Cura is the benchmark slicer software for all Ultimaker 3D printers, but it can also be used with most other 3D printers. It’s fully open source and can be extended via a plugin system. As one of the most popular and widely used 3D printing slicers on the market, there’s a good chance that the optimal profile settings for your 3D printer are already available on the software, making it easy to get started right away.
This 3D printing software is very easy to use and allows you to manage the most important 3D print settings in a clear interface. Start in “Recommended” mode for rapid on-boarding, where you can choose reconfigured printer quality settings.
When you need more precise control over the settings, switch to over “Custom” mode. In “Custom” mode, Cura presents users with the ability to tweak more than 400 settings. This slicer is constantly being updated and refined, so new versions are constantly released.
You can also use Cura as 3D printer host software for direct control over your machine, but the 3D printer needs to be connected to the PC for the duration. Seamless CAD integration with the likes of SolidWorks and Siemens NX prove the software’s worth in professional applications, but for the vast majority of home users, Cura is a simple and accessible slicer for 3D printing.
