Ultimaker’s latest release for Cura, their popular free slicer software, is now available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. But, what are the new features and is it worth downloading number 3.1?

Dutch 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker have been working hard to enhance UI, test profiles and improve the functionality of their popular Slicer Cura. They also offer control of “all crucial settings”. And, Cura 3.1 is also compatible with HP 3D Scan Pro 5. However, what are some of the other new features?

The New Features of Cura 3.1

With the latest features, Ultimaker claim it’s possible to develop an “optimal printing strategy”. Some of their new features include:

• Faster speed – both response times are faster and when switching profiles, loading models of slicing, you’ll benefit from a 5-10% increase in speed.
• Floating models – models will float when a setting is enabled, so you can easily stack separate models, unlike with previous Cura releases.
• Quick camera controls – this one speaks for itself but could make a big difference for repositioning the camera view angle.
• Layer view. The existing Layer view has been updated and now includes a virtual print head that simulates the printing strategy. This can be used to preview the printing sequence of infill and walls, and if line ordering affects overhangs. The layer path slider has been added to navigate through the printing strategy of the selected layer.

New and improved slicing features

Aside from the highlights and the UI enhancements, one of the biggest changes Ultimaker has made is to the slicing features of Cura. For example, they offer:

• New profile added for 0.25 mm AA print core -  this involves optimized slicing settings which makes creating detailed prints easier.
• New profile added for breakaway filament - this is a new support material which includes optimized print settings. Post-processing for Breakaway is completely dry which is easier to remove than water-soluble material.
• Slicing tolerance - new tolerance affects the intersect point and influences “the dimensional accuracy of diagonal surfaces”. You can also select the behavior.
• Optimized zigzag patterns - If you’re printing zigzag patterns, it’ll now be a lot easier. Ultimaker has made it so lines have a 5-micron tolerance meaning longer connected lines.
• Line resolution - you can create lower or higher resolution polygons by specifying the allowed distance value between two points in G-code.

All3DP’s Thoughts on Cura 3.1

Cura 3.1 is more of a maintenance update and adds only some smaller features. This upgrade fixes a lot of bugs which have been noticed by users. The biggest changes come down to the slicing features.

Keep in mind that Ultimaker warn: “Upgrading from Ultimaker Cura 3.1 beta to Ultimaker Cura 3.1 stable may require manual removal of the user config file (located in the Ultimaker Cura 3.1 subdirectory). This fixes an issue with a wrong profile being generated and not being overwritten.”

If you want to download Ultimaker Cura 3.1? You can find it ready to download, here. If you’re not enjoying the new software update, then make sure to let Ultimaker known over on their forum.

Source: Press Release

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX2_e7RqUH0