The 7 Greatest 3D Printing Software program I Discovered for Freshmen and Professionals

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

I discovered this the arduous manner whereas testing among the greatest 3D printing software program. One second, I used to be excited to slice a mannequin; the subsequent, 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 skilled. 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 truly matter, and what’s pointless fluff. 

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

I checked out all the pieces—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 damage 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 severe maker, or someplace in between, listed below are my prime picks for one of the best 3D printing software program options which can be value your time. 

7 greatest 3D printing software program I like utilizing

3D printing looks like magic. You begin with a digital design, press a number of buttons, and bam—your thought turns into a bodily object. However as I rapidly discovered, it’s not so simple as dragging a file into your printer and hoping for one of the best. 

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 deal with slicing—mainly, breaking your mannequin down into printable layers and producing the appropriate directions on 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 residing, I targeted on how properly these instruments steadiness energy and usefulness. 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 more durable than they have to be.

What makes one of the best 3D printing software program value utilizing? My standards

3D printing ought to be enjoyable and rewarding, not a multitude of failed prints and complicated settings. I targeted on a number of key standards throughout my analysis to verify I used to be recommending one of the best instruments for various kinds of customers.

• Newbie-friendly: I needed to check how straightforward it was to begin with every answer. May I load a mannequin, slice it, and generate a print file with out digging by a tutorial? A very good interface ought to make the method intuitive, not like a puzzle. Some software program struck an ideal steadiness between simplicity and customization, whereas others buried essential 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 limitless toolbars. A steep studying curve isn’t all the time 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 damage a print earlier than it even begins. I examined how properly every software optimized help constructions, infill density, and layer heights. A number of the greatest 3d printing software program do an ideal 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, help technology, and infill effectivity.
• Customization and management: For extra skilled customers, customization is vital. I checked if I may tweak layer top, wall thickness, retraction settings, and print pace. A very good 3D printing software ought to permit granular management with out making it too tough to navigate. I additionally examined variable layer top, retraction settings, and different optimizations to enhance print high quality.
• Stability and compatibility: Some packages battle with giant or complicated fashions, and a software that crashes mid-way is extremely annoying. I examined how properly 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 nearly any machine. A fantastic 3d printing answer ought to help STL, OBJ, and 3MF codecs. It also needs to help a number of printer manufacturers and firmware sorts.
• Print success fee: On the finish of the day, one of the best software program produces profitable prints with minimal troubleshooting. I ran take a look at prints sliced by every program and checked for print accuracy, first-layer adhesion, and general print high quality. Some instruments wanted numerous guide tweaking to get a great 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 may separate the seven greatest 3d printing software program from those that make issues more durable than they have to be.

The record beneath accommodates real consumer evaluations 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 evaluations 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. Not like conventional CAD packages that require hefty installations and fixed file administration, Onshape runs solely in your net browser, which means I may entry my tasks from actually wherever—together with my telephone (which felt bizarre however surprisingly labored).

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

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

Nevertheless, Onshape will not be a slicer, so after creating or modifying a mannequin, you continue to have to export it to arrange it for printing. The export course of is easy, and it helps STL and OBJ codecs, however I might have beloved 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 an enormous catch: you may solely create public paperwork. Which means in the event 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. When you design mechanical elements or want actual management over your fashions, it does that properly. However in the event you’re on the lookout for 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 arrange them for printing, which added an additional step to my workflow.

What G2 customers dislike about Onshape:

“The principle draw back is the pace of Onshape. Since it’s within the cloud, the efficiency will not be 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 properly it really works particularly for 3D printing. Because it’s a hybrid of parametric, direct, and sculpting modeling, it gives extra flexibility than software program that solely focuses on structured, mechanical design. Not like easier packages, it additionally has simulation, stress testing, and meeting instruments, making it helpful for designing purposeful elements moderately than simply ornamental prints.

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

For instance, when you can set infill patterns and layer heights, it doesn’t have as many superior help technology choices. When you’re engaged on prints that require intricate help constructions or extremely optimized slicing methods, you’ll most likely nonetheless wish to use a devoted slicer.

One other function I examined was Autodesk Fusion’s mesh restore instruments. When you’ve ever tried printing a mannequin solely to understand it’s stuffed with non-manifold geometry or holes, you know the way annoying that may be. Fusion’s restore software rapidly recognized damaged STL recordsdata and urged computerized fixes, which saved me from needing third-party instruments like Netfabb. I ran a number of drawback STLs by it, and usually, the restore course of labored properly sufficient that Cura accepted the recordsdata with no points. It’s not good—some complicated 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 potential to modify between parametric and freeform modeling. Parametric modeling is nice for exact, engineering-style elements, however you may change to the sculpting workspace for extra natural or inventive 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 properly for 3D printing. First, the UI is barely dense. This isn’t essentially a foul factor in the event you want all of the superior instruments, however for somebody trying solely to change a mannequin and ship it to a printer, it could actually really feel like overkill. Even easy changes require navigating by a number of menus, and a few generally used features felt buried underneath pointless steps.

One other concern I bumped into was Autodesk Fusion’s dealing with of high-poly STL recordsdata. After I imported giant, detailed fashions, the software program slowed down noticeably, even on a comparatively highly effective system. It appears optimized for native Autodesk Fusion recordsdata moderately than heavy STLs. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however in the event you often 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. When you’re on the lookout for a easy approach to tweak and print fashions, this software program could get barely complicated.
• The built-in slicing instruments lack help construction customization, infill sample management, and different fine-tuning choices. I discovered it helpful for fast prints however not a full slicing answer.

What G2 customers dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

“Two elements 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 typically gives important benefits, options like real-time collaboration and computerized saving may 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 gives 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 potential to deal with complicated, 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 help for metallic 3D printing. Whereas most 3d printing software program focuses on FDM printing, NX contains devoted instruments for powder mattress fusion (PBF), direct power deposition (DED), and SLA processes. I experimented with PBF-specific help constructions, that are important for metallic printing. NX mechanically optimized help constructions primarily based 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 fancy aerospace bracket mannequin and ran an evaluation that predicted areas of potential warping and distortion as a result of warmth buildup. That is manner past what conventional 3d printing software program and slicers can do, and it’s essential for metallic printing or giant industrial prints the place failure means 1000’s 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 state of affairs the place I printed a metallic half with inside lattice constructions after which simulated post-processing with CNC machining to refine the outer surfaces. That is one thing fully distinctive to NX, and it’s supreme 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 mandatory for most individuals’s printing wants.

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

What I dislike about Siemens NX:

• I didn’t discover this software supreme 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 may be difficult to grasp. Because it’s a full engineering suite, not only a 3D printing software, it takes important time to get used to, particularly in the event you don’t want all its options.

What G2 customers dislike about Siemens NX:

“Essentially the most disliked factor about NX CAD is that it isn’t that user-friendly after we speak within the context of latest customers (instructional functions) in comparison with the opposite software program, and getting the academic license is one other drawback that’s fairly simply accessible for Autodesk merchandise. The reason being that almost all Autodesk merchandise are most popular in India. Yet one more factor that may be thought of is the client care help that’s lagging within the case of the entire Siemens group, which is kind of higher than Dassault Methods.”

– Siemens NX Assessment, Anjan M.

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

Not like Onshape or Fusion 360, which deal with cloud-based collaboration, Strong Edge is an area set up with an emphasis on conventional engineering workflows.

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

With convergent modeling, I may 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 setting, which streamlines the method of making ready fashions for additive manufacturing. Not like most CAD software program, Strong Edge truly permits 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 help. Strong Edge contains 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 Strong Edge’s smoothing and edge-repair instruments. Whereas it improved the mannequin, it didn’t totally repair each concern, and I nonetheless needed to modify areas with unhealthy topology manually. The automation is useful, but it surely gained’t exchange the necessity for guide cleanup in lots of instances.

Then there’s the interface, which was one among my largest frustrations. Strong 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 features. The ribbon-based design feels outdated in comparison with extra trendy, streamlined CAD instruments.

One different sudden concern I bumped into was import/export limitations. Whereas Strong Edge helps many CAD file sorts, it struggled with bigger, high-polygon STLs. I examined an in depth natural mesh file, and whereas it was technically imported, it turned sluggish and unresponsive after I tried making edits. This implies that Strong Edge remains to be higher suited to structured, CAD-based fashions moderately than extraordinarily detailed meshes, which might be problematic in the event you’re working with 3D scans or sculpted designs from Blender.

What I dislike about Strong 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 modify retraction, infill density, or superior help settings.
• Some 3D printing options aren’t accessible within the fundamental model, which suggests 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 Strong Edge:

“There are some things that I do not like. Generally, I would like to make use of a 3D dxf file, however I am unable to import it in Strong Edge as a result of it does not help it. One other comparable factor is importing .3mf (a preferred file format for 3D printing) file that isn’t impartable in SE.”

– Strong 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 properly it handles 3D printing particularly. Not like 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 a great and a foul factor. Not like software program that mechanically guides you thru a 3D printing course of, SOLIDWORKS requires some setup to get all the pieces working easily. As soon as I configured it appropriately, although, it offered a formidable 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, modify 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 will require additional help earlier than I even exported the file.

One other function I examined was SOLIDWORKS’ potential to generate honeycomb and gyroid infill constructions straight contained in the mannequin. As a substitute of counting on a slicer to create infill patterns, I may design light-weight inside constructions as precise geometry. This was notably helpful for engineering elements that wanted particular strength-to-weight ratios. Most 3D printing software program solely permits you to modify infill proportion, however in SOLIDWORKS, I had full management over the construction itself.

The perfect a part of SOLIDWORKS for 3D printing is how properly it integrates with superior simulation instruments. I ran thermal and stress assessments 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 vastly useful for purposeful elements, particularly for industrial functions.

That being mentioned, SOLIDWORKS will not be the simplest program to work with for 3D printing. The file export course of was a bit clunky, requiring additional steps simply to avoid wasting STLs with the appropriate decision. I additionally discovered that working with complicated STL recordsdata was irritating—in contrast to Strong Edge, which helps you to modify STLs straight, SOLIDWORKS doesn’t deal with mesh-based fashions properly. When 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 associated fee is critical. When you solely want CAD instruments for 3D printing, it’s arduous to justify the value until you’re already utilizing it for different engineering work.

What I dislike about SOLIDWORKS:

• The export course of for 3D printing was extra difficult than mandatory. I needed to manually modify STL settings to get the appropriate decision.
• Not like 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 may be irritating for freshmen like me.

What G2 customers dislike about SOLIDWORKS:

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

– 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 may deal with extra severe printing wants. Not like the opposite instruments I examined, which deal with 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 good for somebody who has by no means labored with CAD earlier than.

The very first thing I observed was how briskly I may begin designing. There was no software program to put in and no difficult 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 alternative.

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. Not like 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 may see why faculties and maker areas use it a lot—it removes all of the technical limitations to entry.

One function that stunned me was the block-based coding software, which helps you to generate shapes utilizing code as a substitute of manually inserting them. I performed round with it and located that it was a great 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.

Nevertheless, Tinkercad has main limitations in terms of extra superior 3D printing wants. First, there are not any precision instruments—you may’t outline actual constraints, alignments, or tolerances like you may in skilled CAD software program. When you’re designing purposeful elements that want to suit along with tight tolerances, you’ll rapidly hit a wall.

One other large downside is file dealing with. Since Tinkercad runs in a browser, it struggles with giant or complicated fashions. I imported a high-poly STL simply to check it, and the system turned sluggish and unresponsive. This makes it a poor selection if it’s essential to modify present 3D scans or sculpted designs.

What I dislike about Tinkercad:

• Can’t deal with high-poly fashions or complicated designs. I imported an in depth 3D scan with a excessive polygon rely, and Tinkercad lagged. If it’s essential 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 approach to outline actual tolerances. With out the power to set constraints, align options exactly, or measure clearances precisely, purposeful elements are tough to create.

What G2 customers dislike about Tinkercad:

“Though it is rather useful and straightforward to make use of for freshmen and start-ups. It may use extra superior options sooner or later which can be presently 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 truly deserves its status. 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 on your printer, and it’s fully free.

The very first thing I examined was how Cura handles mannequin preparation. I loaded up a number of STLs and was impressed with how rapidly it processed them, even on complicated, high-detail fashions. The UI is clear and straightforward to navigate, and I didn’t need to dig by limitless menus to search out the settings I wanted. Cura mechanically detected my printer’s specs, which saved me from manually inputting construct quantity, nozzle measurement, and different particulars.

Subsequent, I experimented with Cura’s intensive print settings. There are over 400 adjustable parameters, masking all the pieces from layer top and print pace to cooling fan speeds and acceleration settings. I began with Cura’s default profiles, that are optimized for numerous Ultimaker printers, they usually labored surprisingly properly. However since I don’t all the time use Ultimaker machines, I additionally custom-made my very own profiles and located that Cura gives extra fine-tuning management than most free 3D printing software program.

Certainly one of Cura’s standout options is tree helps—a setting that generates natural, branching help constructions as a substitute of inflexible pillars. I examined this on a fancy 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 phases 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.

Nevertheless, one of many largest frustrations I had with Cura was the print time estimation. The estimated print occasions Cura gave me had been typically manner off—typically by hours. When 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 concern 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 positive element settings, my pc slowed to a crawl. It’s not an enormous deal in case you have a high-performance PC, however on older or lower-end machines, count on some lag when processing giant recordsdata.

Lastly, Cura works greatest with Ultimaker printers, which isn’t stunning on condition that it’s developed by Ultimaker. Whereas it does help 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, which means I needed to spend additional 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, typically 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 giant prints. When slicing a extremely detailed mannequin with positive layer settings, it slowed down considerably. When you’re utilizing an older or lower-end pc, count on some lag when slicing complicated 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. This can be a extensively used software program, so any difficulties may be solved by posting on numerous boards to get suggestions on any concern.”

– Ultimarker Cura Assessment, Shay D.

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