Simplify3D
Simplify3D develops and sells Simplify3D Desktop Software, a premium one-time-licensed 3D printing slicer supporting 600+ printers from hundreds of OEMs. It serves engineers, manufacturers, designers, educators, and hobbyists in 170+ countries via direct downloads and OEM bundling.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersCincinnati, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Simplify3D does
Simplify3D, Inc. is a privately held US software company founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, that develops and sells Simplify3D Desktop Software, a premium commercial build-preparation (slicing) application for fused-deposition and additive 3D printing. The product converts 3D model files (STL, OBJ, and similar formats) into machine-specific G-code, incorporating physics-based optimizations such as adaptive layer height, 3D infill patterns, automatic mesh repair, and a patented support-structure generator with user-tunable parameters. Its core technical differentiator is a proprietary next-generation slicing engine, rebuilt from the ground up for Version 5.0 (December 2022), which the company reports runs 3.0x faster than its predecessor and supports more than 600 different 3D printers from hundreds of OEM brands.
The company's commercial model is built on one-time perpetual software licenses sold primarily via self-serve digital download at US$199 per user, with discounted upgrade paths for prior version holders and a 25%+ education discount program. Volume and floating/offline license tiers address enterprise and institutional procurement needs, while OEM bundling partnerships with FlashForge (2018) and Dremel DigiLab (2017) embed Simplify3D into shipped hardware as a default or upgraded software option. Distribution is direct-to-customer through cloud.simplify3d.com, supplemented by community forums, a YouTube tutorial library, and a blog archive dating to 2013. Named customers visible on the company website include Continental, Siemens, Honeywell, Philips, Amazon, Microsoft, Airbus, and Google; the company states it serves customers in over 170 countries. The company is led by CEO Clayton Webster, has between 11 and 50 employees, and shows no disclosed outside funding, subsidiaries, or M&A activity.
Simplify3D firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Simplify3D
- Legal name
- Simplify3D, Inc.
- Website
- https://simplify3d.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Simplify3D develops and sells Simplify3D Desktop Software, a premium one-time-licensed 3D printing slicer supporting 600+ printers from hundreds of OEMs. It serves engineers, manufacturers, designers, educators, and hobbyists in 170+ countries via direct downloads and OEM bundling.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Simplify3D industry classification
Industry- Product category
- 3D Printing Software
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Printing (323120)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Slicing & Build Preparation Software (IMAAACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Machine Control, Firmware & Print Management (IMAAACAD)
Keywords
Where Simplify3D is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cincinnati
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Simplify3D business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software License Sales: One-time perpetual license purchase at $199 USD per user. Not a subscription model - customers pay once and own the license. Future major version upgrades (e.g., V6) may require separate upgrade payments, but 5.x updates are included free.
- Version Upgrades: One-time discounted payment for existing license holders to upgrade to new major versions. V4 to V5 upgrade available at discounted price. Future major version upgrades may require separate purchase.
- Volume/Enterprise Licensing: Contact-us pricing for volume discounts. Floating licenses and offline licenses available for enterprise organizations with special administrative needs.
- Education Program: Discounted pricing for students, educators, and administrators. Save 25% or more on purchases through the Education Discount Program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard License - $199 per user |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Floating License - Enterprise option |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Offline License - Enterprise option |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Volume Discounts - Contact for pricing |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Education Discount - 25%+ savings |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | V4 to V5 Upgrade - Discounted for existing users |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Simplify3D product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Simplify3D develops and sells commercial desktop slicing (build preparation) software for 3D printing. The software converts 3D model files (STL and other formats) into machine-specific G-code using a proprietary slicing engine with patented support structure technology. It supports more than 600 different 3D printers from hundreds of OEM brands and is sold as a one-time perpetual license with optional floating and offline enterprise license types.
Product overview
Simplify3D offers a single unified product: Simplify3D Desktop Software, a premium commercial 3D printing build preparation (slicing) application. The current version is Version 5.x, with Version 5.0 (December 2022) representing a ground-up rebuild with next-generation slicing engine, and Version 5.1 (May 2023) adding print quality advancements and expanded connectivity. The software supports over 600 different 3D printers from hundreds of OEM brands, provides complete control over the 3D printing process through customizable support structures, variable part settings, and a unique process system. Available for Windows 7+, Linux Ubuntu 64-bit, and macOS 10.13+ with Standard, Floating, and Offline license options at $199 USD per user.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Simplify3D Desktop Software Build preparation (slicing) software for 3D printing that converts 3D model files (STL, etc.) into machine-specific G-code using a proprietary slicing engine with patented support structure technology. Supports more than 600 3D printers from hundreds of OEM brands, available for Windows 7+, Linux Ubuntu 64-bit, and macOS 10.13+. Licensed as Standard, Floating, and Offline perpetual licenses at $199 USD per user.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3.0x faster slicing performance compared to V4
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Simplify3D
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Simplify3D technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Simplify3D partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- FlashForgecorePartnership agreement enabling FlashForge to offer Simplify3D software along with Dreamer and Creator Pro printers. Customers receive bundled hardware and software combinations for professional use. The partnership provides new functionality including variable print settings, customizable supports, mesh repair tools, innovative dual-extrusion workflows, and wide range of print customization options. Simplify3D had already supported many prior FlashForge printer models.
- Dremel DigiLabcorePartnership to expand printing capabilities of Dremel 3D20, 3D40, and 3D45 printers. Dremel, part of Bosch global manufacturing conglomerate, collaborated with Simplify3D to optimize combined hardware and software capabilities. Simplify3D provides one-click access to pre-configured settings optimized for Dremel printers. The software allows schools and businesses to use a single consistent interface across multiple 3D printer types.
- MakerGearminorNew partnership with MakerGear LLC, described as 'the father of P...' (likely 'P' as in professional desktop 3D printing). Early partnership in Simplify3D's history.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Simplify3D competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ultimaker (Cura): Ultimaker develops Cura, the leading free/open-source desktop 3D printing slicer bundled with a major printer line. Cura is Simplify3D's most direct open-source competitor in build preparation software.
- Prusa Research (PrusaSlicer): Prusa offers PrusaSlicer, a free open-source slicer tightly integrated with Prusa's popular printer hardware. Competes head-on with Simplify3D on slicing features and OEM distribution.
- Bambu Lab (Bambu Studio / Orca Slicer): Bambu Lab ships Bambu Studio (with Orca Slicer as its open-source base), the slicer bundled with its fast-growing line of consumer/prosumer 3D printers. Directly competes with Simplify3D in both slicer functionality and embedded distribution.
- Formlabs (PreForm): Formlabs offers PreForm, a proprietary slicer for its SLA/resin 3D printers. A direct competitor in premium build-preparation software bundled with proprietary hardware ecosystems.
- Materialise (Magics): Materialise Magics is a professional-grade AM data preparation and slicing platform used in industrial 3D printing. Directly comparable to Simplify3D for engineering and manufacturing customers needing advanced build preparation.
Broad incumbents
- Stratasys (GrabCAD Print): Stratasys offers GrabCAD Print, a slicer/work-preparation tool sold alongside its industrial polymer and metal 3D printers and broader AM software portfolio. A broad incumbent competitor with overlapping but wider offerings.
- 3D Systems (3D Sprint / CubePro): 3D Systems sells its own build-preparation software alongside metal and polymer printers. A broad incumbent in 3D printing with overlapping slicer capability as part of a much larger portfolio.
- Autodesk (Fusion 360 / Netfabb): Autodesk offers AM build-preparation capabilities inside Fusion 360 and Netfabb, integrating slicing with CAD/CAM/CAE workflows. A broad incumbent that competes for the same engineering customers Simplify3D serves.
- Ansys (Additive Print / Additive Science): Ansys provides AM simulation and print-preparation software as part of its engineering simulation portfolio, competing with Simplify3D for professional users who need advanced build insights.
Emerging players
- Orca Slicer (open source): Orca Slicer is a community-driven open-source slicer derived from Bambu Studio with deep feature parity in calibration, supports, and multi-material workflows. A free, fast-moving emerging alternative in the same niche Simplify3D targets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Simplify3D social profiles
Digital presenceSimplify3D financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Simplify3D leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Simplify3D funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Simplify3D M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Simplify3D
What does Simplify3D do?
Simplify3D develops and sells commercial desktop slicing (build preparation) software for 3D printing. The software converts 3D model files (STL and other formats) into machine-specific G-code using a proprietary slicing engine with patented support structure technology. It supports more than 600 different 3D printers from hundreds of OEM brands and is sold as a one-time perpetual license with optional floating and offline enterprise license types.
Is Simplify3D a public or private company?
Simplify3D is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Simplify3D founded?
Simplify3D was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Simplify3D based?
Simplify3D is headquartered in Cincinnati, United States, in the North America region.
How does Simplify3D make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Software License Sales are the primary driver. The others are version Upgrades, volume/Enterprise Licensing and education Program.
Who are Simplify3D's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ultimaker (Cura), Prusa Research (PrusaSlicer), Bambu Lab (Bambu Studio / Orca Slicer), Formlabs (PreForm) and Materialise (Magics). Broad incumbents are Stratasys (GrabCAD Print), 3D Systems (3D Sprint / CubePro), Autodesk (Fusion 360 / Netfabb) and Ansys (Additive Print / Additive Science). Orca Slicer (open source) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Simplify3D have an API?
No public API is recorded for Simplify3D.
What industry is Simplify3D in?
Simplify3D's product category is 3D Printing Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAACAC, Slicing & Build Preparation Software, with a secondary code of IMAAACAD, Machine Control, Firmware & Print Management. Its NAICS code is 323120.