Best free 3D slice software - Cura
THE BEST FREE 3D PRINTING SOFTWARE -Cura
SoftwareCura
FunctionSlicer, 3D Printer Host
Suitable Printer Type/sFilament
SystemWindows, macOS, Linux
Download/Visit:Cura
Cura is an open-source slicing software created by Ultimaker for their 3D printers, but it could also be considered a general standard since it’s easy to use with most other 3D printers. It can be easily extended via a plugin system, for which plenty of handy plugins are available. As one of the most popular and widely used 3D printing slicers on the market, there’s a good chance a quality profile for your 3D printer is already available in the software, making it easy to get started right away.
If it’s not, you can easily download and import someone else’s profile.
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 “Basic” mode for rapid onboarding, where you can reconfigure just the most, well… basic, printer quality settings. When you need more precise control over print settings, switch on over to “Advanced,” “Expert,” or “All” to get more settings. In these modes, Cura presents users with up to 400 settings to tweak things as needed and get the best results.
This slicer is constantly being updated and refined, with new versions released all the time, so you can be sure you’re getting an up-to-date program. For example, their latest release contains a variable line-width feature that promises to improve detail resolution, speed, and strength of the prints.
You can also use Cura as a 3D printer host software for direct control over your machine, but the 3D printer needs to be connected to a PC for the duration of your print. Seamless CAD integration with the likes of SolidWorks and Siemens NX makes the software valuable even in professional applications. But, for the vast majority of home users, Cura is a simple and accessible slicer for 3D printing.
In addition to this ease of use, you can also find a treasure trove of educational resources on how to best use Cura’s latest features, along with a community forum on the Ultimaker website.
