Prusa Research’s PrusaSlicer 2.6 is approaching alpha release. Pulsa’s official Twitter account.
PrusaSlicer is software that takes 3D generated models and “slices” them into many layers so that they can be printed on the best 3D printers. Version 2.6 of PrusaSlicer introduces new features such as organic support, applying text to models and means of cutting models.
PrusaSlicer’s cut tools have been greatly improved!✂ You can cut your model in its normal orientation plane, rotate and place it precisely, and even easily add alignment pins/connectors. Public build of PrusaSlicer 2.6 coming soon! #3Dprinting #PrusaSlicer pic.twitter.com/evIB01amNHJanuary 26, 2023
The biggest new feature we discovered is the cut tool. This tool cuts the model along a plane and produces two (or more) models. This is ideal for those of us with the best 3D printers but limited bed sizes. In the past, you had to cut the model using tools like Meshmixer to fit it in one print. Now you can do it all with PrusaSlicer. But the benefits don’t stop there. You can also add alignment pins and connectors to the cut model. Doing this allows the pieces to fit together seamlessly. No more pieces slipping while the glue dries.
Want an early preview of the Organic support coming in PrusaSlicer 2.6? We’ve pre-sliced some G-Code for MK3 so you can try them out! I’d love to see a video of how it turned out or the removal of the support. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/sQAh1xTDWODecember 7, 2022
Second, organic support. When printing models that require supports, areas that would normally overhang should have supports printed to allow the printer to print. These supports are usually plastic posts like scaffolding. The new organic support uses less plastic and makes less contact with the model. This makes it easy to remove the support from the model with minimal cleanup. A great example of this in action is: Prusa Engineer Micolash Zusa’s Wand PrintThis cut my print time by 5 hours and saved 39 grams of the best filament. Organic substrates save a lot of time and plastic for many 3D printer enthusiasts.
A new text tool was introduced in PrusaSlicer 2.6. Customize your model quickly by embossing/debossing text or using it as a modifier. A real game changer? Characters follow the curved surface with one click! #3Dprinting #PrusaSlicer pic.twitter.com/oYEMVkGDcHJanuary 5, 2023
The final new feature (so far) is the ability to apply text to models. On the surface, this may not come as a surprise, but wait. Adding text to an object usually requires loading the model (STL file) into an editor (Tinkercad, FreeCAD, AutoDesk Fusion 360), adjusting the file, then sending it to PrusaSlicer. With 2.6 you can add text to any area of your model directly in PrusaSlicer. Need to create athletic trophies, personalized quick gifts for parties, name badges? This is for you.
There are many other “slicers” for thousands of 3D printers on the market. The two main names are PrusaSlicer and Cura. PrusaSlicer was created by Prusa Research led by Josef Prusa for use with their range of printers. Cura by Ultimaker is an alternative slicer made by Ultimaker. Both PrusaSlicer and Cura can be used with third-party printers. Using PrusaSlicer 2.5 with Creality Ender 2 Pro. This is the low-cost, easy-to-use printer we reviewed for 2022. Use Elegoo’s version of Cura for the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro printer. Award winning in our reviews.
There is currently no official release date for PrusaSlicer 2.6 other than “coming soon”, but I’m excited to try it out.
