The stable version of Ultimaker Cura 3.1 is now available. This new release builds on all previous versions of Ultimaker Cura, with new slicing features, tweaks, and fixes. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to test out the Beta release and helped us create the best possible user experience.
Update Highlights
• A new profile for the 0.25 mm AA print core, a new print core with an extra fine line width for high-detail surface finishes.
• A new profile for Breakaway, a new dry post-processing material that can be quickly and easily removed.
• An enhanced Layer view - see a live simulation of the printing strategy with 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.
• Compatibility with HP 3D Scan Pro 5.
Enhanced UI
Faster profile switching speed. Duplicating and removing a profile could take Ultimaker Cura quite some time; it now happens instantly.
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 if line ordering affects 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, left and right scroll through the steps of a layer. Holding Shift + arrow keys increases all directions by 10.
Virtual print head displaying printing 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 (for example, the first layer of a printed object), ranging up to 250mm/s (for example, the travel speed of the print head), represented by red. This feature allows users to understand the speed of each part of the model, enabling better control over the printed object.
Feedrate Visualization
Lock model to print bed. The move tool has a new option to lock selected models to the print bed. When locked, the model cannot be moved in the X, Y, or Z direction.
Jogging. The print head moves under screen control. When connected via USB, Ultimaker 2+ and other RepRap printers can now be fully controlled through Ultimaker Cura. Each axis can be moved in increments of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100mm.
When connected via USB, X, Y, and Z axes can now be controlled via Ultimaker Cura.
Loading large models. Loading large/detailed models and slicing them at high analytical rates could affect 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 without losing G-code/Layer view information.
Draft folder. The draft folder is now available in the Ultimaker Cura profile folder. This folder can load post-processing plugin scripts, and these drafts 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 higher.
Optimized workflow for reporting issues. Problem reports are automatically generated, allowing users to easily send descriptions to developers when an issue occurs.
New Slicing Improvements
New print profile for 0.25mm AA print core. A new profile has been added for the 0.25mm AA print core. This profile includes optimized slicing settings, making it easier to create high-detail prints.
The tool on the left is printed with a 0.4mm AA print core, and the tool on the right is printed with 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 that cannot be achieved with other print cores.
New profile for Breakaway. A new print profile has been added for the new support material, Breakaway. This profile includes optimized print 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 would be moved to the print bed. When this setting is enabled, models start to float (even creating impossible printing situations). Now, individual models can be stacked together and printed as a single part.
Slicing tolerance. A new setting in the Quality settings category that affects intersection points to influence the dimensional accuracy of diagonal surfaces. Users can choose from the following behaviors: "Inclusive" makes gaps narrower, "Exclusive" makes gaps wider, and "Middle" processes quickly.
When using "Middle," the first layer will be elevated by half its height to compensate for the increased half-layer. The potential use of this feature is to create better tolerances for printing screw holes.
Optimized zigzag shape. Zigzag patterns now print more completely. They print in various ways, and now lines have a 5-micron tolerance with longer connecting segments.
Aligned Z-seam inner wall movement. Inner wall movements are aligned with the Z-seam, reducing the number of movements and unnecessary seams.
Relative positioning of infill patterns. Infill patterns are now positioned relative to the center of the loaded model. Regardless of when the model is loaded, the infill position remains the same. Offsets can be applied to control the infill more precisely and adjust it to preference or strength.
Line analysis rate. Specifies the minimum allowed 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 will appear to notify the user. Clicking the icon shows the changes made and then reverts to the default profile settings.
Bug Fixes
This release 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 corrupted profiles rather than simply overwriting them.
Start Updating Today
We would like to 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