IceSL vs UltiMaker Cura
IceSL
icesl.inria.frUltiMaker Cura
ultimaker.comSide by side
| Figure | IceSL | UltiMaker Cura |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D Slicer Software | 8.1 (#6) | 7.5 (#21) |
| Spec score · 3D Printing Software | 8.2 (#8) | 7.4 (#31) |
| Founded | 1967 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Le Chesnay, France | Zaltbommel, Netherlands |
| Integrations | IceSL documentation describes a plugin system, printer profile documentation, and Python bindings called pyicesl; the download page offers pyicesl packages for Windows and Linux. | The product page states that Cura integrates with UltiMaker products and supports STEP and IGES file types. |
| Purpose | IceSL provides tools for 3D modeling and slicing, including customizable shape fabrication. | UltiMaker Cura prepares 3D models for printing with an open-source slicing engine. |
| Support | The EULA says the licensor does not offer installation or implementation assistance or software maintenance. | UltiMaker provides support articles and lets users submit support tickets for technical assistance. |
Plans
In their own words
IceSL
IceSL is a free set of 3D modeling and slicing tools for customizable shape fabrication. IceSL-forge combines modeling and slicing through a Lua language that describes Boolean combinations of triangle meshes, voxels, implicit surfaces and shaders. IceSL-slicer turns models or geometry scripts into G-code, DLP printer images and laser-cutter paths. SliceCrafter provides browser-based slicing, while WebPrinter previews G-code by emulating a 3D printer. Available slicing methods include cubic and tetrahedral infills, bridge supports, adaptive layer thickness, progressive infills, efficient offsetting, protective shields and self-supporting cavities. Polyfoam and Phasor infillers expose local density, orientation, direction and randomness controls. Layer thickness, infill density and printing speed can vary by layer. Documentation covers plugins, printer profiles and pyicesl Python bindings. IceSL requires a GPU with full OpenGL 4.3 support. Its free license is limited to internal research and academic use; commercial and production use are forbidden.
UltiMaker Cura
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.