Desktop 3D printer manufacturer, Ultimaker has announced its new software strategy at TCT Show today which will see regular software upgrades introduced that continuously enhance existing hardware.

The first two key software updates will be Ultimaker Cura 3.0 and Cura Connect. The first is scheduled for release on October 17th and offers a powerful, no-hassle solution to prepare files for digital fabrication. This will also expand the Ultimaker ecosystem by offering software upgrades that improve the possibilities of the hardware and provide integration between industry standard CAD applications such as SolidWorks and Siemens NX.

Speaking at the launch, Siert Wijnia, founder of Ultimaker explained that this strategy highlights the importance of software in the 3D printing ecosystem and how this is just the start of “wave after wave of updates making 3D printing easier”. 

Following later in the year on November 7th, Cura Connect will enable users to manage an array of Ultimaker 3D printers, creating an accessible solution for prototyping, tooling and small-scale production. This pioneering industry solution allows users to schedule, queue and monitor print jobs for maximise the efficiency of Ultimaker 3D printers. 

Paul Heiden, Senior VP of Product Management at Ultimaker explained: “Even customers that bought the very first Ultimaker 3 can benefit from the new software solutions provided in Ultimaker Cura, now, and in the future. 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 added: “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.” 

The company also celebrated a major milestone at today’s show, announcing that it has now reached one million users of its Cura software and did so, in the way all good milestones are celebrated, with a huge cake cutting ceremony. We’ll be bringing you a more in depth look at this latest software development later this week. 

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