Ultimaker Cura 5.0 is the latest addition to the famous line of free, open-source, slicing software from Ultimaker. The beta version adds new features that enhance print speed and print quality. The software features a new variable line width capability of this slicing engine that improves its ability to print fine details and thinner walls. The software now has support for Apple’s M1 chips and is capable of printing stronger parts.
“Ultimaker Cura 5.0 represents the biggest leap forward in print quality that the software has ever seen. This is the start of a true revolution in 3D printing technology,” says Miguel Calvo, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Ultimaker. “We believe that even those who have looked at 3D printing before and concluded that it may not be ready for their use, today it is time for them to look again. Until now, you had to make your design work for 3D printing. It’s time to turn the table… from designing for 3D printing to 3D printing for design.”
According to the company, the new version of this software can achieve 20% faster print. Unique applications in design, architecture, engineering, and metal 3D printing have been enabled by the enhanced slicing engine that sets a new threshold for finer and faster 3D prints. Cura 5.0’s variable line width capabilities result in achieving fewer gaps on the inside of printed parts, making the piece more solid, this leads to a stronger print with strength closely matching those produced using injection molding.
“Cura is evolving and there is much more freedom in the design for FFF, so the software is less of a limiting factor. Thin walls, and the kind of small design features that are often featured in injection molded parts, are created more efficiently and this results in applications being produced in an improved way in 3DP,” said Steve Cox – Engineer and 3D printing advocate.
