Cura
Cura is a free, open source 3D printing software. It allows you to prepare 3D models for printing by slicing them into layers and generating the necessary gcode for your 3D printer. Cura is easy to use and works with most desktop 3D printers.
3d-printing
slicing
gcode
open-source
cad
maker
ultimaker
Cura: Free 3D Printing Softwares
A free, open source 3D printing software for preparing 3D models for printing by slicing and generating gcode for desktop 3D printers.
What is Cura?
Cura is a free, open source software for 3D printing preparation and slicing. Developed by Ultimaker, Cura has become one of the most popular options for converting 3D models into printer-readable gcode instructions.
With an intuitive user interface, Cura allows you to import 3D model files in STL, OBJ, and several other formats. It provides settings to adjust your print quality, filament materials, temperatures, speeds, supports, and more. You can preview how your model will be printed layer-by-layer and then export it with your optimized settings to SD card or directly to your 3D printer.
Cura works seamlessly with Ultimaker 3D printers but is also compatible with other major desktop 3D printer brands like Printrbot, LulzBot, Prusa, and more. Its simple mode makes it easy for beginners while an expert mode provides more advanced configurations.
As a free, open source slicer software, Cura is continually updated by the development community with new features and support. Its availability across Windows, MacOS, and Linux platforms also makes it widely accessible to most 3D printer owners.
Cura Features
Features
- Slicing software to prepare 3D models for printing
- Supports many desktop 3D printers
- Adjustable print settings like temperature, speed, supports etc
- Preview of print
- Networked printing
- Plugin ecosystem for additional functionality
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Easy to use interface
Frequent updates
Large user community and support
Cons
Lacks some advanced features of paid alternatives
Relatively basic compared to proprietary slicers
Limited technical support
Official Links
The Best Cura Alternatives
Top 3D Printing and Slicing Software and other similar apps like Cura
Here are some alternatives to Cura:
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