7 Greatest 3D Printing Software program I Discovered for Newcomers and Execs

3D printing is superior—till your software program turns it right into a nightmare.

I realized this the arduous manner whereas testing a few of the greatest 3D printing software program. One second, I used to be excited to slice a mannequin; the following, I used to be trapped in a complicated mess of settings, error messages, and prints that seemed nothing like they need to. 

Now, I’m not a 3D printing knowledgeable. I don’t spend my days obsessing over layer heights or tweaking temperature settings (although I now have a newfound respect for many who do). However what I do know is software program—what makes it user-friendly, what options really matter, and what’s pointless fluff. 

So, I did what any curious individual would do: I examined, explored, and in contrast a few of the hottest 3D printing instruments to see which of them stand out.

I checked out every little thing—from beginner-friendly slicers to superior modeling instruments—specializing in usability, options, and general printing success. Some software program made the method easy; others felt like they had been actively making an attempt to destroy my day. And now, after loads of hands-on testing, I’m able to share my findings.

Whether or not you’re a complete beginner, a critical maker, or someplace in between, listed here are my prime picks for the perfect 3D printing software program options which are value your time. 

7 greatest 3D printing software program I really like utilizing

3D printing seems like magic. You begin with a digital design, press just a few buttons, and bam—your thought turns into a bodily object. However as I shortly realized, it’s not so simple as dragging a file into your printer and hoping for the perfect. 

At its core, 3D printing software program is the intermediary between your design and your printer. Some packages allow you to create and edit 3D fashions from scratch, whereas others concentrate on slicing—mainly, breaking your mannequin down into printable layers and producing the appropriate directions to your printer. After which there are all-in-one options that do a mixture of each.

Since I don’t design intricate 3D fashions for a dwelling, I targeted on how effectively these instruments steadiness energy and value. I needed to see which of them make the method straightforward for freshmen, which of them give execs the superior instruments they crave, and which of them make issues tougher than they must be.

What makes the perfect 3D printing software program value utilizing? My standards

3D printing must be enjoyable and rewarding, not a multitude of failed prints and complicated settings. I targeted on just a few key standards throughout my analysis to ensure I used to be recommending the perfect instruments for several types of customers.

• Newbie-friendly: I needed to check how straightforward it was to start out with every resolution. May I load a mannequin, slice it, and generate a print file with out digging by a tutorial? A superb interface ought to make the method intuitive, not like a puzzle. Some software program struck a fantastic steadiness between simplicity and customization, whereas others buried important settings behind layers of menus. I additionally checked out how straightforward it was to navigate, manipulate objects, and export recordsdata with out getting misplaced in countless toolbars. A steep studying curve isn’t at all times unhealthy, however a complicated interface is a dealbreaker.
• Slicing efficiency: Slicing is the place your 3D mannequin will get transformed into printable layers, and unhealthy slicing can destroy a print earlier than it even begins. I examined how effectively every software optimized assist buildings, infill density, and layer heights. A number of the greatest 3d printing software program do a fantastic job balancing pace and precision, whereas others require extra tweaking to keep away from wasted filament and failed prints. I additionally checked for pace of slicing, assist era, and infill effectivity.
• Customization and management: For extra skilled customers, customization is vital. I checked if I might tweak layer peak, wall thickness, retraction settings, and print pace. A superb 3D printing software ought to permit granular management with out making it too tough to navigate. I additionally examined variable layer peak, retraction settings, and different optimizations to enhance print high quality.
• Stability and compatibility: Some packages battle with massive or advanced fashions, and a software that crashes mid-way is extremely annoying. I examined how effectively every program dealt with high-detail STL recordsdata and multi-part assemblies with out freezing or failing. I additionally checked out compatibility with completely different 3D printers and file codecs. Some software program is locked to particular manufacturers, whereas others work with virtually any machine. An important 3d printing resolution ought to assist STL, OBJ, and 3MF codecs. It also needs to assist a number of printer manufacturers and firmware varieties.
• Print success fee: On the finish of the day, the perfect software program produces profitable prints with minimal troubleshooting. I ran check prints sliced by every program and checked for print accuracy, first-layer adhesion, and general print high quality. Some instruments wanted a whole lot of guide tweaking to get an excellent print, whereas others had nice default profiles that labored proper out of the field.

By testing usability, slicing efficiency, superior options, stability, and print success fee, I might separate the seven greatest 3d printing software program from those that make issues tougher than they must be.

The listing beneath accommodates real consumer critiques from G2’s greatest 3D printing software program class web page. To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Translate 3D fashions into printable directions for 3D printers
• Restore and edit STL, 3MF, or OBJ recordsdata

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques could have been edited for readability.  

Onshape is a browser-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform that replaces the old-school, clunky software program mannequin with a totally cloud-powered expertise. In contrast to conventional CAD packages that require hefty installations and fixed file administration, Onshape runs fully in your internet browser, that means I might entry my initiatives from actually wherever—together with my telephone (which felt bizarre however surprisingly labored).

I needed to see how effectively Onshape matches right into a 3D printing workflow, so I ran it by just a few checks. First, I loaded up some pattern designs and tried tweaking them in Onshape’s parametric modeling system. In case you’re used to freeform mesh-based design (like Tinkercad or Blender), Onshape’s precision-based method would possibly take some getting used to. Every little thing is constructed with constraints and relationships, that means you outline issues with actual measurements as a substitute of simply eyeballing shapes. It’s extremely highly effective—but in addition not precisely pleasant to informal customers.

One other function that stood out was real-time collaboration. I examined this by opening the identical venture on my laptop computer and one other system on the identical time. Edits had been up to date immediately, which makes Onshape a powerful selection for team-based design. The built-in model management was additionally helpful—I might return to earlier variations with out manually saving completely different file names.

Nonetheless, Onshape isn’t a slicer, so after creating or modifying a mannequin, you continue to must export it to organize it for printing. The export course of is easy, and it helps STL and OBJ codecs, however I’d have liked some fundamental slicing instruments built-in to preview how a design would print earlier than switching software program.

Then there’s the free model—it’s nice that they provide one, but it surely comes with a giant catch: you’ll be able to solely create public paperwork. Which means should you’re engaged on proprietary designs or simply don’t need your experimental creations out within the wild, you’ll want a paid plan.

Onshape is greatest for customers who want structured, precision modeling and collaboration instruments. In case you design mechanical elements or want actual management over your fashions, it does that effectively. However should you’re in search of an all-in-one software that features slicing and print prep, you’ll want one thing else to finish the workflow.

What I dislike about Onshape:

• Since Onshape is browser-based, there’s no offline mode. I attempted utilizing it throughout a spotty Wi-Fi second, and it doesn’t work in any respect with out an web connection.
• It’s not a slicer. I needed to export my fashions to a different program to organize them for printing, which added an additional step to my workflow.

What G2 customers dislike about Onshape:

“The primary draw back is the pace of Onshape. Since it’s within the cloud, the efficiency isn’t as snappy as that of an area CAD system like Solidworks. That is primarily seen in assemblies. The second draw back is a part of its function: Paperwork. Paperwork can get slowed down in a short time with half studios and assemblies and derived elements.”

– Onshape Assessment, Sebastian S.

Autodesk Fusion is without doubt one of the most generally used CAD instruments in engineering, product design, and manufacturing, however I needed to see how effectively it really works particularly for 3D printing. Because it’s a hybrid of parametric, direct, and sculpting modeling, it affords extra flexibility than software program that solely focuses on structured, mechanical design. In contrast to less complicated packages, it additionally has simulation, stress testing, and meeting instruments, making it helpful for designing practical elements reasonably than simply ornamental prints.

One of many first issues I examined was Autodesk Fusion’s built-in slicer since not many CAD instruments provide that. It’s a part of the Manufacturing workspace, and it enables you to generate G-code straight inside Fusion as a substitute of exporting your file into one other program. This labored effectively for easy prints, however I observed it lacks the depth of management you’d get in a few of the different 3d printing instruments. 

For instance, whilst you can set infill patterns and layer heights, it doesn’t have as many superior assist era choices. In case you’re engaged on prints that require intricate assist buildings or extremely optimized slicing methods, you’ll most likely nonetheless need to use a devoted slicer.

One other function I examined was Autodesk Fusion’s mesh restore instruments. In case you’ve ever tried printing a mannequin solely to comprehend it’s filled with non-manifold geometry or holes, you know the way annoying that may be. Fusion’s restore software shortly recognized damaged STL recordsdata and steered automated fixes, which saved me from needing third-party instruments like Netfabb. I ran just a few drawback STLs by it, and normally, the restore course of labored effectively sufficient that Cura accepted the recordsdata with no points. It’s not excellent—some advanced recordsdata wanted guide intervention—however for fast fixes, it was an enormous time-saver.

One other space the place Autodesk Fusion stood out was its capability to change between parametric and freeform modeling. Parametric modeling is nice for exact, engineering-style elements, however you’ll be able to swap to the sculpting workspace for extra natural or creative prints, which helps you to push and pull geometry extra fluidly. This gave me extra flexibility than software program that locks you right into a single modeling method.

Now, let’s discuss the place Autodesk Fusion didn’t work as effectively for 3D printing. First, the UI is barely dense. This isn’t essentially a foul factor should you want all of the superior instruments, however for somebody trying solely to change a mannequin and ship it to a printer, it may well really feel like overkill. Even easy changes require navigating by a number of menus, and a few generally used capabilities felt buried beneath pointless steps.

One other challenge I bumped into was Autodesk Fusion’s dealing with of high-poly STL recordsdata. After I imported massive, detailed fashions, the software program slowed down noticeably, even on a comparatively highly effective system. It appears optimized for native Autodesk Fusion recordsdata reasonably than heavy STLs. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however should you incessantly work with scanned fashions or high-detail sculpted designs, count on some efficiency slowdowns.

What I dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

• I discovered myself clicking by a number of menus simply to make small adjustments. In case you’re in search of a easy technique to tweak and print fashions, this software program could get barely advanced.
• The built-in slicing instruments lack assist construction customization, infill sample management, and different fine-tuning choices. I discovered it helpful for fast prints however not a full slicing resolution.

What G2 customers dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

“Two features of Autodesk Fusion 360 that I discover much less favorable are its dependency on an web connection and its CAD file compatibility. Whereas cloud-based software program usually affords vital benefits, options like real-time collaboration and automated saving will be difficult in areas with restricted connectivity. Moreover, regardless of supporting many file codecs, the conversion of recordsdata throughout export is usually restricted, ensuing within the lack of particulars or geometries when importing to different software program.”

– Autodesk Fusion Assessment, Juan M.

Siemens NX affords an all-in-one engineering platform for aerospace, automotive, and high-end manufacturing. It’s strictly constructed for professionals who want precision modeling, superior simulation, and direct management over additive manufacturing (AM) processes. What actually units it aside is its capability to deal with advanced, multi-material, and industrial-scale 3D printing workflows, which is one thing most CAD packages don’t even try.

The very first thing I examined was NX’s built-in assist for metallic 3D printing. Whereas most 3d printing software program focuses on FDM printing, NX consists of devoted instruments for powder mattress fusion (PBF), direct vitality deposition (DED), and SLA processes. I experimented with PBF-specific assist buildings, that are important for metallic printing. NX robotically optimized assist buildings based mostly on thermal distortion and stress distribution. This degree of precision is a big benefit for industries working with high-cost supplies like titanium or Inconel, however for on a regular basis FDM printing, it’s pointless.

Subsequent, I explored Siemens NX’s simulation-driven print preparation. Most slicing software program will generate a toolpath, however NX analyzes all the construct course of earlier than printing begins. I loaded a posh aerospace bracket mannequin and ran an evaluation that predicted areas of potential warping and distortion on account of warmth buildup. That is manner past what conventional 3d printing software program and slicers can do, and it’s important for metallic printing or massive industrial prints the place failure means hundreds of {dollars} in wasted materials.

One other standout function was NX’s hybrid manufacturing instruments, which permit customers to mix subtractive and additive manufacturing in a single workflow. I examined a situation the place I printed a metallic half with inner lattice buildings after which simulated post-processing with CNC machining to refine the outer surfaces. That is one thing utterly distinctive to NX, and it’s splendid for industries the place 3D printing is only one step in a bigger manufacturing pipeline.

Now, coming to what wasn’t nice. First, the software program was overwhelming for me to make use of. Even with CAD expertise, I discovered myself spending an excessive amount of time trying to find instruments. It’s a full engineering suite, not only a 3D printing software, so it comes with layers of complexity that aren’t obligatory for most individuals’s printing wants.

One other drawback with Siemens NX is that it’s constructed for enterprise customers. In contrast to Fusion 360, which has a free model, or Onshape, which runs in a browser, NX requires critical licensing prices. In case you’re a hobbyist or perhaps a small enterprise, it’s not a viable choice except you’re employed in high-precision industries.

What I dislike about Siemens NX:

• I didn’t discover this software splendid for desktop FDM printing. Whereas it excels in metallic and resin printing, NX lacks fine-tuned FDM-specific slicing controls, so it’s not a sensible selection for small-scale customers.
• The software will be difficult to grasp. Because it’s a full engineering suite, not only a 3D printing software, it takes vital time to get used to, particularly should you don’t want all its options.

What G2 customers dislike about Siemens NX:

“Probably the most disliked factor about NX CAD is that it isn’t that user-friendly once we speak within the context of latest customers (instructional functions) in comparison with the opposite software program, and getting the tutorial license is one other drawback that’s fairly simply obtainable for Autodesk merchandise. The reason being that the majority Autodesk merchandise are most well-liked in India. Yet another factor that may be thought of is the shopper care assist that’s lagging within the case of the whole Siemens group, which is sort of higher than Dassault Techniques.”

– Siemens NX Assessment, Anjan M.

Stable Edge is Siemens’ extra accessible CAD resolution, positioned between beginner-friendly software program and full-blown engineering suites like NX. I needed to see how effectively it really works for 3D printing workflows, particularly because it consists of direct modeling, parametric design, and a devoted 3D printing surroundings. 

In contrast to Onshape or Fusion 360, which concentrate on cloud-based collaboration, Stable Edge is an area set up with an emphasis on conventional engineering workflows.

One of many first issues I examined was Stable Edge’s convergent modeling function. It is a distinctive hybrid method that allows you to work with mesh-based STL recordsdata alongside parametric CAD fashions. In case you’ve ever tried modifying an STL in a typical CAD program, it’s a nightmare—most CAD instruments deal with STLs as “dumb” geometry, that means you’ll be able to’t simply make exact edits. 

With convergent modeling, I might mix mesh-based designs with exact parametric options with out manually changing them. This made repairing, modifying, and making ready 3D scan information a lot simpler.

Subsequent, I explored the devoted 3D printing surroundings, which streamlines the method of making ready fashions for additive manufacturing. In contrast to most CAD software program, Stable Edge really enables you to ship recordsdata on to a 3D printer while not having a separate slicer. I examined this with an STL file, and it offered built-in instruments for checking wall thickness, figuring out unsupported areas, and previewing layer heights. It’s not as detailed as another options, however for fast prints, it saves time by eliminating the necessity for a separate slicing step.

One other standout function was reverse engineering assist. Stable Edge consists of automated mesh cleanup instruments that assist flip messy scans into clear, printable fashions. I examined this by importing a low-quality 3D scan and utilizing Stable Edge’s smoothing and edge-repair instruments. Whereas it improved the mannequin, it didn’t absolutely repair each challenge, and I nonetheless needed to alter areas with unhealthy topology manually. The automation is useful, but it surely received’t substitute the necessity for guide cleanup in lots of instances.

Then there’s the interface, which was one among my largest frustrations. Stable Edge packs an enormous variety of instruments into the UI, which makes it really feel cluttered and overwhelming. Even after adjusting the workspace format, I nonetheless needed to click on by a number of menus for widespread capabilities. The ribbon-based design feels outdated in comparison with extra trendy, streamlined CAD instruments.

One different surprising challenge I bumped into was import/export limitations. Whereas Stable Edge helps many CAD file varieties, it struggled with bigger, high-polygon STLs. I examined an in depth natural mesh file, and whereas it was technically imported, it grew to become sluggish and unresponsive after I tried making edits. This means that Stable Edge remains to be higher fitted to structured, CAD-based fashions reasonably than extraordinarily detailed meshes, which might be problematic should you’re working with 3D scans or sculpted designs from Blender.

What I dislike about Stable Edge:

• 3D printing instruments really feel half-finished. I discovered the printability checks good however the slicing options had been too restricted—I couldn’t alter retraction, infill density, or superior assist settings.
• Some 3D printing options aren’t obtainable within the fundamental model, which implies particular person customers like myself could not get essentially the most out of this software with out paying for premium tiers.

What G2 customers dislike about Stable Edge:

“There are some things that I do not like. Generally, I would like to make use of a 3D dxf file, however I can not import it in Stable Edge as a result of it does not assist it. One other related factor is importing .3mf (a preferred file format for 3D printing) file that’s not impartable in SE.”

– Stable Edge Assessment, Imre S.

SOLIDWORKS is without doubt one of the most generally used CAD packages in engineering and product design, however I needed to see how effectively it handles 3D printing particularly. In contrast to Fusion 360, which is extra cloud-focused, or Siemens NX, which is constructed for full industrial workflows, SOLIDWORKS sits someplace in between—it’s native software program with sturdy parametric design instruments, simulation options, and a few useful 3D printing integrations.

One factor that instantly stood out to me was how customizable the workflow is for 3D printing—however that’s each an excellent and a foul factor. In contrast to software program that robotically guides you thru a 3D printing course of, SOLIDWORKS requires some setup to get every little thing working easily. As soon as I configured it appropriately, although, it offered a powerful degree of management over mannequin preparation, slicing previews, and print validation.

I examined the Print3D software, which helps you to verify your mannequin for printability, alter orientation, and even generate a preview of the slicing layers. It was helpful for validating a design earlier than exporting to an exterior 3D printing software program. The automated error detection was particularly useful—it flagged skinny partitions, overhangs, and areas that might require further assist earlier than I even exported the file.

One other function I examined was SOLIDWORKS’ capability to generate honeycomb and gyroid infill buildings straight contained in the mannequin. As an alternative of counting on a slicer to create infill patterns, I might design light-weight inner buildings as precise geometry. This was significantly helpful for engineering elements that wanted particular strength-to-weight ratios. Most 3D printing software program solely enables you to alter infill share, however in SOLIDWORKS, I had full management over the construction itself.

The very best a part of SOLIDWORKS for 3D printing is how effectively it integrates with superior simulation instruments. I ran thermal and stress checks on a mannequin earlier than printing, and the software program helped determine weak factors that might fail in the course of the print or in real-world use. That is massively helpful for practical elements, particularly for industrial purposes.

That being mentioned, SOLIDWORKS isn’t the best program to work with for 3D printing. The file export course of was somewhat clunky, requiring further steps simply to avoid wasting STLs with the appropriate decision. I additionally discovered that working with advanced STL recordsdata was irritating—in contrast to Stable Edge, which helps you to modify STLs straight, SOLIDWORKS doesn’t deal with mesh-based fashions effectively. In case you’re working with scanned elements or sculpted designs from Blender, count on some challenges.

One other draw back? The licensing mannequin. SOLIDWORKS doesn’t have a free model, and the price is important. In case you solely want CAD instruments for 3D printing, it’s arduous to justify the worth except you’re already utilizing it for different engineering work.

What I dislike about SOLIDWORKS:

• The export course of for 3D printing was extra sophisticated than obligatory. I needed to manually alter STL settings to get the appropriate decision.
• In contrast to software program that guides you thru slicing and preparation, SOLIDWORKS expects you to configure your individual course of. That is nice for superior customers however will be irritating for freshmen like me.

What G2 customers dislike about SOLIDWORKS:

“The one draw back I’ve discovered is the occasional slowdown and generally crash. Often, that is extra of a pc/graphics card challenge or unhealthy kind in creating assemblies which are too massive, however it’s a problem generally.”

– SOLIDWORKS Assessment, Ryan S.

Tinkercad might be essentially the most beginner-friendly 3D printing software program on the market, and I needed to see if it was only for youngsters and hobbyists or if it might deal with extra critical printing wants. In contrast to the opposite instruments I examined, which concentrate on parametric modeling, industrial workflows, or superior simulation, Tinkercad is all about accessibility. 

It’s a web-based program that allows you to drag, drop, and mix shapes to create 3D fashions, making it excellent for somebody who has by no means labored with CAD earlier than.

The very first thing I observed was how briskly I might begin designing. There was no software program to put in and no sophisticated setup—I simply opened my browser, created an account, and inside 5 minutes, I used to be already making fundamental shapes and mixing them into printable objects. If different CAD software program makes you’re feeling such as you want an engineering diploma, Tinkercad is the other.

I examined its pre-made form library, which incorporates geometric solids, textual content, and even fundamental mechanical parts like gears. This made designing easy objects like keychains, nameplates, and enclosures extremely straightforward. In contrast to software program that requires sketching constraints or adjusting exact parametric values, Tinkercad is only visible—you simply drag objects, resize them, and stack them collectively. I might see why faculties and maker areas use it a lot—it removes all of the technical obstacles to entry.

One function that shocked me was the block-based coding software, which helps you to generate shapes utilizing code as a substitute of manually putting them. I performed round with it and located that it was an excellent introduction to algorithmic design, but it surely lacked the depth of parametric modeling instruments like SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360. Nonetheless, for educating youngsters or freshmen about procedural modeling, it’s a pleasant addition.

Nonetheless, Tinkercad has main limitations in the case of extra superior 3D printing wants. First, there are not any precision instruments—you’ll be able to’t outline actual constraints, alignments, or tolerances like you’ll be able to in skilled CAD software program. In case you’re designing practical elements that want to suit along with tight tolerances, you’ll shortly hit a wall.

One other massive downside is file dealing with. Since Tinkercad runs in a browser, it struggles with massive or advanced fashions. I imported a high-poly STL simply to check it, and the system grew to become sluggish and unresponsive. This makes it a poor selection if you’ll want to modify present 3D scans or sculpted designs.

What I dislike about Tinkercad:

• Can’t deal with high-poly fashions or advanced designs. I imported an in depth 3D scan with a excessive polygon rely, and Tinkercad lagged. If you’ll want to modify sculpted fashions or scanned objects, this software program merely isn’t constructed for that.
• No precision management for mechanical elements. I attempted designing a snap-fit case, and there was no technique to outline actual tolerances. With out the power to set constraints, align options exactly, or measure clearances precisely, practical elements are tough to create.

What G2 customers dislike about Tinkercad:

“Though it is rather useful and simple to make use of for freshmen and start-ups. It might use extra superior options sooner or later which are at the moment lacking to rival extra design-oriented skilled 3D software program.”

– Tinkercad Assessment, Omar M.

Ultimaker Cura is without doubt one of the most generally used 3D printing software program choices, and I needed to see if it really deserves its repute. Cura isn’t about designing fashions—it’s about making ready them for printing. It’s a devoted slicing software program that interprets your 3D mannequin right into a set of directions to your printer, and it’s utterly free.

The very first thing I examined was how Cura handles mannequin preparation. I loaded up just a few STLs and was impressed with how shortly it processed them, even on advanced, high-detail fashions. The UI is clear and simple to navigate, and I didn’t need to dig by countless menus to seek out the settings I wanted. Cura robotically detected my printer’s specs, which saved me from manually inputting construct quantity, nozzle measurement, and different particulars.

Subsequent, I experimented with Cura’s in depth print settings. There are over 400 adjustable parameters, protecting every little thing from layer peak and print pace to cooling fan speeds and acceleration settings. I began with Cura’s default profiles, that are optimized for varied Ultimaker printers, they usually labored surprisingly effectively. However since I don’t at all times use Ultimaker machines, I additionally personalized my very own profiles and located that Cura affords extra fine-tuning management than most free 3D printing software program.

One in all Cura’s standout options is tree helps—a setting that generates natural, branching assist buildings as a substitute of inflexible pillars. I examined this on a posh overhanging mannequin, and the tree helps had been a lot simpler to take away than normal helps, plus they used much less filament. That is one thing I haven’t seen in lots of different slicers, and it’s extremely helpful for delicate prints or fashions with intricate overhangs.

One other function I favored was Cura’s post-processing scripts. This lets you add customized G-code instructions at completely different levels of a print, which is nice if you wish to pause for inserting magnets, change colours mid-print, and even set off a customized motion in your printer. I arrange a easy filament swap at layer 50, and it labored with out a hitch.

Nonetheless, one of many largest frustrations I had with Cura was the print time estimation. The estimated print instances Cura gave me had been typically manner off—generally by hours. In case you depend on Cura’s estimates to plan your prints, you is likely to be in for a shock when your print takes for much longer than anticipated.

One other challenge I bumped into was Cura’s useful resource utilization. It’s a reasonably demanding software program, and after I was slicing a high-poly mannequin with tremendous element settings, my pc slowed to a crawl. It’s not an enormous deal you probably have a high-performance PC, however on older or lower-end machines, count on some lag when processing massive recordsdata.

Lastly, Cura works greatest with Ultimaker printers, which isn’t shocking on condition that it’s developed by Ultimaker. Whereas it does assist third-party printers, I needed to manually tweak settings to get Cura working easily with non-Ultimaker machines. Some presets had been incomplete or outdated, that means I needed to spend further time fine-tuning settings for customized printers.

What I dislike about Ultimaker Cura:

• Print time estimates are sometimes inaccurate. On a number of prints, Cura underestimated the precise print time, generally by a number of hours. I needed to begin ignoring Cura’s estimates and use exterior instruments for higher accuracy.
• Cura can get resource-intensive on massive prints. When slicing a extremely detailed mannequin with tremendous layer settings, it slowed down considerably. In case you’re utilizing an older or lower-end pc, count on some lag when slicing advanced fashions.

What G2 customers dislike about Ultimaker Cura:

“I can’t level out any single issue that I disliked about Ultimaker Cura as a result of I’m nonetheless pretty new to 3D modeling and 3D printing. It is a broadly used software program, so any difficulties will be solved by posting on varied boards to get suggestions on any challenge.”

– Ultimarker Cura Assessment, Shay D.

Take your designs to the following dimension with the greatest 3D modeling software program reviewed by my staff.