What are slicers used for in the context of Fused Deposition Modeling?

Slicers play a crucial role in the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process by converting STL files, which are standard files used to define 3D models, into a format that can be interpreted by 3D printers. The slicer software processes the 3D model and generates a series of instructions, called G-code, which guides the printer on how to build the object layer by layer. This includes details about the printer's movements, the speed of extrusion, and the layer height, among other parameters.

The other options do not represent the primary function of a slicer. For example, while there are methods to modify filament color, slicers do not influence filament attributes. Cleaning the printer head and maintaining temperature are important aspects of printer maintenance and operation but are not functions performed by a slicer. Thus, the role of a slicer is specifically to facilitate the translation from digital design to physical object by generating the necessary instructions for 3D printing.