks like OrcaSlicer because it is a fork of it, not the other way around. But we compare Bambu Studio to OrcaSlicer here because we started our explanation with OrcaSlicer.

source: wiki.bambulab.com

The "Mesh Boolean" feature enables users to perform union, difference, and intersection operations, allowing for the creation of new shapes by combining, subtracting, or retaining intersecting sections of the models.

Additionally, the "Text Shape" command allows for embossing text on models, adding a level of customization not typically found in other slicers.

Standout Features of Bambu Studio

1. Project-Based Workflow

One of the best features in Bambu Studio is the project-based workflow, which makes 3D printing much easier for both creators and users. It uses a multi-plate system where you can organize many objects on different plates within one project. This means you can plan and arrange your printing project tasks all in one place just by dragging and dropping objects between plates in 3D view.

source: wiki.bambulab.com

Bambu Studio also makes it simple to switch between viewing the parts view and the full assembly view of your model. In Parts View, you can split a model into different parts and print them in various colors without special equipment. In Assembly View, you see how all parts fit together, which helps with colorizing, setting print parameters, and assembling the final product.

Note: To use the assembly features fully, it's best to import your model as a STEP file. This way, you can get most of Bambu Studio’s tools, which make complex 3D printing projects simpler and more efficient.

2. Filament profiles

Bambu Studio supports over 30 different filament profiles that range from standard materials like PLA to more advanced ones such as PC, PAHT-CF, PET-CF, and various support types. Although most of these filaments are Bambu-based, the software also includes many generic profiles, some from Polymaker and eSUN.

Users are not limited to these preset profiles; you can create and tweak your own custom material profiles for a wide range of filaments, including PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, TPU, PC, etc. Or add specific material from another vendor that does not exist.

To do that, just click on the gear icon besides the filament section in the left panel, then click on Custom Filaments and then Create New.

This will open a new window where you can enter some information about the new filament. After creating it, you can access it from the left panel, and you can click on the edit icon beside it to adjust its characteristics.

If you need to read a more detailed guide on how to create custom filaments in Bambu Studio, just follow this guide from Bambu Lab.

3. Bambu Printer Live Streams

Bambu Studio comes with a feature called “Go Live” that lets users stream their 3D printing activities directly to Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). This is perfect for those who create content or are hobbyists and want to show off their projects on social media like TikTok or YouTube, where watching 3D printers at work has become popular.

If you are interested in using this feature and want to know more about how to set it up, follow this link from Bambu Lab: Bambu Studio Virtual Camera Guide.

4. MakerWorld Integration

MakerWorld is a new collaborative 3D model platform by Bambu Lab that integrates with Bambu Studio. This platform goes beyond popular repositories like Printables by offering not only printable files but also tips for slicing, filament presets, printing settings, and expert knowledge.

With MakerWorld, users can directly open models in Bambu Studio and access pre-configured slicing profiles, filament parameters, and print settings. This seamless integration allows users to print models with tailored settings with a single click, enhancing the overall printing experience.

Comparing OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio

User Experience

Both slicers have a clean and organized interface. However, OrcaSlicer provides advanced customization options, which makes it great for users who want more control over their prints. On the other hand, project management in Bambu Studio simplifies multi-part projects while focusing on ease of use.

Support and Community

Bambu Studio has official resources provided by Bambu Lab, such as an FAQ page, a wiki, and other community forums where technical support can be accessed through the ticketing system too. Conversely, OrcaSlicer relies on GitHub discussions, Discord, and a dedicated subreddit for support since it is community-driven.

They both have active user communities that contribute to ongoing development and troubleshooting.

Unique Features and Innovations

OrcaSlicer has features like seam gaps, wipe-on loops, and precise wall settings to improve print quality by fixing issues like visible seams and wall accuracy. The seam gap reduces visible seams, and the wipe-on loops smooth out filament build-up for a cleaner finish. Precise wall settings ensure consistent wall thickness. Additionally, OrcaSlicer’s calibration tools, like temperature towers and pressure advance tests, help fine-tune print settings for the best results.

On the other hand, Bambu Studio has several unique features that distinguish it from others. First, its project-based workflow allows you to organize many objects on different plates within one project, making planning and printing easier, especially when dealing with complex prints with multiple parts. It also integrates with multicolor printing through Bambu Lab AMS, thereby simplifying multi-material prints by optimizing filament changes.

Bambu Studio supports over 30 filament profiles and allows you to create and tweak custom profiles, adding to its versatility. Additionally, it offers a "Go Live" feature for streaming the printing process via OBS, a "Mesh Boolean" feature for performing union, difference, and intersection operations on models, and a "Text Shape" command for embossing text on models.

Finally, Bambu Studio integrates with MakerWorld, enabling users to open models directly with pre-configured settings for a seamless printing experience.

Printer Integration and Compatibility

OrcaSlicer

When it comes to printer integration, OrcaSlicer is the best there is. It has presets for almost every 3D printer out there, and you can also add your own custom ones without any problems. Also, this slicer supports many printers with Marlin or Klipper firmware; these are highly customizable options that allow users to adjust their printer settings for maximum performance.

Bambu Studio

Bambu Studio supports multiple printers as well but focuses more on the seamless integration of Bambu Lab printers. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that other machines won’t work with this slicer; profiles for Creality or Prusa (which are third-party printers) are included too. However, Bambu Studio works best with Bambu Lab printers; they will provide the greatest performance and compatibility.

Calibration and fine-tuning

OrcaSlicer

Calibration is one of the strongest suits of the OrcaSlicer. The built-in calibration menu includes various tools like temperature towers, pressure advance tests, or flow rate adjustments. These tools help users achieve better accuracy and quality in their prints by fine-tuning different parameters. Moreover, OrcaSlicer offers advanced features such as Vertical Fine Artifacts (VFA) and maximum flow rate calibration; those things guarantee precise and reliable prints.

Bambu Studio

While Bambu Studio offers a range of advanced features, its calibration tools are not as extensive as those in OrcaSlicer. The slicer focuses more on providing a user-friendly experience with robust default settings, making it easier for beginners to achieve good results without extensive fine-tuning. However, experienced users may find the lack of advanced calibration options limiting compared to OrcaSlicer.

Multi-Material and Multi-Color Printing

OrcaSlicer

OrcaSlicer excels in multi-material and multi-color printing. The slicer provides detailed control over filament selection, prime tower settings, and support materials, allowing users to manage complex prints with multiple filaments efficiently.

Bambu Studio

Bambu Studio also supports multi-material printing, but not only that; it is particularly good at multi-color printing when combined with Bambu Lab AMS. The slicer’s integration with AMS makes preparing multi-material prints much easier, as it calculates flushing volumes automatically and optimizes filament changes accordingly.

Furthermore, there is a "Color Painting" tool in Bambu Studio that lets you paint different areas of the model with different filaments so that they come out in various colors after printing; this feature alone makes this slicer worth considering for anyone involved in multi-material or multi-color printing on a regular basis.

Remote Printer Control

OrcaSlicer

OrcaSlicer provides robust remote printer control capabilities through its Device Tab. This feature integrates with popular printer control platforms like OctoPrint, Mainsail, Fluidd, Obico, and more.

It allows users to manage their 3D printers directly from the slicer interface, eliminating the need to switch between different programs or web browsers. Users can monitor print progress via a live camera feed, start or stop prints, and send files directly to the printer. This centralized control streamlines the printing process, saves time, and minimizes errors.

For a comprehensive guide on how to set up and use the Device Tab in OrcaSlicer, including step-by-step instructions and additional tips, you can read our detailed article: OrcaSlicer Device Tab - What it is and How to Set it Up.

Bambu Studio

Comprehensive remote printer control is also provided by Bambu Studio, which is optimized for Bambu Lab printers. The Device Tab in Bambu Studio supports control platforms such as OctoPrint, Klipper, Duet, FlashAir, AstroBox, Repetier, and MKS.

Bambu Studio has a special embedded interface for Bambu printers that enables seamless remote management.

source: wiki.bambulab.com

Furthermore, the Bambu Handy app adds to the capability of remote control with features like:

Monitor the printing process: live camera feeds and print status is viewable.

Error check and report: find errors instantly and receive notifications.

Manage Printer: Set up and control printer settings via your phone.

Auto-recording: Record the printing process so you can diagnose failures later on.

Auto timelapse video creation: Create timelapses of prints for sharing or reviewing purposes.

Self-test program guides: Help diagnose equipment problems through guided checks.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, whether you should go for OrcaSlicer or Bambu Studio depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want a slicer that gives you full control over your prints with lots of customization options, then OrcaSlicer is the best choice for you. It is a powerful tool used to produce high-quality prints because of its advanced settings and unique features.

On the other hand, Bambu Studio has a project-based workflow and user-friendly interface, which makes it perfect for people who handle complex projects but still need simplicity in their work. It can be used with Bambu Lab printers and supports different types of materials; therefore, this versatility makes it suitable for many 3D printing applications, especially multi-color printing.

These two slicers are not static, as there are active communities around them that keep improving through developers’ contributions. Hence, expect an enriched slicing experience for your 3D printing, regardless of whether you select OrcaSlicer or Bambu Studio.