Key Improvements
The latest version of Cura has been updated and performs even better than before. Here are some key points to know:
Project Saving/Opening. Cura 2.4 can now save your build plate configuration, including all meshes and settings that were on the build plate. Even better, when you reopen an old file, you will find all build plate configurations and settings exactly as you left them when you last saved the file.
Search Settings. Need to adjust a setting in a hurry? You can now easily search for settings through the side panel.
Edit Start/End G-code. The new Cura 2.4 allows you to change the start and end G-code settings for single-extruder 3D printers.
Multiply Object Function. We know duplicating an object multiple times can be tedious, so we've made it easier for you. Simply right-click on an object, and you can multiply it by a variable.
Single Extrusion Printing. Your Ultimaker 3 dual-extrusion printer can now print with a single extruder within a larger printable area.
Live Printer Monitoring Mode. Selecting camera snapshots doesn't truly tell you the progress of your print. Now, with live printer monitoring mode, you can track your 3D printing progress without missing a second. This is an effective way to minimize errors during printing.
Slicing Error? Now you'll know why. When your slice is blocked by incorrect settings, but you don't know how to change them. Now, a message will appear clearly explaining what needs to be done to get your print back on track.
Ultimaker 3 Print Profiles. When printing with PLA/PLA, PLA/PVA, and Nylon/PVA, the initial and final print temperatures reduce oozing. This means it's now optional to print a prime tower (except for CPE and ABS). The new Ultimaker 3 print profiles improve reliability and reduce print time.
Initial Layer Print Temperature. We've adjusted the initial and final print temperatures for a higher quality final result.
Material Print Temperature. The material print temperature (in the material profile) is now the same as the print temperature for Normal Quality files.
Improved PLA/PVA Adhesion. Achieving good adhesion between PVA and PLA is important. That's why we have now optimized PVA's retraction and acceleration.
Nylon – Default Build Plate Adhesion Type. We changed the default type for nylon printing from Raft to Brim.
Support Interface Layer Thickness. To reduce print time, we changed the support top layer thickness to 0.8mm and slightly reduced the infill density for PVA support.
Ultimaker 2+ PC Printing. Raft settings for 0.25mm and 0.4mm nozzles have been adjusted for PC (polycarbonate) format – meaning less warping and better print results.
Slicing Features
Furthermore, the new Cura 2.4 has exciting new slicing features. Here are some more details:
Hollow Prime Tower. If printing a hollow prime tower for infill, this will minimize material usage and improve its stability. Now, material oozing from the prime tower is wiped from the inside, meaning excess material is contained internally.
Pre-Cooling/Pre-Heating. Printing now begins at a lower temperature, then rapidly increases to the normal printing temperature. We have also adjusted the system to ensure cooling begins before the last extrusion (for the Print Core). This minimizes thermal absorption of the material and reduces PVA degradation. This will reduce the risk of nozzle clogging, making operation even more convenient!
Remove Mesh Overlaps. If desired, you can now turn off the resolution of overlapping meshes. Models can now overlap, meaning you can mix colors on the build plate by stacking meshes on top of each other and reducing their flow.
Alternate Mesh Removal. For areas where two models overlap, you can now have each layer of the overlapping area alternate (depending on which object the overlapping area of that layer belongs to). This improves the bond between two-color objects and provides better control over build plate color mixing.
Hollow Objects. If you wish, you can remove infill from a mesh and use internal voids as overhangs, creating better support inside the model. This also reduces the amount of material needed to print the interior.
Infill Between Walls. Fill small gaps between walls to make thin areas denser instead of hollow – making the model stronger.
Cubic Infill. This groundbreaking new infill pattern has a similar basis to cubic infill – but creates larger cubes inside the mesh. This reduces material usage and shortens print time, while also being an excellent way to maintain structural integrity.
Concentric 3D Infill. We have added a new infill pattern, similar to concentric infill, but touching the outer walls of the X layer, creating better support for the top layer.
Additional Features
The following additional features improve your printing experience:
Print Temperature Initial Layer - You can now determine the nozzle temperature in the first layer.
Build Plate Temperature Initial Layer - You can also determine the heated bed temperature in the first layer.
Initial Fan Speed - Choose the fan speed for the first layer for better print results.
Retract on Layer Change - You can choose to retract every time the print moves to the next layer.
Outer Wall Wipe Distance - Wipe the nozzle after printing the outer wall.
Set Z Seam X-Y Coordinates - You can choose where to place the Z seam.
Start Layering with Same Part - Start each layer with the part closest to the selected position.
Turn Off Nozzle After Last Use - Turn off the nozzle after its last use (while other nozzles are still working)
No Build Plate Adhesion - If desired, you can choose not to print any build plate adhesion assistance parts.
Anti-Overhang and Support Meshes - Use meshes to specify an area where nothing can be classified as support, or to specify an area where supports should be printed.
Delta Printer Support – Supports printers with elliptical build plates. Please note that we have not fully tested this, and any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
AppImage for Linux - Linux distributions now come in AppImage format, making Cura easier to install.
Bug Fixes
New Cura Notifications - You will receive notifications when a new version of Cura is available.
Category Visibility - Always show setting categories when searching in visibility preferences.
3MF Files - 3MF files can now be saved and uploaded correctly.
Drag and Load - Dragging a file onto Cura will now automatically load it.
View Print Core/Material – Easily view the current Print Core and material in the Ultimaker 3 via the machine manager.
Add Build Plate Upgrade - You can add build plate upgrades (and other things) from the machine manager.
Print Core/Material under Extruder - These are now set under the Extruder tab.
Save Printer/Profile - Cura automatically saves all open printers and profiles (after closing).
Duplicate Profile - You can now duplicate all standard profiles.
Change Layer Display - Layer display uses less RAM.
Faster Support Enable Setting Changes – Ability to change Support Enable setting values faster.
Related Setting Changes - Changing one setting now updates all related settings faster.
Slicing Blocked - If there are any errors in your setting values, slicing will be automatically blocked.
Active Tool, No More Reslicing - Selecting a model with any active tool no longer causes reslicing.
Prime Tower Changes - The prime tower has a separate area (cannot be printed).
Adjust Support Extruder Settings - We have moved the support extruder settings near the support settings.
Adjust Build Plate Adhesion Extruder Settings - Build plate adhesion extruder settings are now closer to build plate adhesion settings.
Z-Hop Setting Location – Z-hop settings have been moved to the "Travel" category.
Stop Nozzle Wiping - "Stop nozzle wiping on prime tower" has now been re-enabled.
Remove Support Retraction - There is now no unnecessary retraction on supports.
Reduced Extruder Switches - Each layer now has fewer extruder switches than machines with multiple extruders.
First Infill Perimeter Without Concentric Infill - Concentric infill will not generate the first infill perimeter next to the walls.
Extruder Prime First Layer - Extruder priming now always occurs on the first layer.
Ultimaker 2 Build Plate Speed - The Ultimaker 2's build plate raising speed is now appropriate.
Ultimaker 2 Material Change - The Ultimaker 2 can change material again during print pauses.
Learn More!
To learn more, you can read the quick start guide or browse our troubleshooting page.
The latest version of Cura has many incredible new features that make your 3D printing life even simpler than before. Download Cura 2.4 now!
Article source: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/38784-whats-new-in-cura-24