Thanks to the strong community support and development team of Ultimaker, the public beta test for Cura 2.5 has finally concluded!! The latest official version of Cura is available for download here.
Cura 2.5 will definitely not disappoint, packed with new features and bug fixes to provide you with a more comfortable 3D printing experience.
This version allows you to increase printing speed, utilize multi-threading, calculate your printing costs more accurately, and many more practical improvements.
Don't forget: if you are upgrading from an older version (Cura 2.4 or earlier), your configuration might be overwritten.
Please make sure to back up your configuration folder before installing Cura 2.5. To learn how to find your configuration folder, please see here.
New Feature Highlights
Our development team is committed to making Cura 2.5 the best performing 3D printing software on the market. Here's a quick overview of the new features and improvements.
Faster printing speed: We've optimized the entire system. Now, changing the printer model, settings, materials, and Print Core calculations are all much faster than before.
Processing 3MF files will also be quicker; you can now open your 3MF models in one-tenth of the time. This means significantly reducing your pre-print waiting time!
Multi-threading: This is a significant improvement for Windows and Linux users. If you have a multi-core computer, Cura can now perform multiple operations and slicing simultaneously.
Depending on your computer's specifications and the model to be printed, slicing can be up to 70% faster than before, making your workflow more efficient!
Pre-heat print bed: It's now easier for all Ultimaker 3 users to pre-heat the print bed. This will reduce your downtime and speed up your process.
Simply use the "Preheat" function on the print monitor page and set the correct temperature for the material you are using.
Improved 3D preview function: Want to understand more clearly how an object will be printed? We offer an improved Layers preview mode for computers supporting OpenGL 4.1.
If your computer supports OpenGL 2.0-4.0, we will automatically switch back to the old display state.
Disable auto-slicing: Some users reported that the auto-slicing feature slowed down their workflow. We heard your feedback, so we've added an option to disable auto-slicing!
Auto-scaling default set to off: Previously, when an object's size couldn't fit in Cura, it would automatically scale your proportions. To prevent users from unknowingly having their dimensions scaled, this feature is now set to off by default!
Print cost calculation: Cura 2.5 can now help you calculate your print costs. Simply enter the price and weight per spool of material.
You can also set the cost for each different material, giving you better control over your spending.
Gcode reading function: The Gcode reading function is back! Loading Gcode into Cura will allow you to view it in Layers mode.
You can already print, share, and save Gcode files through Cura, as well as preview the appearance of your print using Gcode!
Updated infill settings: In the infill settings, users are now allowed to set extended surface settings, enabling the walls of your object to extend into the infill areas.
This is to avoid situations where some narrow areas of an object are not suitable for infill. You can set the minimum range for infill to be replaced by wall thickness.
Top/Bottom line direction and infill line direction settings allow users to choose the most suitable mode and direction (e.g., Line, zig zag, etc.).
Discard or keep changes pop-up window: Now, when you modify print settings and then select a different configuration, a window will pop up asking if you want to keep the settings.
This dialog box will provide more information and be more intuitive.
Bug Fixes
Cura 2.5 also includes various bug fixes.
Message exceeding window: We've added a slider function to correct instances where messages on certain windows, such as "About Cura," extended beyond the frame.Center view on selection: This feature is currently set to "off" by default.
File extension removal: Now, when you save a file or project without changing the file type, an extension will not be actively added. It will only be added if you change the file type.
Improved Ultimaker 3 Extended connectivity: When Ultimaker 3 Extended is selected, Cura will no longer allow connection to an Ultimaker 3 printer without warning.
Corrected Y/Z colors: The Y and Z colors in the tool menu now match the colors on the build plate.
Avoid model overlap: Fixed an issue where some models would overlap, ensuring each object is separated.
Peripheral gaps: Peripheral gaps have now been filled.
Record file location after restart: Cura 2.5 will remember the last opened file location after restarting.
Project name: The project name will no longer be modified after the file has been opened.
Incorrect support values (Printcore 2): When your support material is produced using extruder 2 (PVA), providing incorrect values would still trigger slicing. This has been fixed.
Support towers: Support towers can now be disabled.
Support bottom: When your object requires support, enabling the Support Interface function will also create bottom support.
Summary window size: The summary window size has been enlarged.
Cubic infill: Cubic infill mode now operates more reliably.
Outermost contour mode fills gaps: Combined with the "fill gaps between walls" feature to create more infill.
Post-processing plugin: Since the TweakAtZ post-processing plugin is not yet officially supported, we have added an 'experimental' tag to it.
Updated Third-Party 3D Printer Configurations
Folgertech printer configurations have been added.Hello BEE Prusa printer configurations have been added.
Velleman K8400 printer configurations have been added for single and dual nozzle versions.
Material configurations have been added for Cartesio printers.
Get Started Now!
Download Cura 2.5 now and share your feedback and comments with us!
Article source: Ultimaker Announcing Cura 2.5