[3D Printing News] Integration of Ultimaker Cura with 3D Software

[3D Printing News] Integration of Ultimaker Cura with 3D Software

One of the benefits of Ultimaker Cura is that users can extend the software's core functionality to streamline the 3D printing workflow.
Users can try modifying Ultimaker Cura to integrate different software, read custom file formats, add custom menu items, and so on.
All users can use plugins for development and add features to the software as needed.

Tools for global product designers and engineers

Currently, one available add-on is SolidWorks Integration. The SolidWorks Integration add-on is an example of a file extension reader – a add-on...
It allows you to read file formats from different software.

SolidWorks is a well-known industry-standard design software, used by over 3,246,750 product designers and engineers worldwide , representing the pinnacle of industry standards.
240,010 organizations in sectors including healthcare, science, consumer, education, technology, and transportation.
Therefore, expanding the functionality of Ultimaker Cura to integrate SolidWorks has a wide-ranging impact on organizations using 3D printing.

Narrowing the gap

Objects designed in SolidWorks have a specific file format. The resulting form is a (.asm) file, while parts are composed of ( .sldprt) files.
In the past, to prepare SolidWorks designs for 3D printing , they had to be exported in a proprietary .stl format before they could be opened in Ultimaker Cura.
Position it on the printing platform, slice it into layers, and then save it as gcode for output in 3D printing.
Ultimaker Cura's SolidWorks integration plugin eliminates the need for you to convert files again.
After installation, the SolidWorks integration plugin will perform two main functions: users can directly open .sldprt or .asm files in Ultimaker Cura .
Just like opening any other file.
Users can choose the quality of the imported file, which will be loaded into the printing platform in SolidWorks at the same scale and orientation.
Open a SolidWorks file in Ultimaker Cura

Users can add an "Export to Ultimaker Cura" button to the SolidWorks interface to quickly import designs from SolidWorks into Ultimaker Cura.


A simpler design process

Another advantage of integrating plugins into SolidWorks is that it allows for faster export when modifying designs.

Suppose that after the initial prototype, the design needs to be changed – perhaps due to overly tight tolerances, or modifications are required for regulatory reasons. Use SolidWorks plugins to integrate this.
After modifying the design, simply click the "Export to Ultimaker Cura" button in the SolidWorks interface.
The add-on will enable Ultimaker Cura and feature the latest design changes.

This video provides an overview of the entire workflow:

All cheats are in the same place.

You can find all available plugins for Ultimaker Cura in the plugin browser by navigating to Plugins > Browse Plugins.


To learn how to develop your own custom add-ons to meet your business needs, please browse the overview on this page .

Original source: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/52472-ultimaker-cura-3d-printing-software-solidworks-integration-for-a-better-workflow