UltiMaker Cura

UltiMaker Cura is a free, open-source slicer: it turns a 3D model such as an STL file into the G-code a filament (FDM) 3D printer reads. It is aimed at anyone who runs an FDM printer, and in dentistry that means labs and clinics that print study models, surgical-guide drafts, teaching models or fixtures. People searching for “Ultimaker Cura download” get a free installer for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Cura is a general 3D-printing tool, not dental software. It has no dental presets, no scan processing and no CAD for restorations. What it offers is a mature, widely used slicing engine with more than 400 settings and a large library of printer profiles. Resin printers, which most labs use for accurate dental models, need a different slicer; see the comparison below.

UltiMaker Cura at a glance

What it does

• Slices 3D models into G-code with a slicing engine that UltiMaker describes as open source.
• Offers more than 400 settings, from a simple recommended mode to full custom control of layer height, walls, infill and speed.
• Ships recommended print profiles for UltiMaker printers and community-managed profiles for many third-party printers.
• Adds intent profiles for specific goals, for example when you want a print optimised for a particular outcome.
• Lets you scale, rotate, mirror and position models on the build plate, and add support blockers.
• Supports tree-style supports and, since 5.13.0, a Lightning infill option for faster, lighter internal structures.
• Reads common model formats; UltiMaker also lists STEP and IGES support.
• Connects to the UltiMaker Marketplace for plugins and material profiles.

How dental teams use it

Print study and teaching models on an FDM printer

Export the arch model as STL from your scanner software, for example Medit Link. Open it in Cura, choose your printer profile, orient the model so the occlusal surface faces up or the base sits flat, and slice. FDM models are fine for patient education, case discussion and student practice. For models that must fit appliances accurately, labs normally print in resin.

Print fixtures, trays and holders

Labs and clinic IT teams use FDM printing for non-clinical parts: model holders, bur stands, scanner stands, storage trays and spare clips. Cura’s recommended mode is enough for these. Raise the infill and wall count for parts that carry load.

Teach digital workflow basics

Because it is free and runs on student laptops, Cura is a practical way to show a class what slicing, supports and layer height do before they use a lab’s resin workflow.

Install and first run

1. Download Cura from the official UltiMaker page or the GitHub releases page of the project.
2. Run the installer (Windows), drag the app to Applications (macOS) or use the Linux package. The Windows installer includes an option to associate model files with Cura.
3. On first start, choose your printer from the list. If it is not listed, pick a generic profile for its type and enter the build volume.
4. Import your STL, check the preview, and save the G-code to a USB stick or send it over the network if your printer supports it.

Check the system requirements that UltiMaker publishes in its support centre before installing on older computers. Slicing large, dense models can be slow on weak hardware.

Limitations

• Cura is built for filament printers. It is not a slicer for masked-SLA or DLP resin printers, which most dental labs use for models and guides.
• It has no dental-specific functions: no margin-line tools, no automatic model preparation, no scan alignment.
• It is not medical software and carries no regulatory clearance. Printed parts are your responsibility to validate.
• Printer profiles for third-party machines are community-maintained and may need manual tuning.

Cura vs alternatives

For FDM printing, Cura’s main rival is PrusaSlicer, which is also free and open source and additionally includes a resin mode for Prusa SL1/SL1S printers. For resin printers, labs use CHITUBOX, Lychee Slicer, Photon Workshop or Formlabs PreForm, depending on the printer brand. Google also suggests comparisons with Orca Slicer, Bambu Studio, Creality Print and Anycubic’s slicer; those are filament-printer tools made by or for specific printer brands.

FAQ

Is Ultimaker Cura free?

Yes. UltiMaker describes Cura as free and open source software, and the code is published on GitHub under the LGPL-3.0 licence. UltiMaker also lists an enterprise version for organisations that need extra security and stability.

Is there an Ultimaker Cura download for Mac?

Yes. Cura is available for macOS on Intel and Apple Silicon. Use the official UltiMaker page or GitHub releases rather than third-party download sites.

Does Ultimaker Cura work on Linux?

Yes. UltiMaker lists Linux as a supported platform alongside Windows and macOS.

Is there Cura for Android, iPad or Chromebook?

Google suggests these searches, but UltiMaker lists only Windows, macOS and Linux as supported platforms for Cura.

Is Cura the best slicer?

It depends on the printer. Cura is a strong general-purpose FDM slicer with a large profile library, while PrusaSlicer and brand-specific tools compete closely. For dental resin printing, a resin slicer is the right category.

Can I use Cura for dental models?

You can slice dental STL files for an FDM printer with it, which suits teaching and reference models. It has no dental features, and resin printers need a different slicer.

Ultimaker Cura vs PrusaSlicer?

Both are free and open source. PrusaSlicer adds a resin mode for Prusa’s SL1 and SL1S printers, while Cura has the broader set of community printer profiles.

Last checked against official sources: 1 October 2026 (developer website: ultimaker.com). Versions and licence terms change — confirm on the developer's site before deploying in a clinic.