3-Slicing (Cura)

We have switched to Prusa Slicer. The last supported version of Cura is 4.13.1. If you still wish to use Cura, we are hosting downloads for version 4.13.1 on our website.

To install Ultimaker Cura 4.13.1, navigate to https://www.hydraresearch3d.com/slicing, select the appropriate operating system, and install the downloaded file.

ⓘ If you have not already connected your printer to your network, go to Section and complete that process first.

• Open Ultimaker Cura
  • ⓘ If you have not opened Cura before, you will have to add a printer because Hydra Research printers will not be listed until the plugin is installed. Any printer will do.
• Open the Marketplace using the button in the upper right-hand corner

• In the Marketplace find the Hydra Research Printers plugin and click it to download

• You will be prompted to restart Cura to finish the install.
• Re-open Cura, click the name of the printer you added when Cura was opened and click Add Printer

• In the pop-up, click Add a non-networked printer. There will be a category for Hydra Research, open the drop down, select the Hydra Research Printer you have and click Add.
  • ⓘ Even though the Hydra Research printers are network enabled, Cura cannot recognize it as a networked printer at this time. Entering your IP address under Add a networked printer will not work.

• Select the Printers dropdown in the header menu bar and select manage printers.

• In the Printers pop-up window make sure you have the Hydra Research Printer you want to add a connection for activated, then click the Connect via Network button.

*Click the add button in the top left corner of the connections widow.

*In the window that opens you can give your printer a name and enter your printer’s IP address. You printer's IP address can be found if the menu system of your printer's onboard display.

• ⓘ You will need to enter the username and password for your printer if you configured them. If you did not configure them, leave those fields blank.
• You are now set up to upload sliced parts to your printer from within Cura.

Before you begin here, make sure you have completed the Cura setup described in Section 2.

Ultimaker Cura is a powerful slicing software designed to be easy to use for beginners while providing powerful setting control for advanced users.

Cura accepts STL and OBJ files (note that you must check OBJ file support during installation of the application). To import your 3D file click the file logo located in the top right corner and use the file browser to find your file. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your 3D file onto an open Cura window.

You can select a material and Tool Cartridge from the center tab of the settings bar. The right tab of the settings bar contains your layer height, infill, brim, and support options. The custom button at the bottom of this drop-down opens up advanced settings control.

Once you have settled on your print settings, click the prepare button in the bottom right corner. Once Cura has finished generating tool paths you are ready to upload the job to your 3D printer. It is advised to switch to the Preview view located at the top between Prepare and Monitor which will provide a digital preview of the tool paths generated. This is a great way to help ensure you get the results you want.

ⓘ The monitor view was primarily designed by Ultimaker for Ultimaker 3D printers and for monitoring prints done over USB. This view is not typically used when printing on Hydra Research printers. Remote monitoring is done via Duet Web Control.