The Neptune 4 is a FDM [fused deposition modeling] or FFF [fused filament fabrication] printer, meaning it builds up the print layer by layer. In order to print an object we use software to “slice” it into layers of drawn patterns made from the extruder that combine (fuse) together to form the finished part.

The slicer is what takes an object file, slices it into layers that need to be drawn by the extruder, and produces the necessary gcode file that are the set of instructions for the printer.