27 years on this planet have taught me that humans are astounding creatures, technology is boundless, and there is nothing better than the right song…
I am a big believer that Cura has the power to change your 3D Printing for the better. Yet, too often, Cura creates problems for new users and ultimately pushes them away from 3D printing. 3D Printing Slicers like Prusa Slicer are more intuitive and user friendly.
I have been a 3D printing engineer and designer for nearly 9 years. Since that time, I have started and worked for multiple startups, taught groups students about 3D printing, and have repaired machines from companies like MakerBot and Creality. 3D printing and design has also helped me understand a lot of the pain points for new and experienced users. I recommend everyone find the time to understand how their slicer works, but more specifically, determine what they need their slicer to do.
And I have 5 specific reasons why:
Reason #1: Cura is a complex program with more settings to change than any other slicer. Some settings are experimental, while others are helpful for certain machines. Lack of understanding of these settings could lead to failed prints.
Reason #2: Cura creates discrepancies between the information shared with the user, and what the print outcome will actually be. One of the most commonly reported issues is the difference in time Cura says a print will take to the actual time a print takes.
Reason #3: Cura does not guide users through best practices in use. There are no Cura dedicated tutorials from Ultimaker on their website. Although explanations of a setting may exist within Cura, this does not aid a new user enough in understanding print setup.
Reason #4: Cura tends to create bloated files leading to longer print times than competing slicers. Various tests of the same file with competing slicers shows Cura has longer print times, creates surfaces that are less than ideal, and may generate failing print files.
Reason #5: Prusa Slicer has a user-friendly interface, containing templates and views of settings for new and experienced users. Although Cura and Prusa Slicer both allow you to show and hide settings, Prusa Slicer simplifies the process, showing only what a user needs.
If you start experience trouble using Cura, let me know—I'd love to connect with you (and answer any questions you have getting started!).