The 7 Finest 3D Printing Software program I Discovered for Newbies and Execs

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

I discovered this the arduous method whereas testing among the finest 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 regarded nothing like they need to. 

Now, I’m not a 3D printing professional. 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 particular person 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 critical maker, or someplace in between, listed here are my prime picks for one of the best 3D printing software program options which might be value your time. 

7 finest 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 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 applications allow you to create and edit 3D fashions from scratch, whereas others give attention to slicing—mainly, breaking your mannequin down into printable layers and producing the best 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 residing, I targeted on how effectively these instruments stability energy and usefulness. I wished to see which of them make the method simple for newcomers, which of them give professionals the superior instruments they crave, and which of them make issues more durable than they should be.

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

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

• Newbie-friendly: I wished to check how simple it was to begin with every answer. May I load a mannequin, slice it, and generate a print file with out digging via a tutorial? A superb interface ought to make the method intuitive, not like a puzzle. Some software program struck an important stability between simplicity and customization, whereas others buried essential settings behind layers of menus. I additionally checked out how simple it was to navigate, manipulate objects, and export information with out getting misplaced in limitless 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 damage a print earlier than it even begins. I examined how effectively every device optimized help buildings, infill density, and layer heights. A number of the finest 3d printing software program do an important job balancing velocity and precision, whereas others require extra tweaking to keep away from wasted filament and failed prints. I additionally checked for velocity of slicing, help era, and infill effectivity.
• Customization and management: For extra skilled customers, customization is vital. I checked if I might tweak layer top, wall thickness, retraction settings, and print velocity. A superb 3D printing device ought to permit granular management with out making it too troublesome to navigate. I additionally examined variable layer top, retraction settings, and different optimizations to enhance print high quality.
• Stability and compatibility: Some applications battle with giant or complicated fashions, and a device that crashes mid-way is extremely annoying. I examined how effectively every program dealt with high-detail STL information and multi-part assemblies with out freezing or failing. I additionally checked out compatibility with totally different 3D printers and file codecs. Some software program is locked to particular manufacturers, whereas others work with nearly any machine. An incredible 3d printing answer ought to help STL, OBJ, and 3MF codecs. It must also 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 handbook tweaking to get a superb 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 finest 3d printing software program from those that make issues more durable than they should be.

The checklist under incorporates real consumer evaluations from G2’s finest 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 information

*This knowledge 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 applications that require hefty installations and fixed file administration, Onshape runs completely in your internet browser, which means I might entry my tasks from actually wherever—together with my cellphone (which felt bizarre however surprisingly labored).

I wished to see how effectively Onshape matches right into a 3D printing workflow, so I ran it via just a few exams. 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 little thing is constructed with constraints and relationships, which means you outline issues with precise measurements as an alternative of simply eyeballing shapes. It’s extremely highly effective—but additionally not precisely pleasant to informal customers.

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

Nonetheless, 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’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 an enormous catch: you’ll be able to solely create public paperwork. Meaning for those who’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 finest for customers who want structured, precision modeling and collaboration instruments. When you design mechanical components or want precise management over your fashions, it does that effectively. However for those who’re searching for an all-in-one device 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 primary draw back is the velocity 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 characteristic: Paperwork. Paperwork can get slowed down in a short time with half studios and assemblies and derived components.”

– Onshape Evaluation, Sebastian S.

Autodesk Fusion is without doubt one of the most generally used CAD instruments in engineering, product design, and manufacturing, however I wished to see how effectively it really works particularly for 3D printing. Because it’s a hybrid of parametric, direct, and sculpting modeling, it provides extra flexibility than software program that solely focuses on structured, mechanical design. Not like easier applications, it additionally has simulation, stress testing, and meeting instruments, making it helpful for designing practical components somewhat 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 enables you to generate G-code immediately inside Fusion as an alternative 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 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 era choices. When you’re engaged on prints that require intricate help buildings or extremely optimized slicing methods, you’ll in all probability nonetheless wish to use a devoted slicer.

One other characteristic I examined was Autodesk Fusion’s mesh restore instruments. When you’ve ever tried printing a mannequin solely to appreciate it’s stuffed with non-manifold geometry or holes, you understand how annoying that may be. Fusion’s restore device rapidly recognized damaged STL information and steered automated fixes, which saved me from needing third-party instruments like Netfabb. I ran just a few downside STLs via it, and normally, the restore course of labored effectively sufficient that Cura accepted the information with no points. It’s not excellent—some complicated information wanted handbook 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 components, 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 speak about 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 for those who want all of the superior instruments, however for somebody trying solely to change a mannequin and ship it to a printer, it might probably really feel like overkill. Even easy changes require navigating via 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 information. 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 information somewhat than heavy STLs. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however for those who continuously work with scanned fashions or high-detail sculpted designs, count on some efficiency slowdowns.

What I dislike about Autodesk Fusion:

• I discovered myself clicking via a number of menus simply to make small adjustments. When you’re searching 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 usually provides important benefits, options like real-time collaboration and automated saving might be difficult in areas with restricted connectivity. Moreover, regardless of supporting many file codecs, the conversion of information throughout export is usually restricted, ensuing within the lack of particulars or geometries when importing to different software program.”

– Autodesk Fusion Evaluation, Juan M.

Siemens NX provides 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 applications 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 buildings, that are important for metallic printing. NX routinely optimized help buildings primarily based on thermal distortion and stress distribution. This stage 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 the whole 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 method 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 characteristic 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 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 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 looking for instruments. It’s a full engineering suite, not only a 3D printing device, so it comes with layers of complexity that aren’t crucial for most individuals’s printing wants.

One other downside 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 critical licensing prices. When you’re a hobbyist or perhaps a small enterprise, it’s not a viable possibility until you’re employed in high-precision industries.

What I dislike about Siemens NX:

• I didn’t discover this device 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 alternative for small-scale customers.
• The device might be difficult to grasp. Because it’s a full engineering suite, not only a 3D printing device, it takes important time to get used to, particularly for those who don’t want all its options.

What G2 customers dislike about Siemens NX:

“Essentially the most disliked factor about NX CAD is that it is not that user-friendly once we discuss within the context of recent customers (academic functions) in comparison with the opposite software program, and getting the tutorial license is one other downside that’s fairly simply obtainable for Autodesk merchandise. The reason being that almost all Autodesk merchandise are most popular in India. Yet one more factor that may be thought-about is the shopper care help that’s lagging within the case of the whole Siemens group, which is sort of higher than Dassault Techniques.”

– Siemens NX Evaluation, Anjan M.

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

Not like Onshape or Fusion 360, which give attention to 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 characteristic. It is a distinctive hybrid method that permits you to work with mesh-based STL information alongside parametric CAD fashions. When you’ve ever tried modifying an STL in a typical CAD program, you recognize it’s a nightmare—most CAD instruments deal with STLs as “dumb” geometry, which 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 getting ready 3D scan knowledge a lot simpler.

Subsequent, I explored the devoted 3D printing surroundings, which streamlines the method of getting ready fashions for additive manufacturing. Not like most CAD software program, Stable Edge really enables you to ship information on to a 3D printer without having a separate slicer. I examined this with an STL file, and it supplied 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 characteristic was reverse engineering help. Stable 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 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 change the necessity for handbook cleanup in lots of circumstances.

Then there’s the interface, which was one in every of 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 structure, I nonetheless needed to click on via a number of menus for frequent capabilities. The ribbon-based design feels outdated in comparison with extra fashionable, streamlined CAD instruments.

One different sudden challenge I bumped into was import/export limitations. Whereas Stable 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 grew to become gradual and unresponsive once I tried making edits. This means that Stable Edge continues to be higher suited to structured, CAD-based fashions somewhat than extraordinarily detailed meshes, which might be problematic for those who’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 help settings.
• Some 3D printing options aren’t obtainable within the fundamental model, which suggests particular person customers like myself could not get probably the most out of this device with out paying for premium tiers.

What G2 customers dislike about Stable Edge:

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

– Stable Edge Evaluation, Imre S.

SOLIDWORKS is without doubt one of the most generally used CAD applications in engineering and product design, however I wished to see how effectively 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 robust 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 superb and a foul factor. Not like software program that routinely 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 accurately, although, it supplied a formidable stage of management over mannequin preparation, slicing previews, and print validation.

I examined the Print3D device, which helps you to examine 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 will require further help earlier than I even exported the file.

One other characteristic I examined was SOLIDWORKS’ potential to generate honeycomb and gyroid infill buildings immediately 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 notably helpful for engineering components that wanted particular strength-to-weight ratios. Most 3D printing software program solely enables you to alter infill proportion, however in SOLIDWORKS, I had full management over the construction itself.

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

That being mentioned, SOLIDWORKS will not be the best program to work with for 3D printing. The file export course of was a little bit clunky, requiring further steps simply to avoid wasting STLs with the best decision. I additionally discovered that working with complicated STL information was irritating—in contrast to Stable Edge, which helps you to modify STLs immediately, SOLIDWORKS doesn’t deal with mesh-based fashions effectively. When you’re working with scanned components 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 important. When you solely want CAD instruments for 3D printing, it’s arduous to justify the worth until 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 crucial. I needed to manually alter STL settings to get the best 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 might be irritating for newcomers like me.

What G2 customers dislike about SOLIDWORKS:

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

– SOLIDWORKS Evaluation, Ryan S.

Tinkercad might be probably the most beginner-friendly 3D printing software program on the market, and I wished to see if it was only for youngsters and hobbyists or if it might deal with extra critical printing wants. Not like the opposite instruments I examined, which give attention to parametric modeling, industrial workflows, or superior simulation, Tinkercad is all about accessibility. 

It’s a web-based program that permits 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 elements like gears. This made designing easy objects like keychains, nameplates, and enclosures extremely simple. Not like software program that requires sketching constraints or adjusting exact parametric values, Tinkercad is solely 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 characteristic that stunned me was the block-based coding device, which helps you to generate shapes utilizing code as an alternative of manually inserting them. I performed round with it and located that it was a superb introduction to algorithmic design, but it surely lacked the depth of parametric modeling instruments like SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360. Nonetheless, for instructing youngsters or newcomers about procedural modeling, it’s a pleasant addition.

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

One other huge disadvantage 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 grew to become sluggish and unresponsive. This makes it a poor alternative if you might want 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 depend, and Tinkercad lagged. If you might want to modify sculpted fashions or scanned objects, this software program merely isn’t constructed for that.
• No precision management for mechanical components. I attempted designing a snap-fit case, and there was no approach to outline precise tolerances. With out the flexibility to set constraints, align options exactly, or measure clearances precisely, practical components are troublesome to create.

What G2 customers dislike about Tinkercad:

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

– Tinkercad Evaluation, Omar M.

Ultimaker Cura is without doubt one of the most generally used 3D printing software program choices, and I wished to see if it really deserves its popularity. Cura isn’t about designing fashions—it’s about getting 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 rapidly it processed them, even on complicated, high-detail fashions. The UI is clear and straightforward to navigate, and I didn’t should dig via limitless menus to search out the settings I wanted. Cura routinely detected my printer’s specs, which saved me from manually inputting construct quantity, nozzle dimension, 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 velocity to cooling fan speeds and acceleration settings. I began with Cura’s default profiles, that are optimized for varied Ultimaker printers, and so they 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 provides extra fine-tuning management than most free 3D printing software program.

One in every of Cura’s standout options is tree helps—a setting that generates natural, branching help buildings as an alternative 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 characteristic I appreciated was Cura’s post-processing scripts. This lets you add customized G-code instructions at totally 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 occasions Cura gave me had been usually method off—generally by hours. When you depend on Cura’s estimates to plan your prints, you is perhaps 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 once I was slicing a high-poly mannequin with positive element settings, my laptop 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 information.

Lastly, Cura works finest with Ultimaker printers, which isn’t stunning provided 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 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 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 laptop, 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. It is a broadly used software program, so any difficulties might be solved by posting on varied boards to get suggestions on any challenge.”

– Ultimarker Cura Evaluation, Shay D.

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