/diy/ - Do It Yourself

>>1343363
Slicers take the model and cut it into paths along which the printer head moves. If you're familiar with CAD, it's pretty much the Z level of the tool head except it adds material instead of removing - see pic related.

Yes, you're technically correct in that CAD programs should be able to tell it what to do - there are some extra features like fan speed (for cooling), extrusion modifier (pretty much spindle speed), acceleration/speed settings (feed rate), bed and extruder temperatures.