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SPECIFICTION
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UltiMaker Cura

ultimaker.com

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Spec score 7.5 #21 of 27 in 3D Slicer Software

What it is

UltiMaker Cura prepares 3D models for printing with an open-source slicing engine. The free software is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web. Users can start with recommended settings and choose speed and quality options, or move to Custom mode for more than 400 print-preparation settings. Intent profiles target particular applications, and UltiMaker says recommended profiles have been tested for thousands of hours. Cura includes auto supports, printer control, print monitoring, multi-material tools, and multi-material printing; cloud slicing is not included. It integrates with UltiMaker products and supports STEP and IGES files. The UltiMaker Marketplace offers material profiles from leading brands and community-rated plugins. Cura Enterprise supports cross-platform deployment, configuration, and management; it receives two updates per year, with each update supported for 12 months, including security patches and bug fixes. UltiMaker says Cura automatically collects anonymous machine types, material use, slice counts, and print settings, without personal information. The company provides support articles and ticket submission for technical assistance.

Spec sheet

Purpose
UltiMaker Cura prepares 3D models for printing with an open-source slicing engine.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Audience
UltiMaker says Cura is designed for both experienced and rookie 3D printer users.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Integrations
The product page states that Cura integrates with UltiMaker products and supports STEP and IGES file types.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Privacy
UltiMaker says Cura automatically collects anonymous machine types, material usage, slice counts, and print settings to improve print quality and user experience, and that this data contains no personal information.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Support
UltiMaker provides support articles and lets users submit support tickets for technical assistance.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Headquarters
Zaltbommel, NetherlandsRead 28 Sep 2026 · ultimaker.com
Founded
2011Read 28 Sep 2026 · ultimaker.com
Customization
Custom mode provides over 400 settings for granular control over print preparation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Ease of use
Users can prepare models with recommended settings and choose speed and quality settings to start printing.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Enterprise deployment
Cura Enterprise can be deployed, configured, and managed with cross-platform systems distribution.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Enterprise security
Each Cura Enterprise release is independently scanned, tested, and analyzed for vulnerabilities, and UltiMaker publishes a summary of the report.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Enterprise updates
Cura Enterprise receives two updates a year, with updates supported for 12 months after release, including security patches and bug fixes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Marketplace
The UltiMaker Marketplace offers material profiles from leading brands and community-rated plugins to customize print preparation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com
Print profiles
Intent profiles target specific applications, and recommended profiles have been tested for thousands of hours.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com

Plans and prices

UltiMaker Cura Free Free and open source desktop slicing software Read 7 Oct 2026 · ultimaker.com

Every UltiMaker Cura plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free, open-source slicing software.
  • Custom mode offers more than 400 settings.
  • Includes printer control and print monitoring.
  • Marketplace offers material profiles and community-rated plugins.
  • Enterprise updates receive 12 months of support.

Limits

  • Cloud slicing is not included.
  • Cura automatically collects anonymous machine and print-setting data.
  • Enterprise receives two updates per year.

Who it suits

It suits both experienced and rookie 3D printer users, with recommended settings for a starting point and extensive controls for print preparation. Organizations needing cross-platform deployment and managed updates can consider Cura Enterprise.

Verdict

Cura combines a free slicer, beginner-oriented recommended settings, and detailed controls, alongside printer and multi-material tools. Note that cloud slicing is absent and that the maker describes automatic collection of anonymous usage data.

Where Specifiction places it

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