Ultimaker Cura 4.3 arrived with a suite of new features designed to give users greater control and improve the quality of their 3D prints. This update to the popular 3D printer software, Cura, focuses on refining the printing process and addressing user needs for more precise control over print parameters. Let’s delve into the key improvements offered in this version.
One notable enhancement is the support infill/interface line directions feature. Contributed by vgribinchuck, this allows users to specify the angles at which support infill and interfaces are printed. This precise control over line directionality can significantly boost print reliability by optimizing support structures for specific geometries. Users can input a sequence of angles, and Cura will sequentially apply these throughout the print job, offering a new level of customization for support generation.
Another feature aimed at improving print quality is randomized infill start. This clever addition randomizes the starting point of each infill line. By preventing infill lines from consistently starting at the same location, this feature effectively minimizes potential weak points within the printed model. While it introduces a slight increase in travel moves, the enhanced structural integrity often outweighs this minor trade-off, especially for functional parts requiring robust infill.
Smartavionics contributed the print small features slower setting, which intelligently identifies small perimeters within the model and automatically reduces the printing speed for these areas. This is particularly beneficial for intricate details and small features like printed holes, which are often vulnerable to detachment from the build plate due to their limited contact area. By slowing down for these critical sections, Cura 4.3 enhances the accuracy and reliability of printing small, delicate features.
Positioning the Z seam just got easier with the easy selector for z seam positions, a contribution from trouch. This user-friendly update introduces a dropdown selection box in Cura’s custom mode. Users can now choose from a list of pre-defined positions to place the Z seam, simplifying the process of seam placement and providing more intuitive control over the visual finish of printed parts.
Addressing accessibility, Nubnubbud added a colorblind assist theme to Ultimaker Cura 4.3. This new theme is designed to improve color distinction for colorblind users. It modifies the color palette within the software, particularly enhancing the contrast between colors like the yellow and green lines in the layer view, making the software more accessible and user-friendly for a wider range of users.
Beyond these feature additions, Cura 4.3 also incorporated numerous bug fixes addressing issues reported in previous versions. These fixes range from resolving tray icons persisting after the application is closed to addressing problems with silent mode installation and uninstallation, and improvements to the ‘arrange all models’ function. Detailed information on all bug fixes and changes can be found in the comprehensive release notes.
In conclusion, Ultimaker Cura 4.3 is a significant update focusing on enhanced user control, improved print quality, and accessibility. These new features solidify Cura’s position as a leading 3D printer software, offering both beginners and experienced users a powerful and versatile platform for their 3D printing needs. Download Ultimaker Cura 4.3 today and experience a more refined and efficient 3D printing workflow. Visit the Ultimaker forum to share your feedback and experiences with the new version.
