The stable version of Ultimaker Cura 3.1 has now been released. This new version builds on all previous versions of Ultimaker Cura, featuring
new slicing functions, adjustments, and fixes. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to test the Beta version, helping us create the best user
experience.
Update Highlights
• New product: 0.25mm AA Print Core. This new print core features an extra-fine line width for high-detail surface finishes.
• New product: Breakaway, a new dry post-processing material that can be quickly and easily removed.
• Enhanced Layer View - See a live simulation of the printing strategy with a colored representation of the feedrate for a more informed printing workflow.
• Quick Camera Controls - Quickly and easily reposition the camera view using toolbar buttons.
• Increased Speed - Faster response times when processing, changing printers, or profiles.
• Compatible with HP 3D Scan Pro 5.
Enhanced UI
Faster profile switching speed. Previously, duplicating and removing a profile in Ultimaker Cura could take some time; the latest version now allows for
instant switching.
Faster printer selection. Removing a printer from the library is now instant. No more unresponsive screens.
Faster processing speed. A 5-10% speed increase when calculating normals, loading models, and slicing.
Quick camera controls. New buttons have been added to the interface that can quickly reposition the camera view of the build plate. This includes an isometric view, front view,
and left/right side views.
From left to right: isometric view, front view, top view, left view, and right view.
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 to ensure that the line order does not affect overhangs. The layer path slider has been added to navigate through the printing strategy of the selected layer.
Hotkey users can navigate in the "Layer" view. Up and down arrows scroll through layers, and left and right arrows scroll through the steps within a layer. Holding Shift +
arrow keys increases all directions by 10.
The virtual nozzle displays the print strategy for each layer.
Feedrate Visualization. Feedrate visualization has been added to the Layer View color scheme selector. The feedrate is represented by corresponding colors, from blue to red.
Blue represents a speed of 20mm/s (e.g., the first layer of a printed object), and red represents a speed of 250mm/s (e.g., the travel speed of the print head)
. Using this feature allows users to understand the speed of each model part, providing better control over the printed object.
Feedrate Visualization
Lock Model to Platform. The move tool has a new option to lock selected models to the platform. When locked, the model cannot be moved in the X, Y, or Z directions.
Jogging. Jogging moves the print head under screen control. When connected via USB, Ultimaker 2+ and other RepRap printers can now be fully controlled via
Ultimaker Cura. Each axis can be moved in increments of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100mm.
When connected via USB, the X, Y, and Z axes can now be controlled via Ultimaker Cura.
Loading Large Models. Loading large/detailed models and slicing them at a high resolution could impact Ultimaker Cura's performance in previous versions. A new
feature has now been added to unload the layer view when switching to fixed mode, speeding up Ultimaker Cura's backup process without losing G-code/
layer view information.
Drafts Folder. The drafts folder is now available in the Ultimaker Cura profiles folder. This folder can load post-processing plugin scripts, which will
automatically appear in Ultimaker Cura.
HP 3D Scan Compatibility. HP 3D Scan version 5.3.0 results can be directly exported to Ultimaker Cura 3.0.4 and later.
Optimized Workflow for Reporting Issues. Problem reports are automatically generated, allowing users to easily send a description to developers when an issue occurs.
New Slicing Improvements
Added new print profiles for the 0.25mm AA print core. New profiles have been added for the 0.25mm AA print core. These profiles include optimized
slicing settings, making it easier to create high-detail prints.
The tool on the left was printed using a 0.4mm AA print core, and the tool on the right was printed using a 0.25mm AA print core.
A key advantage of the 0.25mm AA print core is its ability to print intricate details and text, which is not achievable with other print cores.
New Profile for Breakaway. New print profiles have been added for the new support material Breakaway. This profile includes optimized printing
settings for easy printing. Breakaway's post-processing is completely dry, which is useful for water-sensitive materials. It also removes
faster than water-soluble materials.
Enable Floating Models. In previous versions, when support was disabled, models were moved to the print platform. When enabled, models start floating (even if it creates impossible printing situations). Now, separate models can be stacked together and printed as one part.
Slicing Tolerance. A new setting in the Quality settings category that affects the intersection to influence the dimensional accuracy of diagonal surfaces. Users can choose the following behaviors:
"Inclusive" makes gaps narrower, "Exclusive" makes gaps wider, and "Middle" processes quickly.
When using "Middle," the first layer will be half a height higher to compensate for the added half-layer. The potential use of this feature is to create better tolerances when printing screw holes.
Optimized Bending Shape. Zigzag patterns now print more completely. They print in various ways, and lines now have a 5-micron tolerance, with longer
connected segments.
Aligned Z-seam inner wall movement. Inner wall movement is aligned with the Z-seam. This reduces the number of moves and unnecessary seams.
Relative Positioning of Infill Patterns. Infill patterns are now positioned relative to the center of the loaded model. The infill position remains the same whenever the model is loaded.
An offset can be applied to control the infill more precisely and adjust it to preference or strength.
Line Analysis Rate. Specifies the minimum allowable distance value between two points in G-code, creating polygons with lower or higher analysis rates.
Change Custom Mode. If a profile is modified in the Custom Mode settings under Recommended Mode, a reset icon appears to notify the user. Clicking the icon displays the changes made,
then reverts to the default profile settings.
Bug Fixes
This version includes several bug fixes, including incorrect layer count display when switching between solid and layer modes, Cura Engine errors during slicing
(if certain settings are enabled, importing old files, etc.).
Notes
Upgrading from Ultimaker Cura 3.1 beta to Ultimaker Cura 3.1 stable may require manually deleting user profiles
(located in the Ultimaker Cura 3.1 subdirectory). This resolves issues caused by misconfigured profiles instead of just being overwritten.
Update Today
We thank all contributors, and a special thanks to fieldOfView, smartavionics, and BagelOrb.
Are you ready to use Ultimaker Cura 3.1? Download it now and discover more benefits.
Original source:https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/52266-whats-new-in-ultimaker-cura-31