[3D Printing News] Ultimaker Cura 3.1 Official Version Released
Ultimaker Cura 3.1 is now available in stable condition. This new version builds upon all previous versions of Ultimaker Cura, featuring new slicing capabilities, tweaks, and fixes. We want to thank everyone who took the time to test the beta version, helping us create the best possible user experience.
Update Highlights
• A new product: 0.25mm AA print nozzles . The new print nozzles have ultra-fine linewidths and can be used for high-detail surface treatments.
• New product Breakaway , a novel post-drying treatment material that can be removed quickly and easily.
• Enhanced Layer View - Achieve a smarter printing workflow by using color-coded representations to simulate printing strategies in real time and at higher speeds.
• Quick Camera Controls - Quickly and easily reposition the camera view using toolbar buttons.
• Improved speed - Faster processing, faster response times when changing printers or configuration files.
• Compatible with HP 3D Scan Pro 5.
Enhance UI
Switching between configuration files is now much faster. Previously, copying and removing configuration files in Ultimaker Cura could take a while, but the latest version allows for instant switching.
Selecting a printer is faster. Removing a printer is more instantaneous. No sluggish screens.
Faster processing speed. Speed is improved by 5-10% when calculating normals, loading models, and slicing .
Quick camera controls. New buttons have been added to the interface for quick repositioning of the camera view on the print platform. This includes isometric, front, and left /right views. 
From left to right: isometric view, front view, top view, left view, and right view.
Layer View. The existing Layer View has been updated, now featuring a new virtual print nozzle that simulates print strategies. This can be used to preview the print order of fills and walls, and to avoid overhangs caused by the print order. A new layer path slider has been added to navigate the print strategy of the selected layer .
Hotkey users can navigate through the Layers view. Use the up and down arrows to scroll through layers, and the left and right arrows to navigate through the steps within a layer. Hold Shift +
The arrow keys increase all directions by 10. 
Virtual nozzles display the printing strategy for each layer.
Feed rate visualization. Feed rate visualization has been added to the layer view color scheme selector. Feed rate is represented by a corresponding color, from blue to red.
Blue indicates a speed of 20 mm/s (e.g., the first layer of an object being printed), and a speed ranging from 250 mm/s (e.g., the travel of the print nozzle).
The parts are indicated in red. This function allows users to see the speed of each model part, giving them better control over the printing process. 
Feed volume visualization
Lock the model to the platform. The move tool has a new option to lock the selected model to the platform. When locked, the model cannot move in the X, Y, or Z directions.
Run. Run the print nozzles, which move under on-screen control. When connected via USB, the Ultimaker 2+ and other RepRap printers can now be used...
The Ultimaker Cura offers complete control. Each axis can be moved in increments of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mm. 
When connected via USB, the X, Y, and Z axes can now be controlled via the Ultimaker Cura.
Loading large models. Loading large/detailed models and slicing them at high resolutions could impact the performance of previous versions of Ultimaker Cura. A new feature now allows unloading layer views when switching to fixed mode, speeding up backups in Ultimaker Cura without losing G-code/
Messages from the layer view.
Drafts folder. The drafts folder is now available in the Ultimaker Cura configuration folder. This folder can load post-processing plugin scripts, and these drafts will automatically appear in Ultimaker Cura.
HP 3D Scan Compatibility. HP 3D Scan version 5.3.0 results can be directly exported to Ultimaker Cura 3.0.4 and later.
Streamline the issue reporting process. Issue reports are generated automatically, allowing users to easily send descriptions to developers when an issue occurs.
New slice improvement features
A new print configuration profile has been added for the 0.25mm AA print nozzle. This profile includes optimized slice settings for easier creation of high-resolution prints.
The tool on the left uses a 0.4mm AA print nozzle, and the tool on the right uses a 0.25mm AA print nozzle.
A key advantage of the 0.25mm AA print nozzle is its ability to print fine details and text, which is not possible with other print nozzles.
A new configuration file has been added for Breakaway. A new print configuration file has been added for Breakaway with the new support material. This configuration file includes optimized print settings for easier printing. Breakaway's post-processing is completely dry, which is useful for water-sensitive materials. It is also faster than removing water-soluble materials.
Enable floating models. In previous versions, when support was disabled, the model would be moved to the print platform. When enabled, the model would begin to float (even in situations where printing would be impossible). Now, individual models can be stacked together and printed as a single section.
Slice tolerance. A new setting in the Quality Settings category that affects the intersection points to influence the dimensional accuracy of the diagonal surface. Users can select the following behaviors:
"Inclusive" makes the gaps narrower, "Exclusive" makes the gaps wider, and "Middle" allows for faster processing.
When using "Middle," the first layer will be raised by half its original height to compensate for the additional half-layer. A potential use case for this feature is to create better tolerances when printing screw holes.
Optimized bend shapes. Zigzag patterns are now printed more completely. They are printed in various ways, and the lines now have a 5-micron tolerance with longer connecting segments.
Align the inner wall of the Z-joint by moving it. The inner wall moves to align with the Z-joint. This reduces the number of movements and unnecessary seams.
Relative positioning of the fill pattern. The fill pattern is now positioned relative to the center of the loaded model. The fill position is the same whenever the model is loaded.
An offset can be applied to control the fill more precisely and adjust it to a preference or intensity.
Line analysis rate. Specifies the minimum permissible distance between two points in G-code, creating polygons with lower or higher analysis rates.
Change to Custom Mode. If the configuration profile has been modified in the recommended mode under Custom Mode settings, a reset icon will appear to notify the user. Clicking the icon will show that changes have been made, and then restore the default configuration profile settings.
Fix bugs
This release includes several bug fixes, including incorrect layer display when switching between solid and layer modes, and errors in the Cura engine during slicing (if Cerain settings are enabled, importing old files, etc.).
notes
Upgrading from Ultimaker Cura 3.1 beta to Ultimaker Cura 3.1 stable may require manually deleting the user configuration file (located in the Ultimaker Cura 3.1 subdirectory). This addresses issues caused by incorrect configuration files, rather than simply overwriting them.
Updates begin today.
We would like to thank all the contributors, and especially fieldOfView, smartavionics, and BagelOrb.
Are you ready to use Ultimaker Cura 3.1? Download now and discover more benefits.
Original source: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/52266-whats-new-in-ultimaker-cura-31
[3D Printing News] Ultimaker Cura 3.1 Official Version Released!
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