Ultimaker has launched a new two pronged 3D software strategy to support increasing adoption by “professional designers, engineers, researchers, and manufacturers.” The release bundle comprises an updated Ultimaker Cura for 3D printed object slicing, and Cura Connect, to optimise the use of multiple 3D printers in a bank or farm.
The award winning OEM made the announcement at this week’s TCT 2017 in Birmingham, where 3D Printing Industry is reporting live all week.
Third party friendly
Ultimaker Cura slicing software will be bolstered by workflow integration between third party CAD applications including SolidWorks and Siemens NX. With this integration, designers and engineers will be able customize workflows based on individual manufacturing needs.
This is a key development considering Ultimaker’s growing applications in industrial settings, such as the 3D printed tooling, jigs and fixtures for automotive.
This first software update will be officially released on October 17th 2017.
Connected 3D printing
Cura Connect is Ultimaker’s solution enabling users to manage multiple print jobs, on a number of machines, from a single platform. Again the benefits will be felt most by those 3D printing parts at volume, “creating an accessible solution for prototyping, tooling and small-scale production.”
This asset is scheduled for release November 7th 2017.
Future ready solutions
Paul Heiden, Senior VP of Product Management at Ultimaker explains that the new software features will be available to all existing customers of the Ultimaker 3, adding, “We are proud to be providing future-ready solutions. Ultimaker Cura opens up the possibility of third party plugin development that ensures seamless workflow integration with industry-standard CAD software to make 3D printing even more accessible.”
Siert Wijnia, founder of Ultimaker continues, “Furthermore, we will continuously develop new applications for our 3D printers, creating an even more integrated solution for our one million Cura users, including professional designers, engineers, researchers, and manufacturers.”
“This will help users get the most out of their Ultimaker 3D printer.”
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Featured image shows Ultimaker 3D printers driven by Cura slicing and daisy chaining software. Photo via Ultimaker
