Eiger

Eiger is a browser-based tool for preparing 3D prints and coordinating Markforged printers. It suits teams making parts on Markforged devices, particularly when they need fiber controls alongside print management. Its appeal is a connected workflow tailored to that hardware; the main trade-off is that cloud work requires internet access.

Overview

Import an STL or STEP drawing, arrange parts into a build, adjust slicing and fiber settings, then create an MFP file for a Markforged printer. Eiger also centralizes printer management and print activity, giving teams a single place for preparation and coordination rather than separate tools for those tasks.

The cloud version requires an internet connection to upload, create, view, and share part, build, and print-job data. The maker says cloud build files are encrypted in transit and at rest, and that Eiger is ISO 27001 certified. Offline Eiger runs without internet access and does not upload user or part data to the cloud. That is a meaningful option for users who need local handling, but print files must be moved by USB or, with LAN Connector installed, over a local network.

Key features

Preparation for reinforced parts

Selective fiber reinforcement, fiber routing, and slicing controls make Eiger a focused choice for Markforged users producing reinforced parts. These controls matter more than broad printer-brand coverage for that audience; users with other printer ecosystems should look for a slicer built for their hardware.

Builds and printer activity

Users can arrange one or more parts into a build and generate an MFP file. Printer management and print activity live in the same workflow, while the Essential plan adds Job Requests for submitting, tracking, and fulfilling print requests. Blacksmith is a subscription feature available through Eiger that scans printed parts and compares them with design files, an option for teams that need that comparison step.

Pricing

Eiger uses a freemium model, with a free cloud platform and a paid offline subscription. The maker describes the free cloud platform as suitable for institutions with one to one hundred printers, making it a practical starting point for organizations in that range that can work online.

Choose the free plan if connected operation meets your needs. Offline Eiger is the relevant upgrade when keeping user and part data off the cloud takes priority; its price is custom. Blacksmith is also subscription-based, so it is an additional cost for users who need printed-part scanning and design comparison.

Platforms

Eiger supports web, Windows, macOS, and API access. The cloud workflow depends on an internet connection; Offline Eiger is the route for operation without one. Its output is MFP, and it accepts STL or STEP imports.

Who it's for

Eiger is best suited to teams and institutions using Markforged printers that want print preparation, fiber controls, and printer activity management in one workflow. The free cloud plan gives institutions with one to one hundred printers a starting point. It is less suitable for users who need a general-purpose slicer for other printer brands or who cannot use cloud services and do not want to manage file transfers themselves.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Fiber controls are built into preparation. Selective reinforcement and fiber routing suit users making reinforced parts on Markforged devices.
• Preparation and printer oversight share a workflow. Builds, MFP generation, printer management, and print activity are handled together.
• Offline operation is available. The standalone option keeps user and part data off the cloud and includes LAN Connector.
• Free cloud entry point. Institutions with one to one hundred printers can start without a plan fee.

Cons

• Hardware scope is narrow. The workflow is for Markforged machines, not a universal slicer choice.
• Cloud work depends on internet access. Uploading, creating, viewing, and sharing data require a connection.
• Offline printing adds handling. Files need USB transfer or a local network with LAN Connector installed.
• Offline cost is not fixed. The standalone subscription uses custom pricing.

Alternatives

For a free, open-source option, PrusaSlicer may suit users who do not need Eiger's Markforged-specific fiber and printer workflow. GrabCAD Print is worth considering for users seeking Stratasys printer support; its Standard plan is free per user annually, and it also offers a Pro plan.

Kiri:Moto is another free web-app option. KISSlicer may fit users who want a free single-extruder workflow, with a Premium Upgrade also offered. Orca-Flashforge is an alternative for users considering Flashforge software. QIDI Slicer is a free option for the Q1 Pro, X-Max3, X-Plus3, and X-Smart3, with firmware V4.0.0 or above required.

UltiMaker Cura may suit users seeking free, open-source desktop slicing software. Bambu Studio is a free option with SD-card printing available without its optional networking plugin. Browse the 3D Slicer Software directory for more choices.

Verdict

Choose Eiger if your work runs on Markforged devices and you want fiber-aware preparation, print activity, and printer management together. Its free cloud plan is a strong starting point for connected teams. Look elsewhere if you need a slicer for other printer brands; choose Offline Eiger only when avoiding cloud data is worth the custom-priced subscription and added file-transfer steps.